Doing what you’re not supposed to do.

I’ve been running this one ever since I was a kid. At the time, it was likely the only such trot in the area… Now it seems every town has one, but I’ve stayed true to my roots and continue to head out to Centreville on most turkey days (sometimes I’m out of town).

Running has been interesting for me this year; I’ve only managed about five miles per week and didn’t run at all for about two months late in the summer, but my times continue to improve. As usual with 5ks since “the injury” in 2009, I had no idea what I was capable of. I went out for a short and quick pace-gauging run two days before the race and struggled to put in a 6:20 mile. It was doable, but certainly didn’t leave me thinking I could do three of them. Regardless, I plan on going out at 6:15 pace and see what happens.

Do the usual pre-race stuff, get to the line, and suddenly we’re moving. I’m pretty far back in the corral because I was counting on them speaking for a few minutes like they usually do. Not this year. Time to move. Cross the line, start the watch, and here goes… Traffic is insane, but the running is feeling effortless as I jump back and forth across the road to avoid slower feet and legs. First mile through in 6:12. Odd. Way easier than on Tuesday and I feel like it’s no thing. Finally out of traffic, make a few turns, crush some people due to an optimal racing line (apexes, people!), hit the hilly section, still not feeling like it’s much effort… Second mile down in 6:10. Alright, when is the crash going to occur? It doesn’t. Final mile down in 6:02 and a solid, but not 100% push into the finish to cross in 19:08. A seven second post-injury best on far worse training than that best was earned on. I’ll take it. 6:07 pace overall (subtracting extra mileage for traffic, that’s a 19-flat). Absurd. This maintains my claim that cycling can make you a pretty damned fast runner. I’m not winning races, but I’m now only 20 seconds off my adult best, which is nothing.

69th out of 3664 starters. 15th in age group.

One of these days I’m really going to try training again. Promise.