I have done very little since IMTX, but, wanted to get my training jumpstarted again, as I hope to race Buffalo Springs 70.3 in 6 weeks.
I looked for an event that the entire family could do this weekend, but, at $50 / $55 per runner, only I would lace them up for this one.
Having run this event before, I knew what to expect:
- smallish field
- downhill for 1st 2 miles which can lead to problematic fast starts
- hilly course
I arrived early and visited with a few buddies, including some I had not seen in a long time. As the clock ticked closer to 7:30, we made our way to the corral.
I last ran this event in '16 and got out way too fast, which led to a bad day. I was hoping to not make the same mistake. It was my hope to run a controlled 9:30(ish) and see how I felt near the end with hopes of speeding up.
When the horn sounded, my wheels fell off. I did exactly what I did 2 years ago...went out way too fast. This course makes it difficult to run a controlled race, as it begins downhill.
For the 1st 2 miles, I booked 8:23, 8:33. I slowed slightly for mile 3, at 8:57, but, the damage was done. I was in need of water, and, my HR was in the 160's. Finally, at the 5k mark, the 1st water stop. I walked it, and got my HR down. The rest of the course was a series of hills, and, my HR continued to spike, getting into the 170's several times, forcing me into long walk breaks. It was incredibly humid, and, the water stops were scarce.
Miles, 4, 5, 6: 10:46, 10:19, 10:43. yuck. I sped to a 9:41 pace for the last .2. What a mess.
Overall time: 59:30, or, 9:37 a mile. Good for 5th out of 14 in my AG (40-49). Not sure if I'll do this again, as its a "meh" race at a big price. And, clearly, I'm not bright enough to manage it well.
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