I wasn't sure how this race would go given the trip last week in Peru was very disruptive to my training and then I traveled to Seattle the week of the race. The last week I got my runs in, but I was still feeling a little unsettled inside from the trip to Peru and the Malaria medication. I planned to aim for sub 1:30 and I believed I had a shot at it, but I did not know how I would hold up. So, I was conservative-minded heading in. I planned to run with Matt and the 1:30 group as long as I could. I started with Amanda, Jaime, Matt, and the rest of the 1:30 group. After a slightly hot first mile, we settled down and Jaime and I were just steps ahead of Amanda. Then on the path to Power, I didn't want to overdo it and I didn't know Jaime's plan so I eased slightly and let her go. Shortly after, Amanda was on my heels. From there I was with her and the group until Riparian. Matt dropped back somewhere in those middle miles. The miles clicked off until Riparian in the 53-55 range and overall average was spot on at 53. After negotiating through the Riparian, I hopped onto the path and took stock. I felt fine everywhere and still felt under control. My insides felt a little gurgly so I opted to not take a gel and stuck to a sip of water at each aid station. Feeling good I started leaning into it. I didn't accelerate much, but just enough to leave the group and start gaining on the runner ahead of me. He was grey and I thought he might be in my age group:-) Then I reeled in another runner during mile 9 and then I could see Jaime. At the hairpin on Lindsey I stepped onto the canal and was right behind her. We ran side-by-side for several strides and then I picked it up again. She was fading, but not much! Super run that. Then I could see the parking garage signaling the final turn. This is when I first really started to feel strained. I also felt unsettled inside and tried to will myself to hold together. Out on Gilbert Rd I just tried to hang on and enjoy the scene. I didn't know how fast I was going as I knew I was in 1:29 range as long as I didn't crack. Someone yelled 'he's going to pass' and I turned and the grey-haired runner surged past me with about 200m to go. I tried to accelerate to match, but could not. Heck of a kick!! I heard cheers and my name and just kept going to the line. Turns out the grey-haired runner was 55:-)
This run was less than 30s faster than last year, but felt so much better. It makes such a difference to run just under threshold where you are most efficient. Last year I was a bit hot at the start and first 7 miles were all between 6:45-52. Then I had cramp and blew up. I was conscious of my breathing this time as well and every time I thought of it, I tried to breath with my belly. Lesson learned is to START SLOW and BUILD!
