1st time for this one.
This event, in its 28th year, is coordinated by Polanski Racing. I've done a few events with Polanski before, and, typically, they are small and friendly, with lots of the local runners attending. Today was no exception.
I've ridden this route numerous times on the bike, but have never braved it on foot. The race starts at Dutch Branch Park, just down from the Benbrook Y, heads out to the lake, over "Nice Hill" and has a turnaround at about 6.6 miles. Just a simple out-and-back route.
However, it is a tough course. Nice Hill is a beast, and, there are several other smaller hills along the way.
I arrived to an unseasonably warm day, with temps in the low 50's to start. I saw a few friends pre-race, and visited before the gun sounded. It was my hope, like last week, to run in the upper 9's. And, like last week, I was slower than hoped.
I got off to my planned start, and averaged upper 9's for the 1st half of the race. Even a quick pee stop at about mile 3 didn't hurt my pace too much. I charged up Nice Hill and continued to feel strong through the turnaround. I'd been walking aid stations, and, at the turnaround, walked a bit to take my endurolytes, a gel, and some fluids. I began to run again, and felt good. I walked a portion of Nice Hill as I was headed back in, and, was feeling some fatigue. I took another pee stop, and, walked a few small hills.
I ran much of the last 5 miles with a couple of guys from OKC. We ran and visited. They were good dudes.
I picked up the pace slightly for mile 13, and booked a 2:15:43. Less than a minute slower than last weekend on a much tougher course. A year ago, I would have been thrilled. But, for whatever reason, I have begun to believe that I should be running sub 2:10's. I saw several friends after the race, and visited a bit.
I'll definitely do this one again.
