View Workout (Anthony Belber)

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You can pass me if I want you to

January 22, 2017 (Afternoon)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: 52 and drizzle

Comments:
Set out to get to Brookmont and to run an hour, and I accomplished those tasks. Early on I was feeling pretty stiff and unenthusiastic. I consciously opted not to build the pace as I both feared I couldn't hold it and didn't really want to have to work hard today. Went down Willard, through Kevin Barr's hood and Little Falls up to Brookmont. Checked out the first little road off of MD Ave and discovered a little community park I'd never seen before! took the trail over Little Falls Creek and wrapped up onto the Crescent Trail at the DC line. feeling tired and out of breath from the little hills, I noted the guy 50 meters up ahead of me going northbound. After the footbridge in Dalecarlia, I noticed both that I hadn't gained on him and that he didn't look like he was going very fast. the realization that I am now that slow, bedraggled runner who looks like him and runs as slowly as him was a biting reality. I tried not to, but I did quicken my pace and pull my form together. By the north end of Dalecarlia tunnel I was 10 meters back... when he suddenly came to a walking stop. As I passed him and we caught one another's glances, there must have been a look of disgust on my face and there was certainly a look of embarrassment on his. He began a moment later to run after me and try to catch me. Awkward... I may have accelerated a bit here. I could feel him working to close the 5 meters and his breathing was fairly strained. I was now in full competitive mode which means I suddenly felt very fresh, strong and smooth and tried to look casual. We hit a half mile marker and I was at 3:24. He made several surges and each time I'd push just a bit more and hold him behind me. I finally felt too awkward and cruel, so I let him pass and acknowledged him. He lead for a 200 meters and tried to surge again, but I just hooked onto him 2 meters back and matched his pace. Still, awkward, so I pulled up to him and struck up a conversation. He was likely at least ten years younger, was dressed much like me, soccer shorts and t-shirt. Said he lived in Pallisades and was getting ready to turn around. After about a minute more, he doubled back and I thanked him "for the push." I was awake now and ended up holding the pace around 6:45 for the rest of the run, but resisted turning it into a full tempo effort. Concentrated on good form instead and was happy to note that the stretch form Little Falls up and over Dorsett and back home was 9:57 without much strain.

Of note: Several hard-core hoppers were spotted on bikes, enjoying the rain and fresh air, as I passed the Mostashari family, Biff (former GDS parent), and later Matthew Bergreen. It takes a certain type to go outside in these conditions.