Wellbrooke Fall Classic 10K Race Report

Goal: 6:00-6:15 pace, depending feel and racing situation. Dream goal: PR (37:52).

This was a tune-up race for the marathon two weeks from today, but I originally I was hoping that maybe I can threaten my PR. However, it was warm (65-67 F) this morning with strong winds and very high humidity, so I knew a PR (on marathon training with no taper) was unlikely.

This turned out to be an extremely small race, which is not what I thought based on the website. The 10K had only 25 participants altogether. Another reason not to hope for a great time. But of course it had the advantage that a bathroom was available 5 minutes before the start.

The organization was excellent, and the only thing I didn't like about the race was that every participants received a medal. A total waste of money and natural resources. The course ran entirely on bike paths in a nice park; there was a 5K and a 10K, and the 10K ran two laps on the 5K course. Unfortunately as a consequence, we had curvy roads and many turns, which makes my GPS notoriously inaccurate (showing short). So I'll give some adjusted paces for each GPS mile, which, in reality, were probably a bit more than a mile each.

We started right on time with the firing of a cool cannon! We started on a slight downhill and strong tailwind. I started to get worried, because my pace dipped below 6 minutes/mile. Also, I quickly left the other runners behind, and I found myself leading alone by a big margin.

Mile 1: 6:01 (adjusted: 5:53)

After mile 1, I decided to slow my pace to LT effort. Nobody was around, and I wasn't going to push my body into the paincave for nothing. Also, even if victory comes easy, running is sport fought primarily for position. So if I'm winning, it is not smart to risk it.

Mile 2: 6:20 (6:12)

By this time, I was running a time trial. I couldn't see the second place runner any more when I glanced back. A (gas operated) golf cart was leading me ahead.

Mile 3: 6:14 (6:06)

I arrived to the finish, circled it, as instructed, and headed back to the course. The headwind was occasionally quite brutal.

Mile 4: 6:15 (6:07)

This was the back part of the course, and the volunteers left after the last 5K walker passed them. The golf cart didn't set out to the second lap, so I was totally, entirely alone. I could cut the course, take a nap, whatever I wanted. It was no different than a crappy morning LT run.

Mile 5: 6:20 (adj: 6:12)

I caught up with the back of the pack 5K walkers, so I had to dodge some of them. At the end of this mile, I turned into a headwind so strong that it stopped me in my track. The course was also a bit uphill here.

Mile 6: 6:26 (6:18)

I turned to the finish straight, and sprinted down to the finish line. I did a courtesy clinch, but I felt more like "meh..".

Final time: 38:12. First overall out of 25.

My 5K split was 18:52, so it seems like I faded quite a bit. Not so surprising though given the lack of  competition, and the worsening weather. The 5K winner was a 13 year old girl, who ran 21:16 (that's a pretty good time for her age and gender). I should be more careful selecting races. It was too much driving, too much money, and I really could have just run an LT run. Well, at least I got a trophy.

On the other hand, with all the issues, it's only 20 seconds off of my PR. Maybe I should try to spend another winter on 5K/10K preparation?