gobble

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I ran a pb in the 5k today at the gobble gallop. I felt smooth and in control throughout the race, but glad to have it over when I finally crossed the finish line. A cross country race with uneven footing and roots and rocks and a hill thrown in every now and again is much different than being on the road where there is predictability and rhythm. A nice change of pace to be sure. I'm not sure I liked it more or less, but I certainly felt different.


I came off the line  fast, but settled into a pace quickly and didn't over do it. I picked off a few people in the first mile and worked on grinding out the. Second behind someone else. It's easier to be a chase than the chased. Navigating tight turns and people walking there dogs made for a unique experience too. I need to be patient and let up just enough to make sure I could pass cleanly and confidentiality.


At the end knowing I wouldn't catch the runner in front of me and there was a gap behind me I felt like just letting off the gas, but I saw the finish clock ticking under 20 minutes and wouldn't be able to eat turkey in peace if I missed the mark because my will gave out and my legs still had the juice.


I missed getting a medal by one place. Oh well. I got under 20 minutes. 


It won't show up on Strava because the GPS said the course was .1 miles short and this was noted by all the cross country boys. I care a little, but it's a sanctioned 5k race so I'm counting it. Especially give the conditions out there. Any way 16th place out of more than 500 runners is a good day. 


A fun day too. 

Marathon training is so intense and every thing comes down to a single day. Today all the pressure was off. Yeah, I wanted to knock down a sub 20 min 5k, but the stakes and expectations were low. It's a Thanksgiving morning fun run. Everyone in good spirits. Seeing friends. Perhaps some bragging rights, but much more relaxed than all the intensity of 26.2. And it all is over before 10am. I still think the distance races are my jam, but it felt good to sprinkle in a 5k and test my fitness (while in some respects still recovering). 


I can see how people get hooked on these shorted distances. Plenty of hype with less of the rigamarole. Maybe I'll do one more this winter... Time will tell. 

One thing is sure, I am very grateful for my family friends and health. Especially this year. It's been full of some wild turns. It's a gift to be upright and in motion. 

Gobbler Gallop Times 

2023 21:44

2024 20:10

2025 19:20




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