My summer running has been all over the board. With the Chicago Marathon 4 weeks away from today (gulp) I've been logging a lot of miles but the heat has really beaten me down. Slogging through long tempos and missing pace runs is not the ideal confidence booster for going into a 5K but unless I'm out of town I just can't bring myself to pass on the HCA 5K. Plus running a 5K at 8:00 in the morning with a start that is practically in my backyard is far more desirable than waking up at 5:00 for an early morning long run.
It was another steamy morning, about 72 degrees, 98% humidity, and a 72 dew point which is pretty sucky running weather by any measure. The only good news was that everybody was racing in the same weather and 5Ks - despite their discomfort typically don't last long. I made the 90 second drive, completed my paper registration, then chatted it up with my running people before loosening up a bit.
The course starts going away from 127 for about 1/2 mile before circling back past the school towards 127 then circles back to the school. Basically a one street route with the start in the middle and cones at each end of the course. There were a couple guys that got out really fast but Josh Stone reeled them in before the first cone and from there was never really tested winning with a time in the low 18's. Jon Hata and I ran close and tried to keep the 2 runner in striking distance but he wasn't coming back and apparently we weren't turning over any faster so that was that. There was a bit of dejavu as he and I ran a very similar race last year at the HCA 5K and two months ago he was dragging me through Charity Chase. I could be biased but it feels like there's no shortage of quality runners around here in their 40's and 50's so the older I get the more I base my performance relative to a handful of guys that I know are always fit and competitive. Long way of saying if I'm in the vicinity of Hata I'm good with that.
Fortunately I was able to hold him off by a few seconds to finish 3rd overall. William Adair and his son both finished in the top 10, Anna Boone was the overall female winner and 9th overall with Robert Murray and Bill Johncock both recovering from injuries and still cracking the top 10 by running 'easy' 6:30's. After looking at the results, the top 10 in this race could easily pass as my Facebook feed or Garmin Connect leaderboard. As always the race overs unique awards for overall and age groups plus the overall masters winner. There is always plenty of water and food; popsicles, cookies, fruit, and lots of other goodies. With chip timing, a tech shirt, and a runner friendly course it makes for a great first 5K but also offers a good shot at a P.R. on the right day.
Overall a great race and a good time catching up with several running friends. The passing of the HCA also means the Blue Ridge Relay is right around the corner so it's a good chance to see how the group looks. You know, like who's in shape, who's sort of in shape, and who hasn't run since they got out of the van after last year's relay. Having successfully made it back down the mountain yesterday I can officially report there were no casualties this year. However, rumor has it that Banks' right calf "is in two pieces" and Pat Brooks is being treated for pain akin to having "legs full of thumb tacks and hot sauce". Early indications are that both are suffering from soreness. Full recap to come soon.
Fortunately I was able to hold him off by a few seconds to finish 3rd overall. William Adair and his son both finished in the top 10, Anna Boone was the overall female winner and 9th overall with Robert Murray and Bill Johncock both recovering from injuries and still cracking the top 10 by running 'easy' 6:30's. After looking at the results, the top 10 in this race could easily pass as my Facebook feed or Garmin Connect leaderboard. As always the race overs unique awards for overall and age groups plus the overall masters winner. There is always plenty of water and food; popsicles, cookies, fruit, and lots of other goodies. With chip timing, a tech shirt, and a runner friendly course it makes for a great first 5K but also offers a good shot at a P.R. on the right day.
Overall a great race and a good time catching up with several running friends. The passing of the HCA also means the Blue Ridge Relay is right around the corner so it's a good chance to see how the group looks. You know, like who's in shape, who's sort of in shape, and who hasn't run since they got out of the van after last year's relay. Having successfully made it back down the mountain yesterday I can officially report there were no casualties this year. However, rumor has it that Banks' right calf "is in two pieces" and Pat Brooks is being treated for pain akin to having "legs full of thumb tacks and hot sauce". Early indications are that both are suffering from soreness. Full recap to come soon.
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