Lining up for the race I was beginning to think I might have trouble competing. I had been sick most of the week, only getting 1 real run in (Tuesday’s track workout) and I was still feeling stuffy. I saw several Runner Depot jerseys and at least 1 Footworks jersey (local running stores that host race teams.) Remembering the last 5k when the Runner Depot runner ran away from me I was hoping to at least be able to race a little closer. Then I saw, and was introduced to Bryan Huberty, one of the better distance runners in the area, and I knew I’d have to have a great day to even think about being competitive. Bryan isn’t really a 5k runner, he’s usually at or near the front in marathon and half marathons in the area, but I had seen that he’d posted a 16:45 or so early this year.
When the starter yelled “go” and the crowd surged forward Bryan shot off, and I made the split second decision to try to stay with him as long as possible. I tucked up behind him and tried to draft; keeping him between me and the ocean anytime we turned towards the ocean breeze. He set a blazing speed for the first kilometer or so – way too fast for me, and I knew it too, but I went with anyway and we clicked through 1km at 3:06 (5:06 mile pace).
Then, just after 1km, Bryan dropped into cruising pace. I failed to adjust my speed accordingly and accidently found myself passing him going around a corner – not quite what I wanted. Once I was in front though I decided to push as best I could. We went through the mile mark right around 5:15 and I passed on the water stop even though my mouth was already starting to feel dry. Second kilometer passed in 3:28, slightly slower than goal pace (3:26), but right there.
Bryan retook the lead at the 2km mark as we began our return route back along the beach. For the next 1.5km I began to bleed distance as Bryan slipped away. I went through the 2 mile mark right at 11 but the splits were stuck at 3:36 / km. Slow. I'm not sure if the bleeding ever stopped and I was never able to close the gap on Bryan - the body just refusing to listen to the brain. He finished at just under 17 min and I crossed at 17:20, sub 17 still well out of sight.
Again, my results point to the fact that I have the leg speed, just not the endurance, but it’s coming along slowly. Considering I’m averaging well less than 30 miles a week right now, and I’ve only done 2 real track workouts, I have to be pretty happy to be seeing any improvement. I was also impressed that my legs felt great right after the race and I would have been happy to go for a decent run (but instead went and laid on the beach...)
I spent a few minutes chatting with Bryan after the race – he’s a great guy and I look forward to racing with him again in the future. Maybe when I get my act together and start getting more millage and more threshold work in I’ll be able to compete!
As far as the Golden Key course went, it was nothing particularly exciting, but a nice run along the ocean. The path was great at the front but I could see it being a bit tight back in the pack. The race was well organized, clocks at every mile and water at the 1&2 mile markers. The course was well marked but I will throw in my complaint about the U-turn, just because I hate U-turns in races, especially right at the end. Overall great race that I'll look to come back to next year.
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