run race 28:18 [5] 5.0 km (5:40 / km) +35m 5:28 / km
KC Corporate Challenge.
I felt ready for this race. I knew what to expect and I trained well.
I ran my own race, not trying to keep up with or pass anyone. I kept looking at my watch to make sure I was on pace.
The long uphill didn't seem as bad this year, but I did struggle on the last uphill after the turn around. I felt good as I pushed down the hill.
When my watch beeped at 5k (I measure this race as 5.13k) I knew it was time to sprint it in. But the finish looked closer than I remembered and I thought, I'll get a PR easily, so I eased back a bit towards the finish.
I start my watch a bit before the line, and stop it after the line, so I don't know (at that moment) what is the chip time. My self-timing said 28:22 and my PR is 28:20. Shit, I may have just tied my record and not broken it! I was so mad at myself for easing up near the finish. I definitely had something left in the tank and could have gone harder.
I chatted with my coworkers at the finish (we had a record 21 participants this year, thanks to my efforts to badger everyone) and hung out until everyone was done.
When I got home, I found that the chip times were already posted. I searched for my name with dread, but was thrilled when it came up as 28:17.5. Whew, I had done it after all! Learned my lesson, and I'll push harder at the finish next year.
Won't know the full results by company and age group for a few days.