I have to say that I had some great training runs this summer. While my longest run since the Mini was only 7.25 miles I was able to get a lot of speed work done. Track workouts each week and faster paces in general on other runs have left me feeling strong and my legs loose. With the exception of two weeks of missed training due to a sinus infection I an happy overall with the mileage I covered.
The plan for my training this summer was to get my 400M time down for the Indianapolis Corporate Challenge relay race and to nail a 21:40 5k time at the same event. A 21:40 is the qualifying time for the Mini to achieve Level 3 seeding.
Saturday, September 27 was the date of the Corp Challenge. Lots of events take place as companies compete in competitive and good sport events. Participants run 5 mile, 5K and various track races, race walks, basketball, football toss, golf chipping, corn hole and more. As mentioned, I was scheduled to run the 5K and a 400M segment of the 4X 400,200,200, 400 relay.
I arrived about 8:45 for the day of events. The 5k was scheduled for a 10:20 start. My coworker Syd and I went for a warmup run at about 9:55 and legged out about 20 minutes. The start area for the race was crowded. We edged our way nearer the front of the pack. I lined up with Syd and Jonathan (another coworker) as we waited for the command to go. As we took off Syd and Jonathan found a seem and were able to move out quickly. I got boxed in by several slower runners and had to work my way free. My plan was to run splits of 7:00, 7:00, 6:48. I tried to chase Syd and Jonathan up the first hill (Syd would go on to finish 14th overall and Jonathan came in right at 22 minutes). I came back down the hill quickly and cut the distance between Jonathan and I to about 4 or 5 seconds. Then, at about 9minutes 45 seconds into the race, I dropped out. My first ever DNF-- did not finish-- for a race.
The relay race was last event of the day. Set for 11:30, the first heat actually started at 12:05. Our team was in Division 3. Heats started with Division 1 and then continued on to larger number divisions. We ended up starting around 12:25. Our training runs left us confident that we could do well in the event. That came to be the case as our team finished in 3:24. I was happy to run the opening leg of the relay and came to the hand off in a personal best 68 seconds for 400M. I was glad to leave with a strong finish after a less than satisfying 5K.
What's next?
My plan now is to start training for the Mini which takes place next May. I'll build up in mileage and hope to run several 35-40 mile weeks by December. I will try once or twice more to attain the 21:40 goal in a 5K for seeding.
Anyone interesting in joining AR3 for the Mini should plan to register soon as the race will likely sell out before Thanksgiving.
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