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Daffodil 5k

April 26, 2015 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Comments:
Ryan hooked me up with this race a few weeks ago. It was far enough away from the Dash and Dine and its a very familiar course. Sounded like fun. The race just started down by Triangle, so it was a perfect warm up to just head over to the start line from home. I was so tired last night (went to bed at 10pm) and got a lot of sleep. Still woke up and ate, then left about an hour before the race started. Kinda jogged walked just getting my legs moving but not too strenuous. I just wore my flats the whole time. Ryan was actually there when I got there and we hung around for a while. Weather was crisp, comfortable, not an issue really. 30 mins before I added on another mile warmup around Lincoln to get my legs a little fresher. Still feeling tight from the past few days. Also have been having a sore throat and stuffy nose whenever I wake up in the morning. Feel fine once I get moving around though. Drills and everything right before the gun went off at 11. Timing was really good. This race was smaller than the Dash and Dine and I learned my lesson from that race. Moved up to near the front of the start so that I would have good position.

Went out on the side of Kendrick Park then out onto Pleasant St. I wasnt in the top pack at that point, but around 15th. It was cool to run down the middle of the street. Top pack had a high schooler and some older men. Hung off the back of them just moving into a smooth pace as we went down Main st. That part was all downhill and I coasted letting the pack go a little ahead. Mile in 5:45 as we rounded to head up Whitney. At that point I swung out wide and moved past the pack and just burned the hill. Put a big gap on the pack as we went up half way. I knew that the hill was going to be my strength on this course and I definitely used it to my advantage. At that point moved up into 3rd and had the other two guys in my sight. It was the high schooler and some older guy. Kept working the hill, knowing it was my only chance to gain ground on the other runners. As we got to the top, rounded onto Strong St and I was feeling the hill overall, but was glad with the effort I put into it to get ahead. That was the X factor for the race. Through 2 mile right at 12:00, so I slowed down but still strong for the steep hill. Then its downhill and some rolling on the way back to the park. I was alone, trying to judge 2nd place. Looked like he had 20 sec on me at least. I couldnt tell about the guy behind me but I did not want him to catch me after all the work I put in on the hill. Really tired to maintain speed and open my stride as I came down the hill and rounded into the park. 3 mile was sub 18:00 so I picked the pace back up and maintained. Had a pretty strong kick, really felt like I was getting up on my toes. I knew I did pretty well also and was faster than the Dash and Dine, so I was pretty happy about that.

After the race, I felt pretty gassed. Walked it off and chatted with that little kid who beat us all. He ran 17:30 but it looked like he was so far ahead. To think I used to be able to run a minute faster than that even... Anyways I was really happy since I was pretty sure I got a prize. I stood around cheering, hydrating, and even eating a hot dog... Not the best idea. Could feel my legs tightening up but still felt fine cause I was at least moving around. Waited for the results and awards. That was fun, reminded me of award ceremonies in modified or JV where you walked up infront of everyone. Its been a while since I got to do that. Got 3rd overall, 1st in my age group, but that prize went to the next kid behind me. The two people who finished in front of me were 17 and 50... Kinda a funny spread.

Cooled down home just an easy jog. Legs were tired and my feet were sore but I felt comfortable. It was warming up as well on the way back.

Essentials: Stretch, stick roller

Finally got my stretch in when I got back. It was much needed and it felt good. Added in some stick rolling to really work my lower legs out. Good race, nice small atmosphere but it went smoothly and I ran faster than Dash and Dine on a harder course so I was pumped. Also, pretty impressed at my racing condition on 20ish miles a week. In terms of other races, VFW 10k is coming up soon, and I am really considering Hartford Half. It would take much less training for at full marathon and would be a great goal.