The Block

RESULTS
7th place overall, 1st in AG, 1:20:27

The BI Tri is the race that attracted me to the sport.  While hanging out at my cousin's bachelor party in 2012, I ran into the Gazelle and Schonns shortly after they finished the race.  I told myself that day that I'd be back the following year to do the race.  The race sounded fun, unique, and was in a cool place-The Block. Fast forward to 2016 and I would be heading back to BI for my 4th consecutive race. After a really solid showing in 2015, I was hoping to carry the momentum  into the 2016 addition.  Days and weeks prior to the race I was concerned about my lack of focus and work on the bike.  Time would only tell.

On race day I woke up at 4 am, had a quick breakfast, packed my race gear in the car, met Mikey, and boarded the 6 am ferry.  Regardless of the race outcome, I knew it would be a good day since a group of us were headed out to BI.  After departing the ferry we headed over to Benson Beach for check in. With alphabetical transition, I set up right near Mikey and Westerly Triathlete/Runner, Mark B.  With plenty of time before the start, we were able to check out surf conditions, analyze the tide for the run, warm-up, and get a feel for the water before the race. Shortly before 9 am, all athletes were called to the beach for pre-race instructions and then lined up in heats.  

Swim-7:20, Rank 16

With a short run before entering the water, I wanted to get a clean start but did not feel the need to sprint into the water as some other competitors did.  Once in the water, I tried to get in a rhythm and stay towards the front of the pack,  Heading out to the first buoy, I was in 3rd place in my heat. By the time we reached the buoy, I pulled into second and the top guy had a decent lead on me.  While I was focused on my wave I was also tangled up with a variety of other swimmers from different waves. Throughout the entire swim, my goggles were fogged up, which made it especially difficult to tell what was going on.  Departing the water, the same guy that was ahead of me remained in place and I ran towards transition.

T1: 1:30, Rank 21 

Uneventful.  I always struggle with getting my wetsuit off and just try to remember the essentials before heading out on bike (bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses).    I remember being really thirsty before the bike but did not take the time for a swig of gatorade.  

Bike: 39:37, Rank 40

My least favorite and weakest leg of any TRI.  With the hills, a windy bike course, and lack of bike prep, I was especially worried about this portion of my race.  I was hoping that my swim and run would carry my overall time and that I'd just make it through the bike.  While I passed a ton of athletes (most of who I assume to be non-serious), same of the race leaders blew by me on the bike. Working hard and struggling along, the bike demoralized me.  After all of the climbing and wind, I felt pretty gassed by the end of the bike.   While I didn't feel good, I reminded myself that a bad run for me would be a good run for most triathletes {This is a positive fact that I pointed out to Mikey, Jeff, & Matthew pre-race}.  

T2: :58, Rank 51

I skidded into T2, ran to my area, threw off bike gear, slugged some gatorade, and hoped to make u some time.  In regards to overall place, I had no idea how I was doing in the race. I knew I didn't have a great bike though.

Run: 31:02, Rank 7

Heading out on the run, I was feeling it.  Low energy, thirst, and general fatigue.  Regardless, it was the run..my strongest discipline and the one I've trained the most for this year.  I knew the high tide run was going to be a struggle but hoped I'd get stronger as the run went on.  At about 1/2 mile into the run or so, I had to come to a complete stop due to a pile up of athletes crossing the rocky water area.  It was frustrating because I wanted to move and gain as much time as possible but I also didn't want to jam myself up in the process {I'm sure other athletes felt the same sentiment}.  Finally getting through, I knew I go through the same thing in just a few minutes after the turnaround. Headed back down the beach, I was passing athletes but it didn't seem like as many as I normally would.  Whenever I passed or saw someone, it looked like he/she was struggling.  I knew I looked and felt the same way.  While I love the beach and ocean, I don't like running in thick sand or water. By the time I reached the second turn around, I was doing whatever I could to slug down two waters as I was really parched.  The run in was horrible.  Note all of the conditions I previously mentioned along with a strong headwind.  I felt like I wasn't racing anymore-just trying to get to the finish. While no other runner passed me,  I knew I had a poor run and was feeling it.  Crossing the finish, I was happy to be done but less than happy with my race.  I situated myself by the water and gatorade jugs and replenished all of the fluids I lost.  I watched my WTAC teammates come in,  cooled off in the ocean, packed up my gear, showered, and hung out for awards.

Post race

Hung out with Mikey and the Gazelle's.  I was very happy to pull off an age group win on day when I didn't perform well.  Also thrilled by some outstanding racing from the Gazelle's and Mikey B.  We grabbed lunch at a local restaurant on Corn Neck Road and then hung out by the shops in town before heading out on the ferry.  Despite how I felt about my performance, I had a great day with great people.

A hungry group!

Thoughts

-A fun day, but a tough day. Very happy with my AG win-but disappointed I didn't place a little higher.  A better run would have probably gained me a couple spots.
-Weak bike.  As I previously mentioned the bike is my weakest and least favorite leg of the TRI.  This is the discipline I need to work on the most on..need to motivate myself to work harder on the bike.
-Satisfied with my swim.  Haven't put in the time or yards I did last year and still did well in this area.  I'll take it!
-Like the Blessing, another strong performance by my friends teammates (Jeff, Matthew, Mikey, & Steve).
-BI stands as a unique TRI.  Conditions can alter any race-the beach run offers other intangibles.
-Will I be back to this race? Yes.  Will I be back next year? Not sure.
-Enjoyed the post-race lunch and hanging out with the guys.
-After two weeks of sufferfests, I'm losing motivation for racing.

The Blessing

The Blessing is a Rhode Island Classic.  In my opinion, the race stands as the ultimate measuring stick for runners in our little state.  I had two successful races back in 2003 and 2004 down in Gansett but I haven't been back since.  I had plenty of excuses not to come back over the years (injuries, distance, lack of interest, etc.).  After watching my WTAC teammates compete and excel in this race over the past few years, I decided that, if healthy, this was my year to come back.

I can't say I did any specific training for this race and focused my efforts on overall aerobic fitness and TRI training.  I had one simple goal in mind-break 60 minutes or bust.  Much to my surprise, I was assigned bib # 7 based off some really old performances.  I kind of chuckled at the number knowing it didn't really mean all that much but it also made me think about the past.  I thought to myself, "what would I do to run this race in 56 today?"  Quite frankly, I don't think I appreciated it enough back then.  I thought about it for a little more and told myself to move on and focus on the here and now.

After waiting around most of the day, I head up to Gansett and hung out with Muddy and Jonny pre-race.  We went for a light warmup and were all in agreement that it was going to a hot night.  We headed to the starting line, caught up with Mikey, Gazelle, Matthew, and other WTACers, and it was go time!

Miles 1-4
The gun went off quick and I tried to settle in.  I knew there were some real studs in this race and that it was going to go out like a track meet.  I quickly spotted Matthew right near me and told myself to settle down.  Jonny also had a strong start and I was about 15 runners back from him.  I tried to run "easy" through mile 1 (5:44) and focused on settling in for mile 2 and beyond.  Through mile 2 (5:56) a ton of race jockeying continued on.  I was getting closer to Jonny and hoped to move up next to him to either run with him or do some of the work.  By mile 3 I was able to get up with Jonny and was feeling it. Although I knew it was going to be a long race, I thought of the prospect of being able to work with Jonny and Muddy through the race.  My splits for miles 3 and 4 were 5:50 and 5:58.

Miles 5-8
By the time I was made it to mile 5, I was slowing down.  Throughout the race to this point, I hit just about every water stop or ran under any hose that was out there.  Regardless of how much I drank or how I wet I tried to get, nothing was enough.  Running on 108, I was hating the race.  My splits were getting slower and I felt like I was getting weaker. I hit my 5 with a split of 6:04 and the halfway point around 29:45.  I knew the prospect of breaking 60 wasn't going to get any easier.  I just wanted to get off 108 and stopped paying attention to my watch splits because I knew they weren't good.
Splits were 6 (6:18, slowest of the day), 7 (6:03, and 8 (6:08).

I think I drank at almost every water stop and it still didn't feel like enough.
Photo courtesy of Beth E.

Miles 9-10
Reaching mile 9 was hopeful.  I wasn't feeling any faster but knew the finish wasn't too far away. Spectators were encouraging and it was a block party type atmosphere.  Even though I was getting close, I still took any water I could get.  I crossed mile 9 in 6:02 and actually passed two guys. Encouraging but it didn't mean much.  I just wanted to finish.  Prior to hitting mile 9, I thought my goal of breaking 60 was completely out the window but it did remain a possibility.  The problem was that I was running on empty.  I'd try to get as close as I could but just wasn't sure.  I finally crossed the line in 60:15.  Ran my last mile in 5:51.  Overall place was 31st.

Finally in the home stretch.  I felt like I had no gas left in the tank.
Photo courtesy of Jana W.

Over 60 minutes..err.  At least I was done.
Photo courtesy of Beth E.

Thoughts
-Despite the nasty humidity and dew point, I was still disappointed with not breaking 60 minutes.  I know I wasn't far off but the bottom line is that I didn't meet it.
-I was satisfied with my overall placing and I can't think of anything differently I would have done tactically.
-The atmosphere was like a block party.  Spectators were extremely supportive with manning water stops and spraying down runners with hoses.  Take those stops away and it could have been a really bad day out there.
-The 10 mile race distance is fantastic.
-WTAC still did quite well.  Here are some observations-
Matthew-12th overall-57:42 and just getting faster and faster.  I think he would have been under 56 on a nice night.
Muddy-37th. 1:01:31. Would have been a few minutes faster on a better night.  Still placed really high.
Jonny-40th. 1:02:10. Ditto my comments about Muddy.  He also placed 3rd in his division.  If you are placing at the Blessing, I'm impressed.
Jonny E.-49th. 1:03:10.  Another fast young guy!
Gazelle-81st. 1:04:58.  1st in his division.  Definitely would have ran minutes faster as well.
Mikey-157th. 1:10:53.  Worked hard on a tough night.  Ditto my comments about minutes faster on a cooler night.
*With over 2400 finishers, I think we would have held our own in a team competition.
-Mile 6 was the slowest for almost all of us.
-I love and hate this race.
-I hope to be back next year to get under 60 minutes.

My first marathon

Prior to the race
After years of various running misfortune, the thought of actually running a marathon was starting to slip away.  For Boston 2005 I received complimentary entry,unfortunately my result was a DNS due to injury).  Fast forward to Hartford 2014, I was registered and hoping to run but landed another DNS due to injury.  Get the picture here?  Marathons just aren't my thing.  I'd always tell people that I thought I had the endurance, but I did not have the ability to train long distance.

As the beginning of 2016 approached, I set out a goal to help Shara train for Boston.  I knew training for a marathon can be lonely, especially on those winter long runs.  As each week approached, I wondered if one of those injuries was going to pop up.  The training formula Shara and I put together was simple..a weekly workout (nothing too heavy or fast), the long run, a core (off) day, and lots of medium regular paced runs mixed into it.  Once Shara started to taper for Boston, the thought of running the Providence Marathon became a reality.  All I had to do is train for a couple of more weeks and stay healthy.  Cautious for the fear of getting burnt by another injury, I didn't register for Providence until a week before.  My goals were simple: A. Finish and not get injured, B. Run a BQ, and C. Run Sub 3.

Race day 
At about 5 in the morning, Shara and I headed up to Providence for my big race.  Driving up I just tried to relax and wondered what would happen after the 20 mile mark.  My game plan was simple-run safe.  Don't bite off more than you can chew and running a marathon can be a very humbling experience.  After waiting in the car to stay warm, we met up with my parents and hung out at the starting line.  Prior to the race I hung out with Jeff Vuono (running marathon #41), Shara, and my parents.  Race organizers played the national anthem, we lined up and Thunderstruck by ACDC came on.  I was loving it.

First half
I couldn't believe but the first mile of the race felt like a track meet.  Lots of people shot off the starting line and jockeyed for position.  I just tried to settle in and let the race come to me.  My goal was just to run along and get in a groove..anywhere from 6:35 to 6:45 pace.  I found a small pack to run near at about mile 3.  Two Northeastern runners and a red headed dude.  Running right through 10 miles with these guys, I was amazed to never see the Northeastern kids take on nutrition.  The red headed dude, who let me know he was trying to run sub 2:55, was taking gu every few miles and seemed to play it smart.  As for me, I drank when I felt like it and took a gummy every 4 miles.   As I ran through the first half of the course, here are some events that took place:

-Between mile 5 & 6, I was surprised to see BLS on her bike and cheering me on.  Climbing one of the early hills on the course, it was a big boost for me to see her friendly face.

-As we were running towards Bullocks Point in East Providence an army of fire trucks were racing to a scene of some emergency.  It seemed like engines kept coming out of nowhere for 10 minutes

-The Bullocks Point loop was enjoyable.  However, there was one turn around that was not well marked.  I approached one runner who had been ahead of me the whole time and listened to him drop major F bombs about the course.  In less than a minute, this runner was in the rear view mirror.  He still sounded ripped.

-I kept reminding myself that I wasn't racing anybody except myself.  You can't run a marathon on guts, you have to use your brain.  Enjoy the moment.

-I saw Shara and my parents at Mile 12..another huge lift.

-The red headed dude and I hit the halfway point in 1:25.  We both were pumped about it but knew there was work ahead.

Splits through 13.1
6:28,  6:30, 6:35, 6:22, 6:34, 6:33, 6:29, 6:21, 6:28, 6:28, 6:22, 6:29, 6:30-1:25 through 13.1

Hi Beth!

The Second Half
While I was very happy with the condition I was in at 13.1, I knew the real race was ahead of me.  I was really hoping to work with the red headed dude as long as I could.   We could help each other out and pull one another along.  I started to communicate with him more to articulate my intentions of working with him.  I still didn't mention a time goal-just that we were cruising at a good pace and should work together.  I saw Shara and my parents again and was feeling great at mile 15.  Unfortunately my partnership with the red headed dude didn't last as long as I'd hoped.  After 15, he started to drop back.  I slowed for a short bit and encouraged him to "hop on my back."  He wasn't able to do it and I made the decision to go.

With about 10 miles to go, I was feeling great but thinking about hitting the wall.  Anything beyond 20 miles was unknown territory for me and I didn't exactly do workouts to mimic late race fatigue.  I worked on and kept focus.  At mile 18, I was very pleasantly surprised to see my friends Jeff & Jana Walker.  Upon seeing them, I thought about how thoughtful it was for them to take time out of their weekend to see me run.  This was another huge lift and I continued to feel great.

Mile 18. Thrilled to see the Gazelle's. 

Shortly after seeing Jeff & Jana (around mile 20 to be exact), I was starting to feel it. I saw BLS again and she offered me encouraged as I raced on.  There were some tough hills in the mix at this point and I could feel my body weaken.  "Don't let up," I kept telling myself.  I did not want to give in to the wall.  Once again, I saw Jeff & Jana and despite not feeling well at all, I was still really happy to see them.  Jeff coached me up a bit. I just tried to settle into a sustainable pace.  Crossing back into the city, all I could think about was the finish.  My body was trashed.  I was now crossed up with half marathoners and not enjoying zig zagging around runners as I tried to work towards the finish line.  As I approached those last few miles, I knew I had finishing the race in the bag.  I was still unsure what my body was going to do but knew that finishing under 3 was quite realistic.  I tried to take in the last mile as much as possible and crossed the finish in 2:52:22 (6:34/mile) and good for 10th place overall.

Coach Walker..trying to bail out his buddy

Enter the pain cave.  Smile gone

2nd half splits
6:31, 6:27, 6:19, 6:20, 6:22, 6:29, 6:23, 6:41, 6:42, 6:53, 7:12, 7:08, 7:03, .2 (7:00 pace)

I was immediately pretty satisfied with my time when I finished.  Feeling tired and tight, I gave some quick thought to my race strategy and all of the supporters who helped me along the way.  From training runs, to well wishes, to showing up on race day to cheer me on, I really appreciate the support.  For me, the race was a team effort and I have many to thank for it.  Some people I have to thank-my parents, the Walker's, BLS, Jeff Vuono, Mikey B, and Jeff Duda.

*Please note: Race day was also Shara's Birthday.  I am especially thankful for all of her support and for giving me the motivation to get to the starting line.

My 1st, his 40th. Humbling.

Happy Birthday Shara!

Thanks Mom & Dad. I did it!

Post race aspirations
I want to run more marathons...When?  I'm not sure.  I'm still skeptical of getting hurt and am trying to play it smart.  A month out from the race, I'm still not locked into jumping back into a semi-hard training cycle for any type of race.  Time will tell.

2015 Wrap-Up & 2016 Goals

2015 Wrap-Up

The Stats
Strava Run Miles: 1132 {probably ran another 100  or so miles off the grid}
Strava Bike Miles: 1375 {counts for most of miles, just not racing}
Swim length: unsure
Road races: 13
Trail races: 1
Beach race: 1
Triathlons: 5 with one DNF
Adventure Race: 1
Total races: 21
Years in the game: 21

What was unique about 2015?

• Ran in Cancun, Mexico
• Ran over the Jamestown Bridge
• Competed in Newport and Providence for the first time
• I rode 100 consecutive miles for the first time
• Competed in most triathlons ever in one season. * I don't expect/plan on doing the same in 2016
• Proudest accomplishments of 2016: high overall TRI placing at BI & OCY
• Competed for fun in first Adventure Race-BoldRDash

Bottom 3 Performances of 2015

1. Battle of Stonington 5k

2. Boca 10k

3. Run for the Pumpkins Trail Race {although I didn't really try to hammer}

Top 3 Performances of 2015

1. OCY Tri

2. BI Tri

3. Monster Dash 5k

Best Move of the Year

Marrying Shara

Goal Assessment

Looking back at the start of 2015, I didn't even really set goals for the year.  I think the main reason was on-going injuries and minimal running.  In February I did set the Tommy 5k Challenge (Sub 17 5k and bench press 225 lbs within a week of one another).  Goal status: FAIL.  I never really stuck to any kind of lifting regime and the best 5k of the year was 17:09.  Honestly, I kind of forgot about the goal.

Running Overview

Most of the year did not go well for me.  Lingering knee soreness (runner's knee) prevented me from getting any consistent training pattern together.  Prior to my wedding, I almost completely shut it down because I did not want to be limping around.  As TRI season concluded, I was able to incorporate more running and strengthening to my routine.  I did not achieve any good running times in 2015 but I ended the year on a high note by running some 40 mile weeks.  

My PRs {for perspective on why I get so down on my running}

5k: 15:45 track-Springfield College Invite, 2001, 16:05 road, Charlestown FOP 5k, 2005.  I think I ran a 16:02 once but can't find the official result

5 miles: 26:10, Ollie Road Race, 2005

6 Miles: 31:45, Talking Turkey 2006

10k: 33:42, Holyoke St. Patrick's Day 10k, 2002

10 miles: 56:05, Blessing of the Fleet, 2003. * Haven't ran this race since '04.

1/2 Marathon: 1:14:48, Oleksak Lumber Half, 2005

Which leads to Goals 2016...

General-run healthy, compete to the best of my ability, have fun, train with Shara/Dogs/WTAC buds, and keep it fresh.

Specific:

-5k: A goal-get back to a 16:45 5k, B goal-Sub 17

-5 mile: Sub 29 minutes

-10k: Sub 36 minutes

-Compete and maintain Top 5 finishes at BI & OCY Tris

-Help Shara train for Boston

-Swim at least once a week/track swim distance

-Run one speed workout a week even if short

-Continue to do core exercises to prevent injuries

-Get on the bike come spring

-Run the Blessing (must be sub 60 for me to be happy)

-Run in another country

Almost go time at the Rhode Warrior Olympic

Pre-wedding splash and dash.  Thanks guys for coming out.

Monster Dash 5k

WTAC Pumpkins Trail 5k. Yes, this is proof that I did run at least one trail in 2015

OCY TRI

Christmas 10k

Newport Christmas 10k
December 13, 2015
36:00, 6th
Results

In a continued theme of running races I've always wanted to do this fall, add the Newport Christmas 10k to the list.  Here's why I've always wanted to run this one:
1. The distance and team competition. 10ks are rare these days and it's a great racing distance to test your fitness.
2. Venue.  The course runs a long some beautiful areas of Newport that I often visited as a kid while on vacation (Fort Adams, Ocean Drive, Brenton Point).
3. The season.  I'm a sucker for holiday races..
4. The Brick Alley Pub.  One of my favorite restaurants in Newport.  Regardless of the race outcome, it would be fun to hang with my WTAC teammates afterwards.

Pre-race
Warmed up with Shara prior to the race and hung out with WTAC mates, Mikey B and Gazelle. Temperatures were unseasonably warm so I opted to run in a singlet. My goal/hope on the day was to run sub 36:00 minutes.  While getting ready to line up at the start, this guy was looking at me funny so I wished him good luck.  He then asked me if I ran for Westfield State and if my name was Tommy.  Sure enough, it was Marc LeBlanc, a very solid runner and old frenemy, I ran against who attended the University of Southern Maine.  We quickly exchanged some pleasantries and he told he remembers many of the epic battles we had back in the day.

First 5k
The gun went of without anyone really being ready for it.  I established a steady pace and quickly settled in behind Turtle, Dave Principe.  The pace was comfortably hard and I didn't want to blast out and pay for it on the back of the course.  I tried to make a few moves on Principe but he countered every one of them.  Other trying to establish a solid pace and enjoying the scenery, the first 5k was smooth and uneventful.  I believe my splits were 5:36, 5:40, and 5:42.

Second 5k
As soon as I hit the 5k course, I felt like the race needed to end.  After all, my nickname is Tommy 5k.  I found the second half of the race to be a struggle.  There were some small hills to battle and wind off the ocean (Note: it could have been much worse) to battle.  It felt like Principe was pulling further and further away and my splits were slowing down.  Instead of being the hunter, I felt like I was being hunted.  Instead of fixating on who was behind me, I focused on trying to keep pace to still be able to break 36.  It would definitely be a close one.. I think my second 5k splits were 5:57, 6:07, and 5:55.  After finally ducking out of the wind, I was closing in on the last mile of the course. Unfortunately, I didn't have any gas left in the tank.  Strugglefest.  Pushing up the final hill by Rogers High School, I tried to keep running hard to push through the finish.  I crossed the line in 36:00...close but didn't meet my time goal.

Post-race
-I ran into LeBlanc again and found out he won the race in 34:30.  Nice job!
-The Gazelle finished strong and won the Senior Division in 36:50.  The guys is amazing.
-Shara ran a huge PR of 38:14 to win the women's race and place 9th overall.  She ran a 4 minute PR.  Amazing.
-Nice to see Mikey B. back in the game and racing after a fall filled with injurt.
-A bunch of us WTACers ran BLS up the hill to the finish.  She must have been so irritated with us.
-A large WTAC turnout for lunch at the Brick Alley Pub to conclude a great day in Newport.
-I was really happy for Shara and did not want to sulk and complain about my time to her.  The race was a nice test of fitness and a fun day.  Hopefully I'll keep getting better-consistency is the key.

Mr. & Mrs. Shara
(Photo courtesy of someone in the parking lot)

Shara and three fools
(Photo courtesy of Shara)

Team WTAC..minus a few. Fun day.
(Photo courtesy of Jana)

Pie Run Recap

Newport Pie Run 5 miler
November 26, 2015
Results
29:32

To add to my fall list of races and endurance events that I've always wanted to do, add the Newport Pie Run 5 miler to the list.  Here's why:

1. I love the idea of any Thanksgiving race.  It's a great opportunity to  celebrate being "thankful" for running, fire up some competitive juices, and burning some calories before indulging in a great meal with family.

2. The opportunity to run a race in Newport.  After vacationing and/or living in Rhode Island my entire life, I've never race in one of the coolest areas of the state.

3. I haven't run a Thanksgiving Day Race since 1996. Wilbraham Turkey Trot with my brother.

Back to my report--
Leading up the race, things weren't going well.  I had a really bad cold the week before the race and was still feeling major fatigue and remnants of congestion.  Prior to the race, I told myself just to relax, keep an open mind, and see what happens.  Shara and I warmed up for about a mile running into the wind.  Many notable local runners were on the line as we waited for the gun.

1st half of the race
As the gun went off, I was able to get a solid start before settling in.  Like any big race, there were a ton of runners who flew out.  I didn't really know the course well but could already tell wind would be a serious factor.  Within a half mile of the race, I settled in behind former RI runner, Zac Kudlak, who I had met racing in 2006 when I used to visit my family on weekends.   I sat behind Zac for a short period of time as he negotiated through the wind and decided it was time for me to do some of the work.  I told Zac to tuck in behind me and I'd carry us for a while {I remember him being a nice guy}.  Zac appreciated the gesture and let me know that we would get a break once we turned later on down the road.  Once the turn arrived, the wind did in fact let up for a bit and Zac and Kaela O'Neil pulled away from me.  I reminded myself to keep an open mind but I really wasn't feeling strong. Now running on Sachusett Point Road, I carried on.  As I ran towards the turnaround, the leaders started to run by in the opposite direction and split my attention between the two runners not too far ahead of me and the elites, who looked like they battling the wind after the turnaround.  "Oh boy, something to look forward to," I thought to myself.

2nd half of the race
At the turnaround at 2.7 miles, I could now see the runners who were behind me.  My immediate thought was this would give me the opportunity to see who was hunting me and how strong they looked.  At about 30 seconds back, there looked to be a small pack of dudes running together. Luckily, none of the them looked really strong.  Facing the wind, I continued to carry on as I approached the "monster" hill of the day {Jonny warned me about this hill when we talked last week}.  Looking at the hill, it looked manageable.  Add the fact that the hill was fairly steep,  it carried on for awhile, and the wind was blasting, it turned out to be down right brutal.  Once I crested the top of the hill, I was welcomed by the 4 mile marker.  While I was pretty tired, I did feel a big of a recharge as the course was now on a slight downhill and the wind wasn't as bad.  I crossed the line with no one around in 29:32*.

*Results list a runner finishing 2 seconds ahead of me..not sure how this came about, can only guess he finished behind me but started further back (chip time).

Post race thoughts
-Shara ran another great race and finished as the 4th female, 30th overall in 31:24.
-Disappointing performance-I wanted to run sub 29 but can't say I'm completely shocked considering how I was feeling leading up to the race.
-Splits: 5:39, 5:52 (wind), 5:46,  6:18 (wind & hill-very poor), 5:32
-Would I do this race again? Absolutely.  I didn't run well and don't love the course but liked the atmosphere, early start time, and competition.  Shara enjoyed it as well.
-Still fixated on my 2015 running funk.  I'm concerned about a drop off in performance but consistency is the key.  Prior to September, I had a poor year of injuries and running.  I just need to stay healthy, consistent, and have fun.
-I'm thankful my wife enjoys this kind of stuff, allows me to do it, and runs herself.

Thanks Shara!

Avondale 5k

Avondale 5k

November 8, 2015

17:23, 1st

Results

This happened to be the 4th installment of the Westerly Land Trust's Setting the Pace for Conservation 5k.  Due to injury I was unable to compete in 2014 and was looking forward to this race because it was close to home and I like the course.  Despite the fact that I don't run too many trails, I do admire the efforts of this group around town with land conservation and an affinity for preserving nature.  After a recent decent performance at the Monster Dash 5k, I had higher expectations for myself than I had originally planned out.  Ideally, I wanted to crack 17 and if I could not crack 17, I wanted to run better than 17:09 (my time at that race).  The morning was a bit chilly and windy but we had overall good conditions to run.  I warmed up for about two miles with Shara and Gazelle before getting into racing gear and heading to the starting line.   Shara had also been really strong and came pretty close to cracking 19 at the Monster Dash so I expected a big day for her.

The Race

The gun went quickly went off and I was able to start strong off the line.  My main competition for the day would be Gazelle and Jeff Duda.  {Matthew, glad you were still in season for this race.  We wouldn't have provided you any competition anyway}.  As we started out, Gazelle and I encouraged Duda to dig in with us.  Jeff tucked in right behind me and I could tell he was running strong and aggressively.  I joked with him and Duda that I could see how it is and that I'd do all the work for them!  Gazelle and I headed out of the preserve and I felt like we were really pushing.  Not being sure of our first mile split, I was running based off effort and competition but man did it feel like we were running fast.  Turning off Watch Hill Road and onto Avondale Road we were struck with a strong headwind that felt like it really slowed things down.  By the time we turned onto Champlin Drive, I was gassed but happy for a reprieve from the wind.  Feeling tired and slow, the Gazelle was riding me like a dog on a meat truck.  I was officially running scared.  He passed me right before the cul-de-sack turn and I thought it was over.  Somehow I was able to pull back up to Jeff and just wanted to stay as close to him as I could.  Eventually I was able to pass the Iron Gazelle again but I was cautious about trying to run much harder as I wasn't sure if he'd strike back.  By the time we made it back into the preserve, I hoped to have a little lead on him.  I didn't want to be running neck and neck with not much to go.  I ended up crossing the line in 17:23 and the Gazelle crossed in 17:32 (an impressive run and new PR). Duda crossed in 18:07 in 3rd and not long after Shara came through in a big PR at 18:44, which was good 1st female and 4th overall.

I was happy to take the overall win and hold off Jeff.  I didn't end up meeting my time goals and left disappointed in my time because it was about 40 seconds slower than two years ago.  Big congrats to Shara and Gazelle on their PRs!