Notes
Leg #4 of the River to Sea Relay (R2C15): "The Beast"
Really had it going on today, as all the previous few weeks of speedwork and Tuesday's scouting run really paid off. Started conservatively (6:55 about on par for 7:00 per mile pace), and then proceeded to calmly attack at the first 2 miles of the Beast, after the 1 mile easy run through Lambertville. First two miles were the steepest, most uncomfortable portion of the leg, and I knew I would not gain any time on the first section. Tough muscle on asphalt type of power running, which started to clear about miles 3-4 in the race. From there, the Beast was a hot course with several big rollers with a pronounced, appreciable elevation change.
The hills were quite conquerable given the conservative start strategy, and the ability to hit the downhill sections really hard to make up for the uphill climbs. What really sealed the deal was getting into a dogtight about 6 miles into the leg with a runner from team #61.
Situation follows: I passed the runner (#61) who was walking on the side of the road at about 6 miles into the race. About 100 meters later, the runner proceeds to blow blast me - to which I responded (likely verbally, involuntarily, "Oh it's on now"). And then we took off - I proceeded to stalk his side hard, and then proceeded to pass him again in the next mile. Then, we hit a traffic light, and are forced to wait about 20-30 seconds - saying nothing, but hearing his team screaming at him to "get this guy." At the green light, it was like a drag race - he takes off, and then I spring into action right behind him (I remember some girl saying - "It's too early - it's your life!"). After one final challenging uphill section, I put the final hammer down with about a mile to go, and never looked back. In one single, final challenge, I just took control to the finish. (Comparable to winning a stage in the Tour de France, almost - inconsequential to the overall leader, but a moment in the sun notwithstanding), and all the pride to go with it.
It really was a blast on this leg - and I'm so happy that my body and mind were able to link up, and my mind was able to command my body to respond when called upon. An almost flawlessly executed leg - from the water stops (which were perfectly timed) to the race strategy. A true golden hour.