10.23.2005

More PR for Thin Traders

I stayed up too late and slept in too long. I had time for breakfast and read some newspaper but allowed almost too little time to make it to the race this morning. As I pulled into the parking garage I heard the PA man say, "Three minutes until the start of the You Can Finish 5-Miler." I had resolved to start late if necessary and just run across the mat and work for the chip time. I put on my race number and jogged down to the start, with about 20 seconds to spare before the air horn went off.
I used the first mile to warm up, reining in my inclination to run fast. During that first mile I worked through light traffic and didn't hurry to pass anyone. I thought about race strategy in that first mile, deciding to just go easy the first two, try to not drop off in mile 3 or 4 then kick it in the fifth mile for a PR.
There were a number of hairpin turns and track backs that allowed us to see the front runners. At mile two the leaders were scooting past the nearby three mile marker. Geesh. My first two miles were 8:15.6 and 8:01.2. I guess I went off plan in that second mile.
The third mile was the most scenic. It ran straight across the heart of the campus, along tree lined paths, by fountains and the administrative palace. I held the third mile in 8:03.4 and slowed to swallow some Excel (?) water at the stop. I would not usually do that in a 5-mile race but the heat (80 degrees) and humidity (3000%) was taxing. Mile four and five were an out and back along a winding boring road. Wheezers were saying to anyone listening, "Where the f^#@ is the turnaround?" I just kept motoring yet the slow up for water cost me: 8:10.0.
I figured a PR would be close and, since I still had plenty of stamina, the home stretch was inviting. I forgot exactly where they said the finish line was but when I remembered it would be by the arena I could sense I was close. I went into my stride kick the last 150 yards and finished out with a 7:54.4 mile for a total 40:24.6 that beat my previous PR time of 40:48, a 23 second improvement.
Now it's off to work and see about closing schools tomorrow while Wilma tromps through the peninsula. I look forward to Tuesday: predicted sunny skies and a high of only 68!

12 comments:

D said...

Nice!!

Mia Goddess said...

Great run! I guess getting up late and blowing your race plan agrees with you. :)

You've been on my mind a lot with the hurricane; you may not be in the path, but I worry.

Jon (was) in Michigan said...

Congrats on the PR, David! 3000%? Boy, they really do it up down there don't they? Seriously, those are fair from ideal conditions to PR in. Great job!

Sarah said...

Congrats! I'm worried...I better get my buns in gear or the next time we meet at a race, your gonna smoke me :-) Hope Wilma behaves...

Rae said...

Way to go on the speedy time, awesome!! I can't believe it was 80 there today - we topped out around 10 this morning at 55 and it's been downhill into the lower 40's ever since in Nashville. BRRRR! I can't wait for Miami!! I'll have to wear a ton of sunscreen - yeah!!

Rhea said...

Hey, Speed Racer! You're getting downright swift - congratulations on the PR! Also, thanks for the tag on the "23rd post, 5th sentence" thang. I finally posted my results on that. Sorry for the delay.

Jack said...

Nice run, congratulations on the PR.

jeanne said...

Holy crap! How how how do you people do it, just roll over eat breakfast, read the paper and mosy your way over a 5miler to set a PR????!!!

oh yeah: you train!!

Great job! ommmmmmmm.

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

Congrats!!!

Jank said...

Wow, that's flying. Hope the rain didn't throw you for too much of a loop!

Oldman said...

great race! congrats on a PR! BTW thanks for the offer of a bed during Wilma. I stayed to protect my home and other than a leaky window and a few down trees I survived! The weather now is awesome it was 53* yesterday morning.

Unknown said...

wow! great pr, even with poor running weather!