Today was the 34th annual Clydes 10k and my second running of it. Hard to belive that this race is almost as old as Columbia itself. It's a great Columbia traditionand I urge more people to get out there and give it a run - it's a great way to see the side streets of Columbia, meet new friends and say hi to old ones and enjoy one of the best after race partys around. A big Thanks to Race Director Dennis Albright for once again putting on a great race and cheering the runners through the finish line - your hard work and effort was evident in the happy faces of all the runners (well, when they were finished at least)
I ran a bit faster then last year, not surprising as I ran a 20 mile long run the day before last year and this year only 3 on Saturday and no lifting either. Oddly enough my legs felt fresher last year. I think the first mile threw me off my game plan (such as I had)definitely cost me some time. All the way past the two mile mark I was bottlenecked (I think that's one word) and unable to hit the pace I wanted for a 46 minute finish. Jumping the curb and running on the grass to pass people was a bit more effort for the first mile too - especially for what I had to show for it - an 8:22 mile which was about a minute slower than the plan. From that point I had to make a bit of a mental because I knew that too much more of a harder effort on the upcoming hills wouldn't be worth it in the finishing miles so I cruised around 7:40 or so and slowed down just a bit on the hills. I did manage a 7:02 for last mile and it was enough for a PR but not the one I wished for. Great racing expereince as always and I'll walk away from this race a little wiser (I hope)
Daniel Kessler drove up from West Virginia to run and hit a hugh PR - I belive :53 something and about 5 minutes faster then his previous best. Way to go Danny! And it was great seeing your family again. Moca didn't hit a PR or I guess she did as this was her first 10k - lots of 5k, halfs, marathons, 50 ks and a 50 miler - but first 10k. So automatic PR. Same for Matt for that matter. Moca ran a smart, tough, fast race and broke an hour which was the goal. :58 I believe (correct me here people if I'm wrong) and I was super proud of her. It's a great sign for this years upcoming races. Both Matt and Moca have been plauged (ewwww...) with calf and achilles trouble and both ran tough today. Matt wanted to break the hour mark and would have easily and by far if he was 100%. He setteled for a great race and 1:03 effort leaving him ready for the Triple Crown in two more weeks and the North Face 50k this June. Smart running.
It was great seeing Judith cheering on the sidelines and will be even better running with her at CAT this July - it will be the battle of the Vegans so stay tuned (she's tougher then me) and get well soon Judith. Always nice to see running friends - it reminds of a large part of why we're out there - to run along side (as well as ahead and behind)our fellow comrades, brothers and sisters. A big thanks to all who showed up and for those who didn't - see you next year!
Peace,
Eric
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