Santa Claus Shuffle 5k PR Attempt

Last night I wrote about my race strategy for today’s Santa Claus Shuffle 5k:

…go out fast, but expect to slow slightly in each of the 2nd and 3rd miles. I need to start faster than I’ve ever started before and hope I can hang on. Should be interesting…..

After a 2 mile warm up and several 50m fast striders, I took my place on the start line. Three of my closest rivals from last weeks Army/Navy 10k were also racing today and it was great to exchange words and wish each other a good race. I knew Pete Gibson would be going out fast with the aim of a sub-17:00 5k and fast-finishing Billy Chorey would also be racing hard and waiting to pounce.

My goal was to go out hard. Really hard. I hit the mile in 5 minutes 22 seconds in third place and working hard. I’d managed to stay with 52-year-old Pete for about half a mile, but his quick cadence and gazelle-like stride was too much for me. So far so good though.

We headed back along the cobbled Court Street, turned left on Columbia Street and passed the finish line jam-packed with cheering spectators and volunteers. Somehow I heard my wife Ally shout “Go Steve!” and pressed on towards the two mile located on the waterfront. Mile two was a 5:35; I’d slowed a little, but my plan was still solid.

Mile three was tough; possibly the toughest mile I’ve ever run. I soon sensed a runner on my left shoulder and wasn’t surprised to glance over and see Billy Chorey. Billy was on his toes and bouncing along like it was the first quarter mile. I, on the other hand, was flat-footed, breathing hard and struggling to maintain any kind rhythm. I tried to stay with Billy, I really did. Billy even wanted me to stay with him, but I couldn’t. Instead I urged Billy to surge and catch second placed Pete, who looked to be running a little one-paced. The chase was on!

The last mile was all about survival. I dug deep, tried hard to stay relaxed and counted in time with my cadence: 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4. Eventually I reached the turn onto Columbia Street and could see the finish line clock in the distance – 16:30-something. I couldn’t believe it and knew a lifetime best was in the bag! I crossed the line, still in shock and quickly found my wife Ally who was there to congratulate me. Great moment and thanks for being there Ally!

I cooled down with Billy and Tommy (5th place guy) and found out that Billy had smashed the 17 minute barrier for the first time (16:52) and managed to catch Pete for 2nd place. Pete achieved his sub-17:00 by the smallest of margins and finished in 16:59!

So, tonight is Samichlaus night – a wonderful beer I save exclusively for race PR’s (personal records). Here’s to a successful 2008. Cheers everyone!

By the way, official finish time; 17:09 – a whopping 14 seconds quicker than my previous best 5k set in 2006. Amazing…