View Workout (Anthony Belber)

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17th Alumni Challenge

August 17, 2019 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: mid 80s and humid... felt hot

Comments:
The hour leading up to the race consisted of me walking around and occasionally jogging for 10 second bursts as I put up signs, greeted Hoppers, and directed lost people to the start line. Didn't even get a strider longer than 8 meters, but I was drenched in sweat the whole time and I did manage to work out the strange stiffness in my hips, probably form when I fell off my bike yesterday before I'd even rolled a meter. I'd felt so lousy for the past few days and had zero excitement to be racing. I'd even though about just pacing one of the novice runners, but felt like duty obliged me to race. The field was 80 people and many of them were serious runners in various states of decline or development. Never felt fresh nor strong, even in the first curve, nor along the downhill first mile. Still, I settled into a rhythm and allowed the lead pack to drift away even though they were being social and patient early on. Don't know who was behind me, bu I think I was basically alone, about 10-20 meters behind Danny Stock and David Bergreen for most of the first mile. Closed on them inadvertently as we approached and mounted the stairs. Asked David for the time at the mile mark at the top as Lew had my watch for official timing purposes. He called out 6:10, but then correct that to 6:18. They pulled ahead by 5-10 meters along the next quarter mile as I loped along lacking motivation. After awhile, I convinced myself to work harder and focus on upright form. I caught up to Danny and decided I needed to go by decisively. Next, I reached David, but as I pulled along side, i encouraged him to work harder, and -like last year- he did. I did not respond and as he easily pulled a few yards ahead, I lost confidence and slumped a bit. Generally speaking, though, I worked to stay within reach of him for the next 600m and I'd caught up to his heels by the time we turned into the parking lot. I expected him to have the stronger kick, as he had last year, and I did little to catch him until the last 50 when I did close from 5 meters back to 2. He responded and I finished a second back. 12:33. Second slowest alumni 2 miler for me. (In 2011 I ran 12:47 as I was still in the midst of that injured year.)

Alas. I can still get into better shape. I'm clearly feeling the fatigue from inconsistent summer training. I averaged a faster mile pace for 5km in June when I was running less. Mostly, I need some long runs, some motivation, and maybe a tempo or two, and I should be able to get some better momentum going by the time of my hernia surgery in early October. Not sure I'll be as strong for Rock the Creek Sept 29 as I was last year, but I can try. Felt good to have such a strong turnout at today's event.