Getting the W - what a way to start off vacation!
Splits:
5:16
5:38
5:42
5:39
5:25
Final Time: 27:47
The first half of the race had a strong headwind coming off of the bay, and though it was an early enough start time, the sun felt strong. I previewed the course just a bit, and purposefully took it out hard during the early downhill and before the headwinds got progressively stronger. I had another gentleman with me virtually the entire way though. A mile in, I thought he was going to hang tight in the 5:1X range, but as he tried to pass, I kept him on my shoulder, and we both naturally fell into a 5:3X pace.
The turnaround point had a short, but tough uphill and I did my best to open up my stride immediately upon descending. I didn't create much room, and it was still a two man race. The third and fourth mile felt tough and tougher, and as I started the fifth mile I thought for sure I was going to be caught. Each time I dug a little deeper I could feel my insides tying in knots. But there is no remedy quite like the, "just take ten hard strides"...and repeating that every ten steps.
When I had a quarter mile to go, I dipped into the well and accelerated slightly. I took a peak back - the distance was close-able. Already on the pain train, I took one more look as I entered the final straight and accelerated once more to close the door. I didn't go into full kick mode, but the second place finisher made me earn this W.
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