PM: 4.15 miles
I am ready. I am going to shoot for a sub 50 minute 15k on Saturday, and likely aim for 5:19/mile pace on the way out (with the wind), and 5:21 for the trip back (against the wind).
"C" Goal: The top 10 will be the first goal. I know of 9 other runners who are in my speed range and doing the 15k, so it appears that seems like a reasonable "C" goal.
"B" Goal: Top 5. Top 5 wins you a minimum of $250 for 5th place and increases from there. I know this race has the top runners in the area- it's nice to know I can compete against guys who are dealing with this crap weather right along with me, so to test my efforts is exciting for me.
"A" Goal: PR with a sub 49:59. I just want to be under 50 minutes. That is just one of those magical numbers for us weekend warriors who didn't run in college or high school that we can forever be proud of achieving. I really want it badly. I don't remember ever wanting something this badly.
Yesterday's workout has me really psyched for Saturday. I just have to relax, keep my form, keep my knee drive, and stay focused once we get into that second half of the race. Ideally, I can stay with RJ for the first half, unless he decides to do something way too fast. I'm hoping he plans on shooting for nothing faster than 5:15/mile (and ideally 5:19/mile), which is already out of my range. If he does, then I might be stuck in no-man's land behind the top 5.
Anthony is still uncertain if he will even run. He doesn't usually like to run big races like this out of shape, so if he is feeling anything at all, he is out. That being said, I would love him to be there and clicking along right next to me or even ahead of me. Similarly, I can't count on Jeremy to be in my range. He doesn't usually dip under 5:35/mile for anything like this.
The next group of 5 has James (who is a bit out of shape, so I hear), and then 4 other college guys. The college guys are a bit of a wild card for obvious reasons. If they have been training hard, then they will be ahead of me. If they haven't been putting in miles and just doing workouts, then they will be in the 50-52 range. I am selfishly hoping they are all in the 49:30-50:00-flat range.
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