PR Fun

race number three of my 09 fall running series has yielded PR number 2 for me. i am likely going to, maybe already am, pay for this one.

i ramped up the speedier efforts the last two weeks in an attemp to, uh well, run faster. going into the run i had some tight hamstrings, which i dont normally experience. i did not have good vibes as i warmed up. things were tight, popping, snapping, cracking, and so on.

plus, i really need a lot more base miles. any base for that matter. i didnt run all summer and only have 150 miles in my sneaks this year. yet, i am running faster than 2007 when i set all my running PRs and did a little thing called the Chicago Marathon. something has to give, possible my left knee.......?

the race was the Canal Connection put on by the Starved Rock Runners Club in Utica, IL. normally a great downhill run along the I&M Canal Path with a slight uphill finish in downtown Utica. unfortunately, part of the path was flooded due to all the recent rain. the route was now an out and back starting and finishing in Utica. It made for a congested course, but otherwise no big deal.

my target was 7:30 miles. we went out a bit fast since i dislike running in crowds and wanted to hit the path out in front of the masses. i say we, because my little running buddy and life long pal was with me. he is sneaky fast and regularly runs sub 8 minute training miles, something i rarely do. i was hoping to stay with him the entire way......

we approached the turn around and started seeing runners coming back in. you know the really fast folks. despite being a little sick, my little buddy seem energized by the leaders. he gradually picked up the pace and as we made the turn back he hit the gas. i have seen him do this before, in 2008 at the Soldier Field 10 Mile Race where he left me in the dust at mile 8. this time i hung on.....almost that is.

at mile 4 i felt like i hit the wall and was slowing signficantly as he zoomed away. the opposite is true if you look at my splits. i maintained my pace well. he just decided to go go. this is where his proper base building pays off and mine doesnt.

in the end he got me by 40 seconds and just missed his 45 minute goal. me, i smashed my previous 10k PR of 47:17.

so where is the speed coming from? i dont think i am in better shape then the Fall 2007. no way, no how. what i am better at is suffering. i am better at being at my limit for extended time. i may be almost comfortable at my limit which could mean it is no longer my limit. that is cool.



Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Canal Connection 10K