Race: Zoo Run 10k
Date: Saturday September 20, 2014
Result: 36:38, 2nd M45-49 AG.
Canadian Road Race Championship
Eric Gillis Race Bib
Invited to represent Team Ontario, granted elite entry. Yes, expectations were running high. And why not? My training for the first time ever was focused on 5k to 15k races, and my training was complete.
Reality however set in three kms into the race. I started right on goal pace of 3:24/k and clocked the first two, well, like clockwork. I had exchanged places a couple of times with Anthony Davey. But as we turned west onto Old Finch a few light rollers saw my pace falter and Anthony faded into the distance.
If I was hungry, I would have matched him. But I was not. I was raced out and could not be any less interested. I already had my fill of races. In the end this was my own fault. A lesson learned. Such is the life of a self-coached athlete.
In earlier years, the race would start and finish on the lower grounds of the zoo. This year the race started low and finished at the top. A net uphill race, for a National championship, and some seriously tight turns and quarters, sucked the juice out of my legs. Combine that with my disinterest and the result is fully explained.
But others faltered as well. In fact only the winner Eric Gillis managed to crack 30 minutes. He knew the zoo race course and doubted he could do it. So great on him for getting it done. That is the difference between real elites and wannabes. Anyway, Eric obliged my request and we traded race bibs. That quickly turned my day around – thanks Eric!
And a brief mention to my better half. She was not feeling well, showed up to see my finish then ended up running the 5k for a 3rd AG medal of her own! And so disappointed with her result she wanted Sportstats to remove it!
