Macomb Orchard Blossom
Originally uploaded by Auberon.
Pros: Great weather
Cons: Entire route uphill, albeit gradual
Last year the race was 4 miles. The temperature was decidedly different. Strong wind in the face and 28 degrees. This year the race was half a mile longer and the temperature was at least 60 degrees by the finish, if not 65. The race was made half a mile longer so that starting line could have more than 4 people standing in front. One quarter of a mile would give people plenty of time to thin out before we entered the Macomb Orchard Trail.
I had intentions of running 27:30 or faster. I guess that wasn't going to happen. Not this year. Reason? I was a completely lazy sloth.
Mile 1: 6:24 with John Nemens calling off splits, yelling at me that it looks like an old man out for a Sunday stroll in the park.
Mile 2: 6:30
Mile 3: 6:43
Mile 4: 6:39
Last 1/2: 2:51
I don't remember picking up the pace in that last half. I don't know where my brain was the entire race. I didn't push myself. My legs were fresh the entire race. I didn't have a problem breathing at all. Everyone who knows me said it looked like I was out for a jog that day. Why would I do that? I guess it just wasn't supposed to happen for me.
On a more positive note, I intend on making that 27:30 next year, and then some. If I train smart for the marathon, with maximum efficiency, I'll have my BQ for 08/09 and will be able to take my running to the next level. I know I have the speed for 6:00 pace. It's just a matter of conditioning. I'll have that conditioning soon enough. I should be proud, averaging less than 20 miles per week the past year I've turned in some great times.
It's going to be 80 outside today. Why am I still indoors?
