Short Story - 2:46:43 with about a 2 minute positive split. 53/385 in my age group.
I really love this event, but I was really not sure how I was going to do. I have been doing alot of my runs more slowly with my clinic, and I had only once gotten up to 27K. I had done quite a number of 25K, but I was struggling to get them in under 6:20 pace. I had done quite a bit of hill work with the clinic though. Tempos were shorter or non-existant. I just didn't know what to think.
I have also replaced a run with cross training, and added a bit more strength training.
So I started off today feeling well rested - a good sign. My stomach was good due to my new pre-race go to - Subway subs!
Never fails me. I met one of my clinic members who was doing the race and we headed off to Hamilton. At first, I was cursing my stupidity for missing my opportunity to get into one of the corals. I had a 4 minute gun/chip differential, and spent a good part of the first few kilometers dodging and passing. Eventually I settled into a suprisingly fast comfortable pace. So fast, I was worried. Ack what the heck. I just decided to go with felt good and hold on to it as long as I could.
I did slow down somewhat on the hills, but I actually think that, after 5 tries, I have mastered the buggers, with letting gravity carry me a bit downhill, and powering uphill as much as I could. By the big hill, however, my quads were screaming at me! I never stopped though. I spent about 1K at a slower pace recovering from the hills, but once I reached the Grim Reaper, I felt I had something left, and I put the pedal to the medal for the last 2K, which were my fastest on the day. I decided I wanted that PB!
So here is my analysis. My best races have been on familiar courses, after training, which I believe, not to have been stellar. Moral of the story? Maybe at a certain age, less is more, and experience counts alot!
It was great to see the Ottawa Peeps! Jesse E and Jesse S, AndyM, Andy, and Carmen! Also had my usual great conversation with Ken - who will tell his story about getting held up by a train! Nice to meet NGCaper as well!
Super fantastic day!
