Not having run the Wasatch Back (see
other entry), I was not at all motivated to run Pleasant Grove's Strawberry Days 5k race this morning. I only entertained it because my father-in-law, Robert Workman was going to run it. He called me about 7:15 to ask if I was planning on running, and I still hadn't decided. He reminded me that I needed to be at the starting line at 8:00 a.m. if I were to run. Ok, roll out of bed, get some cash at the bank for the entry fee, hurry to the registration, wait, wait, wait in line. (Actually, Robert waited for me for a bit so I could warm up). Then we had to get to the starting line (in a clear different place; the only thing I really did not like about this race). We only could park a few blocks away, so we ended up running some more getting to the start. Oh well, chalk it up to warm-up.
This race starts out with quite a bit of downhill. I had to hold back a whole lot, repeating, "negative splits" over and over in my head. Let those people pass you, pace yourself, etc. One thing I realized is that I really should have grabbed a watch this morning, to help in the pacing. I just went on gut feel though, and did ok.
In the end, I ran a personal record (PR) for this race: 25:18 (8:10 pace) I took 6th in my division and 60th overall. The 5th place in my division was only 6 seconds faster than me. He and I were neck and neck towards the end. (And, coincidentally enough he was from Springville, and not an unfamiliar face, I think I know him).
So there, wasatch backers. :) (ok, the 5k distance I would've ran as my last leg in WB would have been after 9-10 miles and little/no sleep)
