Mantanzas 5k
2nd 14:39
Took second place today at the Mantanzas 5k. The time was good though and I ran faster than last year but lost to Irish runner Gareth Turnbull ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/5078012.stm ) as he put 13 seconds on my in the last 800-1000m. I felt pretty good but was understandably rusty and in the late stages of the race I just didn't have the "go" needed to finish fast. Splits were consistent at 4:40 and 9:21. From 800m on it was just me, Gareth, and a Russian runner who spoke no english other than the word "marathon" in our post race conversation. I interpreted his lone english word to mean that he's training for a marathon and that's why he fell of the pace half way into the race. The excuses are the same from language to language. Mine? Well I was just plain outrun today. Gareth controlled the race and I never made him hurt. At least this year they decided to pay 2nd place as last year 2nd went home with nothing but sore legs and an empty tank of gas. Hopefully after I get a few more races under my belt I'll get that finish down. I haven't had a serious race since the first weekend in November and I had just started to do regular runs at that point. For a starting race, even though I lost, I think it points to good things in the future. To good things!
PM 5 miles 31:17
Daytona Sidewalks
Did an afternoon shakeout run. I was pretty tight. The plantar was extremely tight and the shins ached too. It took a coulpe of miles for me to loosen up and feel kinda decent. Got a good stretch in afterwards which should help in the recovery process. | 