Typically this race is the highlight of my year - the race that kicks off the month of May festivities for Indy. The race that has 35,000 participants. The race that has crowd support all over, more volunteers than the population of some small cities, a lap around the Brickyard, etc. However, this year my focus has shifted to my marathon in November.
I didn't train like I normally would leading up to this race. No real speed workout to speak of, but instead just tempo runs. And the weather was supposed to be terrible - mid 60s at the start with humidity levels of 97%.
I backed my goals down accordingly. I wanted to finish in 1:40 (which is about 7:40 per mile pace) for those reasons. That is about 4 minutes shy of my PR, but I wanted to enjoy this race and not kill myself in the heat, but rather use it as a good workout run. And I succeeded!
I followed my plan until the track (about mile 7). I felt good, so I picked it up from there and finished in 1:38. Still, two minutes shy of PR, but I felt like this race was one of my best ever, because it was a smart race. I made a game plan, and followed it to the letter. When the race was over, I still felt great. I finished 950th out of the 35,000 participants!
Now I am taking a couple days off (nothing like recovery days). Jess and I are heading to Chicago today to watch the Braves and Cubs at Wrigley (lets go Braves!!!). One more day off, and then it will be time to get back to training for November!
Left, right, repeat