Race: Peach Bud 10k, Grimsby
Date: June 28, 2011. Result: 20th overall, 4th master, 2nd age category, 37:10 (2011 PB = 35:49).
Website: www.instride.ca
Ewwwwww what a crappy time. Truly my first thought when I stopped my watch just after crossing. But before I have any more thoughts on the matter, let me catch my breath. It has been a long time since I sprinted across the finish, and a long time since I have felt the fire to mow down runners over the last few k’s. A long time indeed since I have spent myself so well.
The Peach Bud is billed as flat and fast. However, judging by the times of all, it is safe to write this is no Sporting Life cakewalk. A net zero elevation race, and certified accurate 10k. But there were hills, and wind to spare on this day.
The last two k’s toward the finish are simply brilliant. The second last a lovely downhill blast and a welcome relief from the effort that seemed to be getting me nowhere but passed. Then the last, a straight and long sprint with a wind at my back that kept pressing me toward the finish, passing runner after runner. I must offer my apology to Peter Drake for blasting past him in the chute just metres from the line.
The first four k’s were also wonderful, with downhill sections toward the lake and a strong wind at the back. I spent the first two k’s trying to hold a slower pace. I have been going out way too fast in my races. These good plans were quickly shelved in favour of trading places with Scott McDonnell. After 3k of this, I was once again in familiar territory, wondering why I was doing this to myself. 3:30/k is still too far above my lactic threshold, and my legs were already crying the blues.
So after beating myself senseless over the first four kilometers, we were met by the nasty section of the course. The next 4k stretch brought uphill climbs toward the escarpment, and a long westward jaunt into a strong head wind and the setting sun. This was a bad dream and it went on for far too long. Getting passed three times made it worse. Rounding the corner after the 8k marker was like being reborn. Those final two km just made my evening. It was great to go “fishing” again, I haven’t done that in a while, reclaiming all the positions I lost after a poorly run section.
Finish time aside, I realize I have made ground on some good competitors who handled me easily in the Jordan and Confederation Park 5k’s. I even got a little closer to Scott since we last met in Sporting Life. The icing on my cake, is that I am in the middle of high mileage marathon training. I did this on tired legs and this result is all the encouragement I need for now. I am looking forward to the fall.
