Daily Note

Rainy day, and a big PR.

Last year's Broad Street was my first big race since college, and 57:18. Today's official time: 53:07

Got there maybe 90 minutes before the race. it was pouring rain out the ass, and I hung out under the tent, and then eventually on the bus.

did a warm up jaunt around 7:15 with a squad. At this point, the prospects of running a lights out time seemed a little bleak. I just figured I would try to place as high as I could, and hopefully break 54.

It slowed down when I switched to racing clothes. I was able to get in some drills, but I really couldn't get in strides and we didn't get a chance to do a run out right once we lined up.

We waited in the rain for a few minutes, per usual.

Off the gun, I went out at what usually feels like T pace, ended up being a little hot, 5:03. Settled into a 5:10ish rhythm, but the main front pack broke and put in a half block distance with the first 1-2 miles. I ran in the pack with Chris Mullin, Kieran, Ethan, Ethan (lol) and some other dudes. I think there was a master's runner in there or something. Ethan Herrman had so much energy, he was clearly jogging. He fist-bumped some runner, and took off at which point Chris Mullin said "I'm tired of all this camaraderie. We need more drama. Kieran, fuck you, dude!"

I felt solid through mile 5, but Chris dropped us drastically. I lost a lot of rhythm at mile 6, consciously picked it the fuck up at mile 7 and then from miles 8-9 sucked ass. Ethan R dropped me, and then I caught Luk. I did pick it up again once Brian got to me, but I felt like I was at "just hanging on" speed. Brian and I duked it out/worked together in the last two miles. Kick lacked some strength at the end, but close was not bad overall. Maybe I just psyched myself out at this point. I probably had more in the tank than I realized. I passed Kieran at 9.5. Me hanging on this year was better than any mile split from last year.

I didn't cool down, mainly because I was lost in worrying about finding my stuff (not a good bag check system this year), getting warm, and finding my dad. A good shakeout might hopefully get my recovery going.

Overall: ~26:10 at the 5, then ~26:50 to close.

I'm going to file this as a confidence booster for future half marathons and gaging what I am capable of doing.