For the 2nd time in two weeks a top-notch race performance came on the heels on an acupuncture treatment. Saturday it was the Celebrate Education 8k along the Pittman Wash trail beginning at Arroyo Grande Park. The race had a little bit of everything. It started in a grass field for about 1/4 mile, crossed the wash where we immediately soaked our feet in 5-inch deep water and then headed uphill into a stiff wind. It was cold enough in the 40s, but the wind made it feel well below freezing. My first mile was about 8:15 and I was around 16:40 at MM2. But then the race turned downhill with the wind at our backs. That's when I really picked up steam. I must have been under 7 minute miles the rest of the way because I finished in 38:24 -- a 7:41 per-mile pace.
Usually I take 2nd place in these local runs but for some reason I was 4th out of 8 runners in my age group. There were two reasons (excuses) for this. The cold temps kept many casual runners home and only the diehards showed up. When I looked to see who beat me I noticed one runner was from Needles, Calif. and the other from Pennsylvania. So I was the 2nd local runner in my group. Overall I was 59th out of 124 finishers. Not bad and my time was about 6 minutes faster than last year on the same course.
"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself."
--Saint Francis De Sales
1 comment:
You had a good race,You are weather cool but its cold here. Skied last two days and probably go again tomarrow.Both days chill factor 11degrees below but fine skiing with lots of new snow.Colder weather does seem to keep some skiers at home.Got more trip pictures and will send them to you.Will keep in touch. love Dad
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