The Race

Well, it was a nice day out in San Diego. Heat was not an issue as it was overcast and windy. I felt good going into the race and had some nice runs the previous two days. On race day, our relay team was just outclassed. There were some very good teams racing and we did not have a shot at winning. It was a great day for the group that flew me out there, Multisport Ministries. There was a lot of interest in the group, and the group will grow from the exposure. Cutting to the chase...

I did not get the chip, formerly a baton in track relays:), until around 36 minutes after the leaders left. We were in 9th or 11th at that time, and the run was almost all on sand! Bummer! I took off well and was holding 5:20s on the hard packed/mushy sand. It was at the peak of high tide, and the hard packed sand was mostly covered in ocean. I felt good and smooth at 5:20s and figured I could hold it and maybe pick it up in the last few miles. Little did I know that when we reached the SEAL base, we had to run on very very soft sand for a good distance (over a mile). This was easily the worst part of the run. Especially the second time around! I got through the soft sand and had a bit on dirt road and gravel road. That was a nice time to attempt and make some time back. I felt good throughout the run, and even coming in, I was feeling strong and relaxed. I ended up with the second fastest run time on the day with a good group of runners out there. Two of the guys are about 1:10 guys and both have gone under to hit 68 minutes on road courses. I assume that with a bit more work, I will have that ability back in my legs. Save the sand, I was comfortable at 5:20s on the hard packed, and that would be a good time given I have really only put in 4 good weeks of training. I am looking forward to training more and seeing how it all turns out. Our team ended up in 3rd or 4th, as most people were running 1:25-1:30 something out there. I came in with a 1:19, a minute behind a pro Kenyan runner. I'll take it!

The real surprise of the trip was the following day. I went out to my old high school and did a 7 mile run. When I came back, the team was doing 400m repeats, and I decided to join in. I was only there in time to do 6 with them, but I was comfortable at 63-66. I don't know where the speed came from, but I could jog out of a 63 and hardley felt anything. That was a good feeling and gets me curious to know what I could do in a mile with a bit more work. We'll see...

Anyway. It was fun to race again, and I am looking forward to getting on a more reasonable course and see what I can run. My legs feel great and as healthy as ever. I will stick to the good ol' Lydiard way, and just keep on truckin'. I am going to start adding some more miles to the mix, but that will be the only change for now.

Back again soon!

Finch