Decided to run a the Firemen's 5K race in Ft Worth. If I was in shape and race-ready, this would definitely have been a PR course. 1st mile a little up and down, 2nd mile steep downhill, 3rd mile, gradual downhill. Got there about an hour before race time to signup, pop, and jog some of the course. It was a warm morning. 75F and slimy (humid). It wasn't ideal. Gun went off at 8:00. mile 1 - 6:12 - took the usual 1/4 mile or so to get the HR up and breathing heavy. Felt comfortable but could feel that my legs weren't used to the speed. mile 2 - 6:14 - started this mile with a little climb, and then a steep downhill. It felt pretty good. I passed quite a few on the downhill. mile 3 - 7:01 - at about 2.2 miles, a small group of runners passed me. I felt like walking - which I did for about 10 seconds, then got going again. About 1/2 mile later, I felt like walking again - but only for a couple seconds. Last .12 was pretty solid sub 6:00 pace -- felt strong at the finish. Total: 20:04, 3rd in 45-49 AG Had I been logging more miles and doing consistent speedwork, I could have been in the 19:30 range. I'll shoot for it next year! Not happy that I walked, but felt good to get out and run fast. Followed the race with a 1.5 mile jog back to the start. Hung around for awards, then to breakfast with a few running friends (John, Ruthie, Elizabeth, and Sherry).
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