Running 10:00 [1] 2.0 km (5:00 / km) +1m 4:59 / km
shoes: 201607 Asics GT1000
Warmup before the race. I started my GPS track a little late. Afterwards, I did some drills to try to loosen up my legs. My hip flexors in particular were tight - presumably from climbing.
Running race 19:15 [5] 5.0 km (3:51 / km)
shoes: 201607 Asics GT1000
Cambridge Summer Classic 5k. Some people from the Broad were running, so I decided to join in the festivities. I arrived at the start line without the usual excitement for a race - my shape is poor, and I did not have high hopes. Still, I went through my prerace routine, warmed up, and mentally prepared. I tend to go out too fast, so my goal was to stay in control for the first two km, then turn up the aggression through the painful 3-4 km. An ambitious goal would be to run 3:45/km for the whole race - which is basically my PR.
I felt comfortable at the start, then glanced down to see a 1.05 km, 3:36 split. Oops. The rest of the race became a struggle to hang on. My feet felt like they were encased in concrete - my cadence was sluggish, and my legs unresponsive. At about 7 minutes in, I heard what sounded like a caffeinated metronome come frolicking up behind me, and this small woman gradually cruised up next to and passed me. I was a plodding, lumbering giant compared to this nimble sprite.
Anyway, I was actually scared that I might run over 20 minutes, so I guess I shouldn't be too disappointed. Still, this is pathetic. If I can run this fast in my bad shape, I can break 18 with some discipline, intervals, and consistency.
Running 34:45 [1] 6.01 km (5:47 / km) +3m 5:46 / km
shoes: 201607 Asics GT1000
I wasn't really tired after the race - though I think oxygen (i.e. fitness) and fast turnover on my legs had been the limiting factors, rather than energy. I decided to go for an easy cruise to my office. The river was pleasant.