What’s this? A race report that isn’t for Boilermaker or a marathon? I know, it’s strange, but please bear with me.
No, not like that. Even though this is a “short” race, it was one of the USATF team races that Roadkill Racing competed in this year, and one that I’ve been wanting to do for a while.
Ashlie’s parents were kind enough to drive up from Ellicottville to watch the kids so we both could race. Even so, the kids were clingy and neither of us got in a good warmup. Still, I tucked in a few rows back from the line and told myself to run this like a 5K.
I got out pretty quick from the gun, as evidenced by the fact that I wasn’t too far behind Trisha Byler. She has been on fire lately, so I knew I had to be running fast to be so close to her. Chad was right with her, and I momentarily thought about trying to stay with them, then mentally kicked myself for being ridiculous. I’m getting into pretty good shape, but not “stay with the Bylers” shape yet.
Much of the race is a blur. I remember the second mile being a slow uphill grind, and passing a fair amount of people who went out too fast. With a mile to go, I really put the hammer down and just gritted my way to the finish. I thought I had dropped everyone who was with me, but with maybe 200m to go, I heard footsteps quickly approaching, and then passing me. A guy who looked like he was maybe 30 sprinted past me, and I somehow found the energy and strength to respond. We were neck and neck until the last 50 feet or so, when he either found another gear, or my metaphorical transmission blew up, as he pulled away and beat me by a few steps.
Despite getting soundly beaten at the end, I walked away feeling mighty happy about this race. I ended up running 23:24, or about 5:50 pace, and had a great kick at the end. In fact, my last mile was my fastest in 5:36. I don’t think I’ve run that fast outside of the one-mile races in a very long time! I am very thankful for that young pup for pushing me to my limits at the end.
To compound my contentment, I somehow placed third in the 40-44 age group and won the tackiest award ever: a bright pink lawn flamingo. And let me tell you: I freaking love it. Not only is it my first age group award as a masters runner, but it looks great (and totally not tacky) in our front garden!
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