Last year the run was held in March so it was a little warmer this morning but unfortunately not quite the ideal running conditions of recent days. We decided to get there a little early to do a warm-up lap. I'm not sure it helped much but at least it was good to know that it got warmer on the far side of the lake and that we had to deal with a head-wind for the last mile. Not to mention a few speed bumps along the way.
We met up with Karen and Tanya just before we took off. They'd considered the 1M walk but opted for the spectator spot instead! It was a pretty small crowd and since the starter asked anyone hoping to run sub-20 to come to the front... there we were toes to the line and ready for off. Joe's friend and running partner Joel had said a few words about Joe earlier, introducing us to his family and to a kid who's benefiting from the Charities Challenge fund. And at 9am he sent us on our way.
I started out way fast and within about 300 yards felt a rush through every vein of my body quite unlike anything I've ever felt before! OK. Either I'm going to crash and burn or just push through this. Pam sped on ahead of me - I knew I wouldn't be able stay with her but would try to keep her in my sights. Two guys were up in front and another two between us. And things stayed this way to the finish. Mile 1 in 6:16, mile 2 in 6:37 and the rest in 6:14 - which makes me pretty sure the course was short but it was the same as last year so to finish in 19:07 versus 20:12 makes me pretty happy. Pam smoked it in 18:22. She'll be in great shape for her duathlon in a month's time.
After the race we feasted at my fav breakfast spot - the Egg & I - there is no pancake as good as their Kamikaze!! Shared one with Pam so I could legitimately enjoy the veggie omelet...
Good times.
6 comments:
Just be sure to get in that 20 miler at some point this week. I don't want you getting all lazy before Chippewa. You know how that "taper madness" can set in.
Nice race and great that you finished faster than last year. Fun!
hot damn you are fast! good work!
Phalen's my home course (I can run it blindfolded), so I can say with authority that the running path - using the outside one wherever it splits - is 15 yards short of 3 miles. The bicycle path is very close to 5K. Depending on where you started and ended, you can figure out if the course was short.
I knew Joe Plant, but I've never done the race. I do think of him occasionally when I go past the marker with his name on it.
Mmm... the egg and I... hungry just thinking about it.
Nice race too :)
It sounds like you and Pam had a fun time at the 5K. And both of you ran so very fast!
Best wishes at Chippewa this weekend!
You will burn up the course this year....
John
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