Refresher Course

I keep thinking things are improving and then I am not sure. Two weeks ago, my back went out. It was bad, but the pain was contained to roughly three days.

Things got better to the point where I showed up at a local 10K last weekend. I discovered that some lessons are worth learning more than once. I had to relearn the idiocy of going out too fast.

It was a small race, only 75 or so did the 10K vs. a total of 600 with 5K and walkers. I lined up near the front, planned to run smart and easy at the beginning and then try to pour it on once I hit the hills, the first four miles were hilly, the last 2 or so were on a flat trail. I started with a small group that would all finish ahead of me except one guy. I felt like I was working too hard, and was, as I ran the first 2 miles at 6:20 pace. Not so bad on the first mile, but once I started to climb, I knew I was over my head.

Miles 3-5 were ugly. I was slowing down and was certain at one point I had already passed the Mile 5 marker. I know I hoped I had, but no such luck. I felt a bit energized when that elusive Mile 5 marker was in view, but the march to the finish from there was slow and painful. The only consolation was that no runner passed me as I expected one would. Nothing makes an old school meltdown worse than having a runner who went out slow and did it right effortlessly gliding by you in the last half mile. I crossed the line in 41:24. I was OK with the time given that I wanted to run 6:45's.

My question was didn't I just run the 6:45's and save myself the aggravation and stress? I will have to remember that for next time.

The stats are fun, I was 7th overall and 1st in my age group. No hardware at this race and it's just as well. I don't want to be reminded of this one.

I guess the reminder was the burning sensation in my quads that then turned into a nasty back spasm on Monday morning. Today is Thursday and my back is still bad. I would love to say lesson learned, but I think I still have more studying to do.