This was our third time running Lake Louisa. Only Jenny and I went this time. As usual, it was pretty hot and humid which makes the already too long "5K" course seem longer. This is the longest 5K course I have ever run coming in at 3.16 miles.
The numbers: 18:54, 2nd overall, 1st overall Male. Splits: 5:59, 6:08, 6:00, 4:55 pace (last .16)
I had a great run. This race isn't real fast so it gives me a great opportunity to win the race. Before the race started, I knew I had two to contend with. One guy looked pretty fast and a younger woman who looked like she knew what she was doing. I told my friend Kevin that she would win the race before the start. Well, she didn't dissappoint. When the race started, I went out at my usual effort. The woman went out fast, then the guy, and some other woman I caught on the first turn as she was huffing, puffing, and croaking. I figured if I could not lose much ground, I might be able to kick at the end. That didn't pan out as she slowly kept getting farther away. So, my attention focused on the guy who I kept about 20 yards in front of me. On the way out, I was pretty sure I could pick him off if the pace stayed the same. I just ran my race and lurked behind him. At the turn around, I was probably 30 seconds behind the leader and yelled some encouragement to her as she went by.
I kept biding my time behind the guy waiting to make my move. Even played hide and seek with him as he went on the wrong side of an island in the road that had tall bushes. The side I was on was also the shorter distance.
I planned to go just before the 3 mile mark. He still wasn't going anywhere so I went. I blew by him quickly and was alone for the finishing stretch.
This was my fastest time on this course by 40 seconds.
I have no problem losing the overall position to a female. Especially one so fast. As it turns out she is a pro triathelete trying to make the Olympic team. Good luck to her, maybe we will get to see her on TV next year.
Got to hang out with Kevin and Lisa for quite a while. Looks like we will all be camping in St. Augustine in July for the Bridge of Lions 5K!
This was the first of 5 straight racing weekends. Next up is the first race of the Watermelon Series in Lakeland.
