After last weeks 17:39 at the Run for Independence 5k I was keen to get out there and go for something a bit quicker – especially as things are definitely hotting up at the #tweet5k!
I ran my usual 2 mile warm up, felt pretty good throughout and finished off with some fast strides and stretching. I changed into my Newton Racers and took my place on the start line with just a couple of minutes to spare – enough time to exchange a bit of banter with local legend Ryan Carroll and early 2009 rival Rob Dinterman. At 8:30 sharp, the race was off. My plan was to get out fast, but controlled. Last week I was struggling in the first mile and always fighting a losing battle. I didn’t want to feel the same today.
As is typical of all the local races, Ryan took off like a gazelle and established an early lead. Rob also started fast and appeared to keep Ryan in his sights for a while. I settled into a good groove and tucked in to 4th or 5th place for the first quarter mile. I felt good in the Newtons and concentrated on staying relaxed yet maintaining a fast cadence.
At the mile mark (where wife Ally was waiting with the camera), I glanced down at the Garmin to read 5:26 – pretty quick (for me), but not feeling stressed. I managed to keep the same pace and in doing so caught Rob at about the halfway mark. He stayed with me for a while, but as we approached the two mile mark I realized that his footsteps were getting quieter and quieter.
Just after the two (5:31 split), I was able to grab a quick cup of water which revived me for a minute and helped regroup for the final push to the finish line. The last mile was definitely a tough one and felt like a time trial against the ticking #tweet5k clock. I really didn’t know how what to expect as the finish line clock came into view, but was pleasantly surprised when I saw 16:59….17:00….
I managed to find a final burst of energy and kicked in to the finish; stopping my Garmin at 17:18 a few seconds after I crossed the line. My official time was a great 17:14 – the second fastest 5k of my life and just 5 seconds away from my PR (personal record). Coming just 2 weeks after the Frederick Marathon I have renewed optimism that I can achieve a huge personal goal and run a sub-17:00 5k before the end of the summer.
More good news: I moved up one spot to 6th in the #tweet5k – the online race to benefit Athletes for a Cure – Prostate Cancer Foundation – and am still holding 1st spot in the 40-44 age group. Not sure if I can sneak in another 5k before the end of the month, but we’ll see. Next week is the Elizabeth River Run 10k, followed by the Breezy Point Triathlon on the last weekend of May, so there won’t be too many opportunities by the looks of things…
Photo thumbnail courtesy TriDuo Sports Photography.
Nice work! You’ve got a sub-17 in you this year for sure.
Steve, great run on Saturday! Hope I am there to see you when you go sub 17. Keep up the good work!
You’ll be there I’m sure. You may have to wait a couple of minutes after you cross the line, but you’ll see it! By the way, thanks for the water after Saturday’s race. How often does the race winner take time out to get a drink for the 2nd place guy? Nice….
See you at ERR,
–Steve