I had low expectations for my performance in this event, and mainly, just wanted to feel half decent upon finishing. My strategy was to maintain as even an effort as possible. The course has a couple climbs and some rollers throughout. I figured a snail pace would occur on the main climb from miles 5-7, but I really didn’t care. I have struggled in the last 10k in the past, and knew it could be a slow progression to the finish. At least I could be mentally prepared for this.
My motivation has been really lagging the last few months, and I’m uncertain what will rekindle the inner fire I‘m lacking. I’ve had a season of lackluster performances, which has been in contrast to a breakthrough year of 2013. There have been no injuries or setbacks, but my drive has fallen short, and I feel a deficiency in my overall fitness. I cannot seem to pinpoint any particulars that may contribute to how this year has played out.
The race went as I had figured, with a slightly slower overall pace. I did feel ok though as I stuck with maintaining as even effort as possible. It seemed to keep me from crashing in the final miles, although my pace did gradually slow. I was greeted in the final mile by a friend, Tandy, who asked to join me to the finish. We chatted at the finish for a little while, and then I headed home to clean up and relax.
My Garmin splits were:
1st. half: 1:34:56, 2nd half: 1:46:44
1. 7:08 14. 7:29
2. 6:57 15. 7:39
3. 7:05 16. 7:27
4. 7:22 17. 8:04
5. 7:43 18. 7:34
6. 8:36 19. 7:48
7. 7:21 20. 8:06
8. 6:57 21. 7:55
9. 7:45 22. 8:01
10. 6:58 23. 8:17
11. 7:17 24. 7:54
12. 7:27 25. 8:28
13. 7:31 26. 8:14
Last .21: 1:38, 7:49/mi.
| 