Saturday, May 3, 2014

Carrollton Trails 5k 05/03/2014



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%


recovery food

I resist the temptation to sign up for another 5k.
"Focus on Montreal 24-Hour"

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