After a lot of persuasion from friends, I decided to do the local 4miler, done it a few times before, though didn't feel especially good beforehand. Niggling achilles and a little tired.
It didn't help that we arrived and registered with 5 minutes to spare before the start of the race. No time for a warm up! Anyway, I have done this race 3 times before, and my last time I did it, 2 months ago, I was flying and did it in 24:56. I was going for 26 this time.
Mile 1: Felt ok, though not as good as the last time, kind of got dragged along at a pace that felt comfortable though, I thought may make my following miles a little more testing. Mile 1 was completed in 6:13.
Mile 2: Still felt relatively fresh and settled in behind a guy who seemed quite strong. I finally got level with him and said to him, "come on ,lets help eachother up this hill." I remember that at this moment it seemed to come a little personal battle, the pace increased, and we soon mounted the hill. I then took on the pace and overtook him, (vest, 18-), and that was the last I saw of him: see pic below, (me in 331). Mile 2: 6:08.
Mile 3: Now I began to feel the pain, and I rmeember hearing people from the side of the road, shouting to other runners, to "dig in". I took this advice, and worked hard to sustain this pace, as I thought that if I could I would be on for a PB. Mile 3 was hard but good for me psychologically, as I remember overtaking a lot of people, some of whom I have never quite beat. Mile 3 was completed in 6:08.
Mile 4: I knew now that it had all boiled down to this last mile, and I really wanted to be able to sustain my current pace, and end up with a great time. I really dug in and tried to up the pace, I dont know how but I pulle dit off, and completed the last mile in 5:56. I cant believe I was able to go sub 6.
Below is a pic of me finishing, and I must mention I felt like I was about to die!
I worked extremely hard for this finish, and finished in 24:24. 6:06 pace, I was thrilled to bits, comments please are very welcome.
