The Mayor started the runners with an airhorn. Traditionally, he starts the race. My first mile was good though I started out too fast. It didn't seem any different than before but when I checked my Garmin afterward I ran a 6:30-6:50 pace a couple of times...this is a first for me! I was very excited to see that pop up on the screen, thinking there is potential for future speed. Throughout the race, I ran into the low 7 minute pace. At the halfway point, I was running a 7:09!! This is so good for me. Funny, I didn't realize my pace because I was just running the best I could without pushing. Even with these peaks, something was happening to me along the way I had not experienced before. Though my race didn't seem to be any different from others I'd run, occasionally, I'd reach a sinking spell...for lack of better words. Sometimes I was reaching deep just to maintain a 9:00 pace. Then all of a sudden this would "clear" and I'd be up and going again. It was as though I was "running on low" fuel-wise. Unfortunately, this up-and-down killed my time. Hey, this is only a 5k; so what gives? It was like I had no control over how poor I was running...and this is a great flat course! As I entered the last part of the race, I decided to take it for what it was.
The good news is that many fast runners came out to race. For example, the GM Women's winner came in at 22:57...WOW!!! Congratulations, Louise. And the overall winner, the great Leonard, came in at 17:19, 4 seconds ahead of the second male. He literally battled it out with a 23 year old throughout the entire race. Really, he is great. He directs all the races and does a fantastic job...go Superman! We know you wear a cape...
I'd like to mention some friends who did well...congras!
Men:
Bill G. - GM Male
Ray M. - 2nd place in his a/g
Phillip W. - 1st place in his a/g
Eric W. - 3rd place in his a/g
Tommy P. - 1st place in his a/g
Bob C. - 2nd place in his a/g
Women:
Nancy P. - 1st place in her a/g
Alice H. - 3rd place in her a/g
To me, it is good to see that people are interested in caring for their health. Running is a great way to do this.
I was soooo impressed with the children that ran in the Fun Run. Stephen J. ran excellent at 6:26. He has a great future ahead of him. Nancy, the GCRC Pres, is doing a great job in promoting the fun runs for small children. Hey, if a 3 year old running doesn't blast you from your running woes, nothing will...it did me!! My heart just jumped with joy to see these little kids out running. Go parents!!! Keep 'em going.
When it was all said and done, my overall pace was not too bad maintaining an 8:39. It could have (and should have) been a LOT better considering I just PR'd on a 5k a couple of weeks ago. I haven't worked on speed since August and I really need to do this. I'm looking forward to the spring when I can all out give it what I have again.
Unfortunately, I had a LOT on my mind before I arrived at the race which caused me to be upset and honestly, I think it had a lot to do with the "sinking spells". Needless to say, it caused me to be concerned for the half marathon I'm doing next weekend. So, as it stands now, I will do the best I can and not look back. I'm learning there are good days and there are bad days. BUT...the good news is, I won't give up!! And I will run the best I can. One can't ask for any more than that.
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