SLOW START

It was a slow start to my 5 race challenge...29:11 in the 4 mile race. This is not a good time for me.

The day was warm and humid and I did do a fairly tough speed workout on Thursday and both these things factor against a speedy performance. And I honestly didn't expect to be that fast. But I also didn't expect to be quite this slow!

Coach Shelly said to not be too worried about it. Among other things she noted that I'm training with greater mileage this year in preparation for the Marathon. She says that tends to slow speed workouts and races. No doubt that's true. And she says that it can be good to experience the races "in the moment," not as predictors of what is to come.

That's fine and that's true and, to some extent, that's what I did. I ran the race steadily, pushing myself to maintain a good pace, particularly on the final mile when the fatigue and the weather were making things very difficult. I think that, overall, it was a good workout that will toughen me up.

Next Sunday I have the cross country 5k at Van Cortland Park. That's bound to be slow...everyone says cross country is slower than road racing. So I expect to not be fast. And I expect the race will further toughen me and move me along in my training and get me in even better shape. It's a race where I really shouldn't worry too much about time.

But after that, I'd sure like to be faster!!