I focus on longer races and don't train specifically for 5k but am curious how fast the legs could run the distance.
Carrollton Trails 5k was promised to be a fast point-to-point course.
_goal
Sub 20-minute. 6:25 pace.
_format
The website said to park at high school lot then be bused the start line. I incorrectly assumed I could jog the course backward to start. The distance between parking and finish line turned out to be non-trivial. "No problem, I'll just follow the runner in front. How hard could it be?"
I asked for everyone's pace in the sub-7 section. 1 girl plan to run 19:xx. Perfect.
_race
1 minute after declaring her resolve to even split, the girl took off with last year's winner. I resisted running with the lead group, which included 1 girl and 1 dog. Before first mile marker, I chased down half dozen runners, including Heather. I was inexperienced with 6:25 pace and breathed disturbingly loudly.
Water stop near mile 2 was well staffed. Volunteers took up some trail space. 2 labs slowly crossed the remaining width as I approached. Fortunately the owner didn't panic, and I didn't have to jump over anyone.
_blind leader
Front runners were out of sight. I came to a T-intersection and didn't know which way to turn. I went right. I considered taking off the singlet to consult the map at back of the bib. I slowed to see which way the next runner pick. Heather ran toward me. I continued.
Garmin pacer got confused by my maneuver. I ignored it. I didn't see mile-3 marker and finished with a few matches unburned.
#'s
20:09
pace: 6:29
place: 9/518 (behind 7 guys and 1 dog)
HR: 169/185 bpm
air temperature: 66F
humidity: 40%
I resist the temptation to sign up for another 5k.
"Focus on Montreal 24-Hour"
