Notes
Superbowl 10K race! A race that I am really proud of, given that I was not really sure of where I was at coming into the race. Definitely not in peak shape yet, but very encouraging signs of what can happen when you train hard. I came out a little fast, and I fortunately realized it and adjusted my pace as needed, although it was great as in the first mile I had two other guys running at each shoulder. Interestingly, I adjusted my pace and both took off - however, I then worked hard, passed the one guy at the 3 mile mark, but the other guy was in visual sight for most of the race, but I lost him around between mile 4 and 5 (just a stronger 10K runner).
The only blemish on a great race was the fact that I took a wrong turn at the top of the hill (Overhill Rd) coming back into the parkway (right instead of a left), which cost me a good 7-10 seconds, and let the 2nd overall female overall zip by me in the process. Thank goodness the other runners going down the hill let me know, as the female did not. I'm mildly disappointed by this, not for the mistake on my part (not the first time I've missed a turn on a poorly marked race), but because it would have been a heck of a finish with her and I battling it out. Those seconds I lost on the turn made the difference between our ultimate times. I remember last year, when I out kicked her late at the finish - which was great. I will take this year's better time on the alternative course (approx 1:20 off last year's time, in much colder conditions!).
I know that I need to focus on my leg turnover, speedwork, and getting in my longer runs in the next 7 weeks. A good hard 7 weeks, may just be the best thing for me. I hope to be high stepping to the finish in Cape May!