Week #9

Starting week #9 of the 18 week training program. Ran 7 miles this past Saturday and 18 miles on Sunday. Also, ran/walked on the treadmill after running outside. My feet are fine, but my legs feel a little bit tired. The bottom of my right foot was hurting after 15 miles on Sunday. I tried to modify my landing, and it seems like it worked because pain went away. I also used injinji (five-finger) socks. I believe these socks and especially the Galloway run-walk program is allowing me to increase my mileage without getting injured.

Amana Freezer 5K Run

First race of the year. I have been following my marathon training program very religiously. I had to think a few times if I could run a 5K in week #7 of the 18-week marathon program. Honestly, I was concerned if I could run a 5K race. Trying to stay as healthy as I can, was somewhat scared about running a fast 5K race.
Pushed the Garmin start button and didn't look at it during the race. Just started following my rabbit (this guy about my age that has similar running skills than me -Thanks CB!). As usual, I was able to hang on to him for the first mile (@ 7:05 min/mile). But then, I felt I could keep up that pace, so I hanged on to another runner (AJ) and looked like had to leave behind my rabbit.
Reached the middle of the race and tried to run downhill faster taking advantage of gravity. Then, road became flat again and had to just keep the pace. Tried to catch a few front runners, and I did!
Felt pretty good when finishing. Last 0.3 miles ran @ 5:34/mile. That helped to finish with a 7:00/mile pace overall. Finish time: 21:45 min.

Finished in fourth place in my age group (sucks!). There are three runners that I admire finishing before me (below)! They remind me to be humble and keep working.

David Robertson, 59, 6:35/mile, 20:26 min
Rick Colton, 56, 6:45/mile, 20:59 min
Brett Roehlk, 54, 6:59/mile, 21:42 min

Horacio Olivo, 54, 7:00/mile, 21:45 min

Garmin-Connect: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1536062520