Hello Runners.
This is a different kind of "Race Report" than normal.
Last week I ran a 5k "Time Trial". I entered a small / low key 5k put on Bishop Events in Lorton, VA on a paved park trail. My goal was to go out in 5:40 pace for the first mile and hold on for as long as I could - deep down hoping I could make it to the finish without slowing down - or at least slowing down very little.
I ran a 10k last month in 37:10 (6:00 pace), and thought maybe I can take another leap forward and run a 5k in "17 high". I was going in with the attitude of "Do or die". I had team mates in the race I could use for pacing - and had some confidence going in....
- I went thru the first mile in almost exactly 5:40. I was feeling okay, in a small group - all good.
- At 2 miles I was hurting pretty good. Approaching red-line really; but kept pushing. Still on 5:40 pace....
- At 2.5 miles - I quit.
- Side of the trail, hands on knees, gasping for air kind of quit.
- Once I got my breath back I jogged it in as a few runners passed me.
So, the "Do or die" choice ended up being "Die".
I am disappointed, but I knew it was a long shot. On the bright side, I got in a good workout, and found where the limit is.
On the downside, I quit. I wasn't injured, I was just gassed. Could I have gone farther? I think if I had made it 2.75 miles I would have been able to push the last 500m. But, when I knew I had 1k to go still, it was just too much.
I'm going to give it a go to finally break 18:00 in a couple weeks. I'll pull back some on the pace; 5:45 pace will get it done.
I almost didn't write this post. Then, I read an article about how so many professional runners will post their workouts and successful races, but won't post their struggles.
So...this is my honesty....mostly so I can remember how it felt, what happened, learn from it, and move forward.
P.S: In the 10k last month, I felt under control with 2 miles to go, and played it safe. I "felt like" I could have gone a little faster, but the pace on my watch kept me from doing it. This time, I "knew" I was out too fast...I felt it....but I held on to the pace on my watch until I below up. There's a "Goldie Locks" analogy in there somewhere.
Carry on.
