This event was scheduled for last week, but, due to bad storms, was pushed a week. As a result, it took some extra effort to make this work, as Lindsi was flying out of town today. My mother was kind enough to watch the boys for a few hours to allow me to run and Lindsi get to the airport.
The route changed due to the reschedule, but, would still take place on the trinity trail system, just a different segment.
I was registered for the FWRC Michelob Ultra 5k today as well, but, in an effort to keep my monthly 13.1 streak alive, opted for the Cox event.
It stormed again last night, and, there was concern that the race may get pushed, again.
I was out the door at a little before 7, and arrived in time to exchange my bib etc. prior to the run. The rain continued to fall steadily until race time, and then, just moments before the start time, it stopped. As I looked around at the field, it appeared to be quite small. I'm guessing that the reschedule and the wet weather were factors. The results show a total field of 83 runners.
The route took us NW from the Henderson Street bridge thru rockwood park, past hidden road, etc, with a turnaround at the halfway point. I'd run and ridden much of this area before, but, most of today's run was on the gravel trail.
The surface was really muddy and sloppy, leading to several slippery spots and lots of puddles.
I felt decent through about 6 miles, and then felt really good after the turnaround, increasing my pace a bit. I've learned that interaction with other runners can be a motivator for me. As with my last few races, miles 10-12 were pretty slow. I wanted a sub-2:20 time, and knew I could get there, but, would have to pick it up in the last mile. I began to pick up the pace a bit. As I got closer to the end, a nice woman asked if she could run with me, as she was worn out. We ran together for most of the last mile, and talked. Turns out that she had recently lost 60+ pounds through running. We had a nice visit, but, it did slow my pace a bit. Checking my Garmin, I realized I'd miss my sub-2:20 goal. I kicked down the stretch and finished with a 2:20:13. A pretty average day for me.
However, I'm glad I committed to running today. Interestingly, I was not all that sore and achy afterwards. I'm unsure if that is due to running on the softer surface, or, if my body is getting accustomed to the longer distances. I missed placing in my AG by about 4 minutes, and certainly could have been in the top 3 if I'd pushed a little harder.
Another 13.1 in the books, making a total of 7 thus far in 2015, and, 5 for 5 in months that I've completed a half this year.
Tri season will start for me in 2 weeks. I better find some more bike and pool time soon!
Next time just kick up sloppy dirt on people who want to talk. Nah, you are a nice person. Why were you posting this at 340 am?
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