05 October 2008

2008 Delaware Distance Classic

I ran the Delaware Distance Classic (15k) this weekend and did OK. I finished in 109:20 which is 7:28/mile split. This was a minute faster than last year which was good. I am also pleased because I haven't run more than 4 miles since this race last year but still managed my second best time(PR 105:36) for this race. I will post a link once the results are online.

The weather was nice and cool in the morning but approached 70 towards the end of the race, still a lot better than last year's 80. I was pushed the whole race by another runner which helped my time. At mile 3 I he passed me and looked to be about my age or at least in my age group. I mentally told myself that he was "third place" and I needed to stay with him to place. He and I then went back and forth the whole race I would catch and pass him at the water stops then he would slowly pull back. Finally at the last water stop he ran right through versus walking like previous water stops. I stayed with him until mile 7.5 where I pulled even and then pulled away. I was able to stay away for the rest of the race and beat him by 30 seconds. We chatted after the race and I thanked him for pushing me and we both said that the competition pushed us. Unfortunately, he was not "third place" and I finished 8th in my age group. The top 3 in my age group were all under 1 hour. What is funny is that last year I ran a minute slower and placed 2nd.

No comments: