The Accidental 10k PR

as you all know I'm in the midst of my three week taper for CIM.  As is our tradition, my wife and I, along with our six kids headed downtown at 5am this morning to run in the Detroit Turkey Trot.  My coach wanted me to be careful and cautious. The plan was for HM pace and a 40:00 finish.

But damn, I felt great. I never pushed it, never sprinted and ran a 5 second PR of 38;39. Dang.  Last two miles were 6:07 and 6:02.  Never pushed it. Could have gone a lot faster.  Conditions helped.  Flat, 30, 7ph wind.  No injuries!!!!!

Also Madeline ran a pr of 46 something. I ran the subsequent 5k with my 10 yr old and he pr'd in 24 something.  But heck, kids his age are supposed to or every time out as they grow up and get stronger.  Now. I wish that was me.

As I've been told, any PR is a PR and worth of WOOHOO!!!!!!  Now, get your ass in that chair, MISTER, and TAPER!!!!

But, why CIM?

ounce wrote:
But, why CIM?

#5 Fast course with a reputation of decent weather, even though the last couple of years sucked.
#4 Originally targeted to run with my daughter's attempt at Olympic Trials qualifying - but she has since had hip labrum surgery and will be out a while
#3 I have two friends who are going for the qualifying time 2:18 (B-standard) including my coach 
#2 Never a done a marathon this late in the season and thought it would be nice not to have to kill myself in the heat of July and August training - only problem is we got early snow and crappy weather this year which forced me indoors some, and the darkness is even longer.  But overall it's been a better training cycle and I think the later start date had an impact.  Longer base period over the summer and then cooler temps for the harder runs the last 3 months.
#1 As I approach 60 years old the opportunity to have a new PR - not age graded - becomes significantly less.  I figured I'd train hard for one, potentially last, go for it attempt, and this course looked like a good chance to accomplish it.

All signs are go, but as you know 26.2 is a long way and anything can happen.  As I want to go as fast as possible, and not just beat my PR by a couple of seconds, my biggest fear is thinking I'm in better shape than I am and having a big positive split second half from going out too fast.  Can't help the weather so if that gets in the way so be it.  

So that's why.

Well, it looks like you are in condition to get the performance you are after at CIM.  And weather is still looking like it will be cooperating - 48ish at start, partly cloudy, wind (if you can call it that) 1 mph.  I hear the pace leaders are awesome there; you may want to tuck in with them for the start to keep yourself from sprinting off the start line.


What is your goal for the race?

2:58:02 is my PR. Targeting 2:55:00 but dont want to blow the PR.

You are one speedy dog . . .

Woohoo!!!!  You are poised for a good one.  Hope Chelsea is healing well.

Ooo! Nice!

You're well-positioned for a great race in CIM. Good luck!

Yes, I think CIM was a good choice and you've done a great job preparing...will be fun to watch.

Congrats on the PR!

Congrats on the PR!  You're good to go for CIM.  

And Oz - Because California is the best state in the country, duh.

Great job 'reining' it in!  Looking forward to the race report on CIM.