Time of day 3:15 PM
Distance 4.92 mi
Distance WU/CD 4.20 mi
Comments 8th Ultimate runner: 4 seed
Made my way back to NC for the 27th Ultimate Runner to revive previous days of sharp speed. This has become quite the tradition for Joe Lust and I and this year did not disappoint. Perfect weather conditions and subdued NC heat made for a pleasant experience compared to previous years.
Warmup for 2.5 miles on the XC course before strides. Opened the mile with a sub 70 quarter asking for an honest pace from the rest of group 1. Unexpectedly the 1 seed made an early move at 800 that was too hot for my taste this early in the race. Let him go in hopes of a quick burnout from him. Tried to hold 70s but legs weren't feeling sharp and conserved to finish in 4:45 flat. Recovered rather quickly and wished I made more of an effort to kick in the end.
Went into 400 with the mindset of sandbagging to conserve for the 8. Felt fresh and was dragged out with the pack. Luckily the faster guys got boxed in the waterfall start keeping them in contact until 150 to go. Realizing how close I was to the front, I felt obligated to kick hard. Finished in 56 nipping a guy right at the line. Must have been a negative or even split run.
Tried to open the 800 hard. Came through in 62 and in 2nd position. 3rd place made a move at 300 and struggled to stay in contact throug the 4th bend. Held onto third, legs noticeably flat after previous races but my lungs were still feeling fine.
The 100 will never feel right, but still gave me hope to pick up some spots being the key race of the meet. Had a slow reaction to the gun and stood straight up from my 3 point starting position. Felt very choppy cruising to a 12.5 finish. Feeling flat doesn't help after three hard efforts, but this was an awkward run.
I was nervous for the 5k XC after bonking in previous years. Didn't wear a watch since this was all about place. Went out with the lead group of 5 for the first mile fighting a side cramp. By the first water stop the group strung out to 2 leaders including Joe followed by a solo runner in 3rd and myself about 30m back. Started feeling quite good by the end of the first loop and started moving up on third. Managed to catch him by the 2.5 mile mark and decided to sit on his trail. The win was out of my reach and 5th place was way back. Conserved energy until I reached the track and made a move at 600, closing the final 4 in under 75 for a 17:45 3rd place finish.
Short cool down before enjoying the marathon awards ceremony. Great to hang out with old friends. This is by far my favorite race of the year. Hopefully I can learn to sprint again for next year. Many college/high school studs making big moves in this race. Happy to finish in the mix again after a few poor performances. Tied for third overall and my T shirt remains un-flamed, going home with a nice beer mug and gift certificate to the running store.
Slits:
Mile: 4:45.0
400: 56.3
800: 2:08.2
100: 12.53
5KXC: 17:45
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