SPITTING DISTANCE

Given how popular the 10K was in the late ‘70s and throughout the ‘80s, it’s kind of weird that I don’t race this distance very often. Typically, I only run 2-3 10K per year and they’re usually bigger races, like Get in Gear, Hennepin Lakes, and Victory. As I pondered this the other day, I came to the conclusion that it’s because 10K is too long to race in a low-key event. Racing a low-key 5K or even 5 miler is doable. However, maintaining focus for 10K when you’re all alone can be tough.

With my relatively low number of 10Ks, I had to go all the way back to the 2007 Get in Gear (37:47) to find a sub-39. And my best time while in the 30-39 age group is only a tad better, 37:32, set when I was 35 years old.

What does all that mean? I don’t know; I just like to look at numbers. But maybe it does mean that I’m not really in that bad of shape. I’m just a mere 10-12 seconds per mile behind what I was running in 2007, prior to setting my marathon PR. Sure that adds up to about 5 minutes over the course of a marathon. But if I finish within 5 minutes of my PR, I’d be pretty happy. Of course, it’d also be a little frustrating because that means I’d be within spitting distance of sub-3.

Anyway, there are 8 weeks to go. I’m feeling pretty good after my cutback week. My right knee has been feeling a little weird, so I’m monitoring that. Usually I just stop and stretch my quad and then the knee feels better.

Finally, if you haven’t been reading the MDRA blog, I suggest checking it out. As much as it pains me to say this, Rocco has done a great job with updating the blog recently and adding a bunch of fun new posts. And I’m not just saying this because he included me as part of blognation.

Quote of the Day;

"Successful marathoners must lose their cool, and allow this irrational, animal consciousness to take over.” – Bill Rodgers