I got to sleep in till 6:10 for an 8 oclock start, better than last week. Thought I got there in lots of time, but there was a huge line in the high school gym to get your chip. So I went to Boys room, and it was better when I came back, at 5 minutes to 8 though! Lined up, then they announced that there was a 10 minute delay so everyone could have time to get their chips.
I started out pretty good, it was a little crowded with the 15 K and 5 K starting together for about 3.5 K. My first two splits were under 4:45, just fine. My goal was around 1:12:30, or a 4:50 pace, but under 1:15 for sure. Next couple I dialed it back just a bit, through old Streetsville. Crossed the Credit River on Brittania Road, then a medium uphill away from the river slowed me down a bit. Kilo's 5,6 and 7 were all 5:00 or worse, and they weren't all uphill. I seemed to be working hard, or it felt hard, and I was thinking too much, about my pace, stride, form. Never a good sign. I have never done a 15 K race before. Still my average pace was close to being on track. No room for bad parts in a 15.
When we crossed the 401 bridge on Creditview I hit my stride. The one where you can just zone and know without looking that you're doing good. On the out part I saw dgrant1, turned around, and saw Devalera on the back section. 2 or 3 people yelled "Runningmania, woo hoo" and such, but I didn't see who it was. Felt solid through this section, knew I was doing fine, but sure felt the long hill heading up Argentia to the corner where Windy was marshall at around 11.5 He was nice enough to run with me for 20 seconds or so, its always a pick-me-up to see a Maniac on the side of a course. Oh, and thanks for volunteering.
My splits here were averaging around 4:40, just what I needed, but then one said 4:04, I knew I didn't do that! Sporttracks says it was 3:45, whatup? So now my distance and average pace were screwed up on the Garmin, but it was only 2 K to go and I was feeling good about that. Even one last hill didn't slow me down much, missed the last K marker, and heard the finish line before I had started to pour it on! So for once I had lots left for a big finish, passed 2 people right at the end, 1:13:14 gun, 1:12:43 chip. 4:51 average, with all the rollers I'll take it.
Talked to Denis after the finish, as he waited for Jane to come in. He didn't have to wait as long as they thought, but thats not my story. Then I talked to Devalera at the awards and then Windy when he was done. Walking back to my car, it started raining! Good timing on a good day.
