New 5K P.R.!

You may remember my report where I set a new P.R. in late April - 23:35.  I ran all winter with a focus on that race.  All my training runs were designed to lead up to that race and every step in that race had a purpose and my mind did not waiver from the goal of setting a P.R..  My actions at the finish were a little overly dramatic and probably a bit silly but I had accomplished my goal.

Todays race was at my College with some old Track and Field buddies and one of my old coaches.  When I got up I was not even sure that I was going as my wife felt sick and my 5 month old has been a little under the weather as well.  I wanted to give her a little break.  They did end up going and felt better as the morning wore on.  Anyway, I had not done any speed work in a while and did not have great expectations for the race.  I kind of figured that I would finish in the 24 minute range but really didn't care give or take 30 seconds or so.  In the back of my mind though, I kind of wanted to impress my buddies that I have not seen in 10 years or so.  One of them is now my college's coach and he is a two time winner of the Mt. Washington Road Race.  Johnny Kelley was also a Mt Washington winner and 1957 Boston Marathon winner.  He started the race.  There was a good atmosphere for this race.

The race started and I will admit that I got caught up in the feeling and went out fast.  At the mile mark, the volunteer read off 7:15.  I thought to myself - or aloud - Oh Sh*t.  That was 20 seconds a mile faster than my PR this spring.  That was the first time that I thought I might have a good day because even though it was fast, I felt pretty good.  Mile two was in 7:30 and I just went with it.  I did lose focus a bit in the second and third miles but stayed with the pack and saw 22 minutes as I approached the finish.  That was really the first time that it occurred to me that I was really under my PR time.  I finished in 23:10 which was 25 seconds faster than my spring race.  There was no crazy scream or really great sense of satisfaction.  I was happy though. 

I was very content with it until I started driving home.  I kept thinking that if I stayed focused a little more, I could have under 23 minutes.  I am certainly not complaining but just critiquing because that is how you learn how to race.  Anyway, I now have a new favorite race.  Thanks for listning.

   congrats!!!! I see you had surgery in 05 - so did I.  

I understand your self critique - I do the same thing - it's how we get better!  However - you really should take a moment to realize you are doing AMAZING things! 

Amazing job.  You are definitely running with gusto.
Rob

 COngrats!!!!! OMG it takes me 21 minutes to walk a mile...someday i will be able to be there with ya

 way to go man.  

That's awesome Scott!  I'm going to have to embrace your training program this winter so I can be fast like you!

Cassie