8k Race: The trip of a lifetime

This past Saturday night was one of these events that is rare, but its a LOAD of fun. The Pigeon Forge Midnight 8K. So about 5 miles of racing. Going into this , I was coming off a big build and on a Recovery week. This had been the most intense 2 weeks I have had in a long time. So, I was ready for this race. I went into this cautiously optimistic. Coach had been on vacation the week before, so I was kinda left to my own devices on how to run this race. But I knew my limitations. I had decided about Wednesday of last week I was gonna try to run this at the speed that it would take to PR the half in Chattanooga in October. This would give me a good feel for about 1/2 of the race. Saturday Morning, I sat down and figured up the time, adjusted it a tad, and then set the pacer on the watch for that so I would know where I was. If I fell behind, it was OK, but my goal was to go lite it up and see what the old wheels could do. 

I had spent Saturday with friends out doing somethings that I enjoy that help me relax. The trip up to the race site was about a 90 min drive. Once I got there, I had about 80 min to kill. So, I got up there, got my bib and shirt, and then honestly, just laid low. Trying to just relax and enjoy things. 

The race site was the strip in Pigeon Forge. Right in the middle. Flat and Fast. Little to no elevation change. It lended itself to what was about to happen. 

As we lined up , I felt really good. Very calm and relaxed which is a rare thing for me. I am normally a very adrenaline driven runner, but for some reason, my body was relaxed. After the anthem, i put in my earphones, and instantly, as soon as the first sound of metal hit my ears, it was go time. I locked in right away, and I could tell it standing there that it was going to be a good run. How good, I didn't really know, but I was really relaxed and ready to roll. 

As we set out, my thought was, NOT TO QUICK. Hard, steady, but not to quick. The first mile really went fast, and I was like OK , throttle back and just run your race. Enjoy this. It was a blissful night out and I was locked on.   

Mile 2 came and went and 3. I realized about 2.5 in how steady I was, and how great I felt. Instantly I was like, I am on a good pace here. Hold what you have. Keep doing this. Your fine. Honestly, this was the BEST I have felt during a race. Period.

We finally made the turn at 3.5 to line up for the finish, and I still hadn't stopped running since the gun. When I caught sight of the finish line, I kicked . I honestly amazed myself I still had my kick left. When I crossed the stripe, the clock read 56 Min or so. But, when I got my official results, it was 55:26.

I had done it. A sub 1 hour 5 miler and even better, about 2.5 to 3 min quicker than I had planned to go. It just came from relaxing and letting my body work and enjoying myself. No pressure, and it REALLY showed Saturday. I texted coach and we were both EXTREMELY happy and proud of things. I then got my stuff and headed home as it was already well after 1 am. 

Looking back, I honestly do believe this was the best I have EVER run in 3 years. Things finally came together. Its all a product of how hard I have worked and wanted this. One things for sure, come October, I am taking that 2:30 out behind the woodshed for the half. That time don't stand a chance. 

So, now, its back to the grindstone. Sure I am tickled with this. But, there is still time to get BETTER before its time to taper for the fall fun that I have planned. And trust me, its going to be an INSANELY busy fall once it gets here. Were looking at 6 races and maybe 7 still yet to come this year. 

So , until I talk to you all next time ...... 

From one "Idiot" to another- 

John 
-IRC #2148-