Freezeroo #5 a return to racing.

1
Way to excited to be racing in 10 degree temps.

Ever since I PR’d in the 5k back in early November I’ve had a tough of it on the roads.  My turkey trot race was terrible which I blamed on the 10k xc race in the snow a few days before, December was a total no go because of the snipping and my 2 January Freezeroo races were both subpar which I blamed on walking pneumonia/tuberculosis.  Aside from the weather which was less than idea (10 degrees and 10+ mph winds), there was no reason I could run a good race at Freezeroo #5.

2
That stupid t-shirt scarf was not helpful.

Freezeroo #5 an 8 miler in Greece in memory of Tom Brannon.  Because I had been racing so poorly the last few months, and doing pretty much no speedwork either I didn’t know how fast to race.  I decided I would go out with Kenny for the first mile and worry about the other 7 miles later.  This actually worked out pretty well.  The first mile was mostly downhill and with the wind so I had a very easy time going through the mile in 5:18, just a few steps behind Kenny.  Once we turned and lost our downhill and tailwind I quickly dropped off to around 5:30 pace and Kenny pulled away.  A runner named Brian Barker from UofR was running with me and we came through the 5k together in 17:05.

I made a move away from Brian just past the 5k mark and open up a bit of gap during miles 4 and 5.  As we turned onto Long Pond Road for the long stretch back into the wind my pace fell of dramatically.  I’ve always felt a bit like a big sail running into the wind, and I went from running a fairly comfortable 5:35 pace at mile 5 to 6-6:10 pace the last 3 miles.  It was just about mile 6 when Brian passed me and opened up a 10 second gap which he held onto for the rest of the race.  I tried many times in those last 2 miles to surge and catch him but I only managed to close the gap by a few seconds each time before fading again.

Overall I’m very happy with my 46:15 finish, and I’m looking forward to the final Freezeroo which is a 10k out in Ontario on February 22nd.

3
There is no one near you Kenny, watch you footing!
5
My first time wearing tights in a race.

 

6
It’s gotta be the shoes.

7

Sorry you are blurry Joe, I blame the cold.

  

The last Freezeroo is setting up to be a great competition.  Kenny and Dave are only few seconds apart in the stands, and if I can put together a good race I have a shot (all be it a long one) of catching Brian for 3rd.

Results Here.

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