...It's been a while, so I need to catch you up on an old race report that took place on March 13, 2016.
This race served as a perfect workout in my buildup to the Green Bay marathon on May 22, 2016. I had penciled in a 25k training run at 95% effort of my marathon goal pace. I always give myself a range in regards to pacing ..as we all know, everyday isn't a "perfect" day. This also puts my mind at ease that I do not have to start at the exact pace right out of the gate. It teaches my body and mind to start off conservatively and evaluate my body as the race/workout progresses. Besides, I am very aware that as I get older, it takes my body a little more time to warm up into my race pace. Anyhow, my range for this workout was from 6:00-6:08 respectively.
This race almost didn't happen as it pouring rain the entire day and of course that came along with some 20+ mph winds - not fun. A good buddy of mine (M.J. Moore) whom I was training with quite a bit did the race with me ..he was training for the Boston marathon. It was perfect timing as we were both getting into some decent shape for our spring marathons. Our goal was to run this together and keep one another in check with our pace range and not get happy feet and go to the well in this race.
This post does not come with any pictures of the race since no one in their right mind would have been out on the course taking them in these conditions. M.J. and I started started off in the 6:12's for a few miles to feel each other out and how we were going to negotiate the weather. Despite the weather we were both feeling pretty good, so we decided to keep our pace honest and within the goal range set out for our planned workout. We were cruising in the low 6:00's for a good clip and later in the race (~5 miles left) we dipped under 6:00 as it felt pretty smooth and comfortable. I ended up with an average pace of 6:01 - which was very reassuring given the comfortable level I was experiencing coupled with the weather conditions. I hope that this is a good sign for my marathon in late May.
I am a very big fan of doing some local races as workouts if they fit into your training schedule. Nothing beats prepping for a big race by practicing in race settings. I'm not going to kid myself here...the great company and after race refreshments makes it all worth it!
Till' next time.....Keep on training, learning and Never Give Up!
Gear Used:
Altra One 2.5
Drymax Sport Socks
Orange Mud - Running Water Bottle Handheld Hydration Pack
Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes
SaltStick Caps
Huma Chia Energy Gel
