Lots of sun today. 9AM start and it is warming up. I get here early enough to jog the whole course. Joe Schrum sighting. I checked my times for previous years (22:21 in 2010) and I think 23:01 on this new tougher course in 2013. I feel like I should be able to be in the 22 something range.
Martinho is here, saying that he has done no speedwork lately. Should be a good race, but I expect him to beat me on the uphill after mile 2. There is a clown here with giant clown shoes. I tell her that I like her shoes and she says that she got them at a big shoe sale.
Start - Small group of regular racers, a couple of people who will be way ahead of me. Lots of slower runners and walkers. There is also a 3K run and walk. The start is on the wide part of the parking area and we have a good tenth of a mile before we skinny down to the paved path. I go out fast.
Mile 0.5 - With Martinho. Around the bend then onto Deschutes Parkway sidewalk. Surge to pass a couple of people. Really going too fast.
Mile 1 - 7:09 Not feeling great but the speed is there. Keep trying to go fast and this is not great fun. Martinho a few steps ahead of me. Two people I had passed now get past me, looking comfortable. Slow for water at the turn around.
Mile 2 - 14:49 - Gradually catch up to two women who are just out running, not part of the race. Wow, they are going fast for a training run. Huff and puff past them, right on Martinho's tail.
Mile 2.3 - But now comes the hill and more open sunshine. Martinho gets farther ahead and I will not be able to keep up. Manage to get up the hill and make the sharp turn. Now shaded but a little too steep down. Start looking at the watch and wondering if I can beat 23:00. Doubtful but I don't give up.
Mile 2.8 - Onto the gravel path in the sun. It is just too far around this field. I am determined to beat 23:00 and I work really hard. It is so hot though. And just too far. I make the final turn to the finish and realize that I won't make my goal.
Mile 3.11 - 3.11 on the GPS (certified course too) As I cross the finish I see my watch says 23:07 but I don't get it turned off until 23:11. I will have to wait for my official time. I should have asked Craig who is doing a great job of timing as usual, but I guess that I will have to wait for results to be posted. I feel disappointed with my time and I should not be, with this heat and somewhat tired legs. Later I recheck my previous results and see that I ran 23:19 in 2013. So today is a course record and that makes me feel better.
Kids run is fun to watch.
I win second in my age group for the 5K and get a $5 card to Twisties froyo.
23:08
14th of 96
Race#358, 5K#92, Run for Rett #3
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