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Daring the Blaze Virtual 5km Road Race

August 1, 2020 (Afternoon)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: Cooler than the first few days on island, but still muggy.

Comments:
A few weeks ago, Jonathan Goldklang had asked if I wanted to run a virtual 5km at the end of July. He was planning to walk it, and I agreed. I had a week in which to complete it, but left it until the final day. Assuming I'd just run a tempo, I didn't get very motivated, but in the end, I gave it a solid effort, despite a long couple of days on my feet and a spirited run yesterday which finished with a hard sprint, but no stretching. Anna biked alongside me which really helped. I jogged to the Brant Point Runners 5km start via Hulbert and did a few drills. First half mile was 3:06 which I knew was too fast and I allowed myself to decelerate. Hit the mile in 6:26 (3:20). Dreaded the hilll just a bit, but got up it decently well. I was dragging a bit around the 2 mile mark (13:16 (6:50), but I manged to bear down on the pace a bit in the final mile as I tried to concentrate on form, rather than on my fatigue. Couldn't see the 3 mile mark, but it must have been around 19:45 (which would be around 6:30). Final time was 20:18. Having the downhill in the last 800 is always so helpful on this course. Felt like I had a decent kick. Never felt light, quick, fresh, or fast, but I was satisfied to be under 21, which is what I'd hoped to manage. Obviously, there's been no speed in half a year, and I was alone and unmotivated, but it is humbling to be essentially 2 minutes slower than last October at 3rd Battle after having run almost daily for the past 8 months. Jogged to Boat Beach for a cooldown and enjoyed the water, where I found Leah doing the same. In the end, of the 34 "competitors" in the 5km race, I was the fastest by over a minute. I've been emailed a lovely certificate which states just that. Ran Good...