Cavedog Running

Saturday was the MADD Dash 5K held at Al Lopez Park in Tampa. Beautiful morning for a race with cool temperatures making it quite comfortable. I was curious how I would do in this one because I did not alter my training other than doing an easy stride workout the night before. So, that week alone, I had almost 50 miles of training on my legs. I knew in warmup that I wasn't going to be able to get the time I was wanting to go after. I was hoping to lower my PR as Al Lopez Park is the perfect course to PR on. The legs just weren't as fresh as I would have liked, but I expected that.

The plan was to run the first mile in 5:50 which is what I did. Unfortunately, I could not hold it and ran 6:11. I pretty much took the gas off for the 2nd mile to make sure I would have a good 3rd mile. I am very happy I was able to pick it up for the 3rd mile in 6:03. I finished the race in 18:43. It was good for 1st in my age group.

With all the training, I am pleased with the time. I now know that I can run a good time and keep the training load up. It is more important at this time to keep the training going than posting slightly better times in local 5Ks. Some point here, I will pick out a 5K for a PR attempt and adapt that week's training accordingly.

Didn't seem like as many people ran this race as last year. Same exact trophies and I think the shirts were the same as well. I like when races change things up year to year. One little hiccup with a volunteer during the race. The lady directing runners down the path to the finish tried to send the lead group I was in down the path on the 1st lap of the park. Everyone pretty much ignored her and I told her that we go down the path on the 2nd lap. Other than that, it was an enjoyable race with good bananas and bagels to eat after.

Coming into the finish.

Quick pose with my 1st place age group trophy.