I have been in a bit of a rut lately and I was hoping that I felt good today racing and the race would pull me out of the rut. It did!
Saw Anthony at the registration and then waited for Whit to show up with our two girls. My mom came and picked them up and Whit and I hopped on the bus. This was my first time running this race and it was interesting taking a bus for a 5k. I warmed up 3 miles solo and then made my way to the start. Saw Dan on his bike and he told me that he wanted to see a 17:30 out of me today. I told him that was the goal and what I was hoping for.
I toed the line with Anthony right in front of me. I knew this way I could avoid having to run around anyone in the first 50 meters. Front pack took off flying and I quickly backed off after seeing sub-5 on my watch. I anticipated a 5:45-5:50 first mile and then was planning on dropping the pace from there.
I was feeling good and controlled so I tried to just run off of effort and only look at my watch on occasion to keep me in check. First mile came in a 5:35 and I was pleased. I was a little worried about blowing apart, but I handled the incline alright through research park. I backed off a hair but kept a steady pace. This is where I was able to clip off a few people. Once we turned down Wakara, we were pretty separated and I ran about 30 meters back from a guy the rest of the race. Mile 2 came in 5:33 and I was a little worried how I would feel to the finish.
I started to fade a bit on Sunnyside in the final mile, but was still able to hold a 5:40. It was great to see Rob right before entering the track. He told me I only had a 400 to go and it gave me the boost I needed. So, though it is an aided course, I still feel like I ran my best 5k to date. Happy with a PR and happy that I felt good after. I walked back up Sunnyside and ran back to the track with Whit. I am proud of her for getting out there and running. She pretty much hates running, but is trying to get over that.
We met my mom and the girls and Whit took off. I cooled down a couple miles with Anthony and then headed home. All in all it was a great morning and I am feeling good. I am feeling out of the rut and ready to hit the marathon training again next week.
5:35, 5:33, 5:39, and :38 - 17:26 - 5:34avg
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