11 miles. Fairhaven Father's Day 10k.
I've run the 5k at this set of races 5 times now, having won it 3 ('07, '09, '11) so, this being an even year, I figured I'd give the 10k a shot. Well, truth be told, it's because last year I was in great shape and set the course record with a 15:29, so between that and the fact that right now, I have strength but no speed, the 10k was simply the smarter choice. If I'd tried my hand at the 5k, I'd likely have gone out in 5:05 and then wondered what happened as I struggled to a 5:14 2nd and crap finish, probably coming in at 15:53 and being bummed that I didn't run nearly as fast as last year, getting crushed for 3rd in the process.
I figured Joseph Koech would be there for the 10k and he was, but I really didn't know who else might opt for the longer distance, as it offers $100 more in prize money across the top 3 spots.
I warmed up nicely and got to the start. 2000+ runners this year. Pretty cool to have that many folks out for a run.
The gun went off and I chilled into a 5:10-ish pace, as Benjamin Ndaya went absolutely flying out in pursuit of the lead as well as the course record in the 5k (it was Ben that I battled with last year. Great guy and if anyone could snag that record, he's got a shot for sure.) Joseph went out quick, but not that fast and I just kept him in my sights.
Went through 1 in 5:15 (they had 5:08, but that had to have been short) and Joseph was @ 10 seconds ahead, but right now in a 10k, I simply can't go out harder or I'll be toast.
When we got to the split just after 2, Joseph was the only person ahead of me that went the 10k route. He was close to 30 seconds up at that point, but I know he can come back and I knew I was going to run well under 33, so I just stayed on course. I hit mile 3 with a 5:09 and he was still up there and I just had to hope that the fast start would take something out of him. 5k split was 16:09. Not the best, but not bad if I could hold up. There was someone behind me, but he would fade out of the picture somewhere @ 4.
As we made the turns through the course, I kept it up and was sitting on a pace between 5:10 and 5:20. I knew I had to go as hard as I could, but where could I make up some time? There was no real uphill and I knew that if I had any chance, it would be to make up some ground on the inclines.
Alas, the rest of the course was flat and all I could do was just be steady and finish strong, which I did for a 32:44 and 2nd place. Joseph got the win with a 32:29 and truth be told, he was never in danger, but I at least made sure he had to work for it.
Benjamin won the 5k, though he missed my record by 2 seconds (15:31) and Paolo Tavares made a big statement in placing 2nd with a 15:37. The kid's only 17 and has great speed, but yesterday showed that he's got the smarts and strength to boot. He's going to be a force in the coming years. I could see him going well under 15 and who knows what else as he gets older. Great kid to boot.
Best race this year for me and though it highlighted once again my need for speed, I know that I have strength that should serve me well for the Yankee 10 and the Falmouth Road Race. I just have to get out to the track and pick those legs up.
M- 0
T- 10
W- 13 (8/5)
Th- 11 (2/9)
F- 11 (7/4)
Sa- 6
Su- 11 (10k race)
week- 62 miles
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