Well, the race went fairly well. My 5K split time was 31:57, which should equate to a total of 1:03:54 (10:17 pace). I slowed a bit during the second 5K and ended at 1:05:37. That was still a 10:33 mile pace, not far behind my normal pace of 10:30. I was out of energy during the 5th mile, and the 6th was no picnic, either. So, I’ve decided to capture some lessons learned and things to try next time.

Lessons learned:
1. Eat more — I had a bowl of cereal at 6:30, and our wave started at 9:05. By 9:30, I had no energy in reserve.
2. Start slower — I should have paced myself in the first mile or two slower. I was feeling good, so let my legs get ahead of my head.
3. 6.2 miles is a long time to not have someone to help you keep an even pace or to keep your straight.

Things to try:
1. Eat a bagel with peanut butter — carbs and protein, a great combination. Maybe a whole wheat bagel to make it a bit healthier.
2. Watch the watch — keep at the correct pace starting at mile 2. Expect that the first mile will be slower than the expected / average pace, and that you will make it up slowly as the race progresses.
3. Find someone to run with. 6.2 miles is a long time to be running without a partner to slow you down, speed you up, keep you going.

Next, the Ashland Railroad Run 10K in just two weeks.