Notes
Paul convinced me to go do the 2nd Annual Marshvegas 4 miler w/ him, rather than the Pembroke XC alumni race. Kev Sheehan was also there. Nice weather for it, cool morning temps (mid 30s). Was planning on going for the win, spotted Kevin Thomas on the line though (4:01/7:57/14:00) so I figured that if he was in any sort of shape at all, I'd be racing for 2nd. First half of the race had a fair bit of uphill in it, so I planned on a negative split race. A guy in orange (Joe) got out front right away, I hung back but rolled up to him with KT by one mile. Let them both go over the 2nd mile, wanted to stay within myself and make sure I could attack in the second half of the race. Felt pretty good throughout the hills, by halfway KT had started to pull away from Joe but he still looked pretty strong, I realized I was gonna have to seriously pick it up to get 2nd. Felt like I was flying down the hill on the 3rd mile, caught Joe just before mile 3 and the race was on! Tried to pass him with a strong move, but he hung right on me, and I led by only a step or two for the next 1/2 to 3/4 miles. Kept surging a bit to see if I could get separation, finally we got to the part I recognized from the warmup and I was able to pull away. Never came close to catching KT though.
Really pleased with this race, faster pace than the 5k on Sunday (which I was also pleased with)! 16:34 5k in their according to my Garmin. Great negative splits throughout the race, felt really strong and like I was able to push myself, same as the last two races. Was breathing hard but legs never wore out! 63 VDOT, giving just under 6' pace for MP! In a great spot to begin getting really focused for the next 5 months until the marathon. Want to make sure that I am consistent with mileage (mid 80s w/ some higher weeks) and consistent with the long run through the winter, while getting in some solid workouts and track races... then after indoors will have two months to keep the volume up while really focusing on some 'thon specific workouts. LES GO!
Woke up a little before 6 (7:30 start time) and had a bagel w/ PB; had a caffeine pill before the warmup jog.