Well, my back had been getting a little better, and I had been getting some good sleep for the few nights before the race, so I was hopeful, but realized the chances of having a good race were slim.
Got the train up with Don, and it all went pretty smoothly, although there were a ton of people there, of course, and was a little stressed about getting a good position. Turned out it was no big deal, and being the B block was not bad either, as I was able to jump up on the sidewalk and get by a lot of them.
First four 5k splits: 20/20:17/20:52/21:03
Right on target for a sub 3:00, but I knew from about the 10k mark that things were going to end well, as the pain in my back was starting in, and my right hamstring was feeling tight. Also, the new Zoom Streak XC 4s were giving me trouble - they felt really stiff and were starting to give me hotspots.
Pretty soon after the halfway mark I started to really feel bad, and couldn't breath properly because of my back, and started to walk. I thought I was going to get a DNF, but there was basically no way to get back to the finish, so I just kept plugging on. I tried to run as much as I could, but it started to get really tough.
I kept waiting for Don to pass me, but it took quite a while, so I knew he was not having a great day either.
The last 17k were really rough. Mostly walking, trying to run for five minutes at a time, but just couldn't. Kept thinking I would drop out, but it was never a feasible option, so I just kept pushing. Somehow I recovered enough to run (very slowly) for the last 5k and salvage a little pride.
Finished in 3:48.
Wondered if one issue was not getting in enough mileage, or from going out too fast, and they were probably both factors, but the real problem was my back. Frustrating that I don't know what caused it, and that a trip to the osteopath didn't help like it usually does.
Looking forward to some time off for the holidays, and then figuring out what the next challenge will be.
I'll be back for you Tsukuba!!
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