Training Log Archive: cmorse

No good trail running options this AM, and didn't really feel like doing the usual out and back to the lake, so decided to head up to Forest Park in Springfield for the Snowstorm 10k after reading PG's log last night. I've only ever run one 10k in my life, up at Forest Park a couple years ago. At registration they ask you to predict your finishing time, and I really had no idea what kind of time I might run, so said 49 minutes, but felt that was probably rather optimistic on my part.

The course winds through neighborhood streets around the park and then loops back into the park and picks up the 5k route for the final couple miles - back out of the park and along more sidewalks and city streets before finishing back at the Skate House. I figured the roads would be mostly snow covered (and I was correct) so I wore the O-Rocs for traction.

Race started out on a short stretch of narrow, unplowed trail with a good crowd jostling for position on the loose footing. I scooted off to the right and managed to move ahead in the field rather quickly. Hit the hill up and away from the Skate house and moved up the hill feeling quite strong and without much effort. Passed quite a few people and got a little worried that I was going out too hard, being not too far back of fellow Strider David Merkt, a much younger and speedier guy than me. But I didn't feel I was pushing it, so went with it. With the packed snow footing, I focused on a faster turnover and keeping my feet beneath me rather than longer strides. Aimed for the good packed snow & ice and avoided both the bare pavement patches as well as the slushier type snow.

Felt strong all the way around and never really felt I was 'racing' until we got back into the park and I opened it up a bit on the downhill to try and distance myself from chasers and attempt to gain on the person in front of me. Didn't manage to catch him, but very pleased and quite surprised to finish in 8th position, a couple spots ahead of David M. And beat my predicted time by over 5 minutes - no chance of winning a prize for that one...

Only logged this as a level 4 because except for the very end, I was never pushing my limits and always felt I had something in reserve. But I'm racing Curly's Record Run tomorrow, so didn't want to leave everything in Springfield either...

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