Todays 5 miler was very quick for me. As I started a lady that was running opposite direction as me and appeared to be anywhere from 35 to 55, I could not tell as she was hunched over a little like me and my eyesight for a few micro seconds is no longer good enough to see a face clearly for that short of time...so she might slap me for thinking she might be 55 or might be thrilled I included 35 as the young end of the range.
Anyway at half way around first loop this lap with just average form, kinda hunched over and looking like she was going 11 minute pace had run about 100 more yards first half of loop.
Well I was speeding up...so things would soon be under control...well at end of my first loop (remember she was 'coming around bend' by the starting point so not sure where she started but she had already been running...at end of first loop as I was really starting to go all I did was hold my own...well half way around 2nd loop or 3/4's way I had out run her that part by probably 45 seconds...and from there I was flying and I finished way ahead of her...BUT she came around after I finished my second loop and kept going...so she was on at least her 3rd loop by then...and if she was finishing a loop when I started then ran 2 with me and then ran another loop you are talking 10 miles.
Welcome to my world. I have to check my ego at the door when I'm out for a pleasant trail run and some little girl comes flying by me, "Excuse me, sir!"
What I failed to mention was the lady said something encouraging each time we met...in fact when I clearly had crushed her and was flying at record pace she was very complimentary by tone...each time she just said 'good job'. After I finished it took a minute or two before she came around but I saw her and I called "Thanks and good luck." She just kept going and by the time I was in the car I looked over at train she was couple hundred yards along and still moving...from the side she actually looked to be moving nicely...but coming head on it looks nothing fast and yet I was absolutely flying today.
I'm kinda hoping she's about 40 and a former Olympic champion and world record holder still in good shape.