Yesterday was the a local 5K that's been around for nine years of which I've done for seven years (twice virtual). It's a good race for a good cause and I greatly enjoy being able to support the foundation. The 5K route has changes little bits over the year, but the one constant is the last half mile or so to the finish which is up a drive way entrance to the parking lot of a ski lodge. It is toooough.
The first 1.5 miles is all downhill, but it's not enough to make up for the little bit back up and then this hill. It is enough for you too run too fast and then die. I've done that (last year was the worst) and I also can hear and see others do the same.
This year I didn't have an expectation going in and actually convinced myself I wouldn't race since the marathon was fairly recent and I've only been bopping along. But it's hard not to go when the stat happens so I did and I felt like I was mentally in a good spot. I started quick and then eased myself back for the remainder of the downhill knowing that, in years past when I've bombed a sub-seven minute mile I feel much more apart at the next 1.5 miles. I didn't look much at my watch (still in auto lap mode) and went by feel. When we took the turn to head back I said to myself "okay, now it when the hard work begins". I didn't shy away from it and aimed to embrace it.
I had a couple guys around me and latched on just passed mile two, trying to be pulled by them and then I realized I was the one pulling them which was fine so I just kept going. The driveway was brutal as always, but I jogged it and then regrouped at the top (passing two women on the way). The stomach was tense for a couple steps after the touch spot, but I got it back under control. There was no one to try and catch so I just ran.
Turns out I ran nearly a PR on this course and I won my age group. I had some tummy tumbles right at the end, but held it together. I was happy with this and it was a nice boost after Bayshore (which still wasn't BAD, but it wasn't what I wanted) so it was nice to have a victory this time. My husband got second overall, fun to seem him in the front pack at the turn around) and also won his age group.
It was a good day.
And, even though it wasn't a PR technically, it was the first time I did the last mile in under eight minutes so that's pretty neat.
My achilles is very pissed at me so I need to try and address that. I'm hoping this little push may be some of the hump I need to get over and the dusting myself off. Ideally, I'll be able to manage this achilles things and start to bring in my, even optimistic, strength training in the mix. My mom comes into town this Wednesday so there will be a little less running which isn't a bad thing (not like I'm doing a ton, but you get what I mean).
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