when I began running in this series, I did so for a few reasons:
- commit to speed work during the summer
- get faster each week
- challenge my 5k PR (25:02) (I have since set a new PR of 24:27)
As of this evening, I had yet to finish one of these races in the 25's. I thought I'd done so last week, but the official results showed 26:05.
I noticed last week that the field was getting smaller each week. I suspect the heat, vacations, etc are contributing factors.
Last week, I took 2nd in my AG. As hoped, my time was improving each week.
My weight this morning was the lowest it has been since the cleanse. I'm feeling light and lean, which helps my mindset going into events.
My nutrition was an issue today, as I'd had only 2 CLIF bars, a coconut water, and some water today. I took time to swim 1000 meters just after work, and felt a bit drained. I went home to eat a small meal, as I was concerned about fuel for the race. I was hopeful that the meal so close to race time would not be an issue.
I arrived at the race site in time to loosen up a bit. It seemed that it would not be quite as hot as last week, and the field would again be smaller.
I got off to a comfortable start and paced 8:01 for the 1st mile, into a slight headwind. I felt good through the turnaround, and paced with a couple of folks that I ultimately passed. I slowed to 8:20 for the 2nd mile, passed a few people and sped up to a 8:10 mile 3. I pushed down the stretch and finished with a 25:26. Finally in the 25's, my fastest time of this series, and one of my faster 5k's to date.
Again, I took 2nd in my AG. I'll take it.
As hoped, I have improved each week:
week 1: didn't race
week 2: 27:30
week 3: 26:29
week 4: 26:17
week 5: didn't race (traveling)
week 6: didn't race (traveling)
week 7: 26:05
week 8: 25:26
4 more weeks of this series. I should race most of them, but, may have a couple of conflicts.
really nice. great work. smart meal right before. proud.
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