Memorial Day means the Brian Kraft 5k for many of the top local runners here in Minnesota. This year's race brought favorable temperatures, calm winds, and...slower than usual times. My entirely unscientific survey suggested that most everyone was a little bit off. The only explanation I can find is that perhaps the heat wave earlier in the week sort of zapped everyone and left the field feeling a little flat on race day.
I came through in 6th place with a 15:16. Eric Hartmark ran away with it in 14:54, a bit off what would usually win this race. I ran over 30 seconds faster last year despite the fact that I had just run the Superior 50k the week before (this year there were 2 weeks between the races). This reinforces my many years of experience that I race best off marathon training...high mileage and lots of long tempo work, which is what I was doing last year in preparation for Grandma's Marathon.
In any case, I'm not too bent out of shape about the Brian Kraft 5k. My goal is to run well at Mount Washington, so I've been doing lots of hill work. I was not sure how that would translate to a flat 5k, but apparently it didn't translate very well. On the upside, I felt strong and fairly smooth...just not very fast.
I may race again next weekend and/or the following weekend. Plans are a bit up in the air, but I feel like I need to get my mental racing game sharpened up, and the best way to do that is to go out and compete.
I know it's not a goal race, but I can't wait to see what you do at Afton. It sounds like the course is being altered this year (erosion) and might be just a tad easier; a CR could be easy pickings if the weather's okay.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to run Afton. Does anyone have a guess at how the Superior vs. Afton courses might compare?
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing Afton should be a bit faster, but I can't really say how much. Heat will likely be a factor on July 3, but the course is clearly not as tough. Then again, it's no joke...
I just read about the Mount Washington race in New England Runner. Wow! What a challenging course! Makes the ol' Cable Car Chase seem like a downhill race. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteNice run at Mt Washington. That is one long hill. Looking forward to hearing what you thought of it.
ReplyDeleteI think Afton should be 10-12mins faster for people in the 4-4:30 range at Superior. It will be hotter but no excuses with the steamy weather we're getting on and off here... It's time for a new CR!