Westerly Run for the Pumpkins Race

Yesterday was my second time running the pumpkin (less) race in Westerly.  I was rather nervous leading up to the race, as I won it last year (my first and only road race win), and I knew that the field was going to be bigger, and include some of my fast WTAC teammates.  This 5K is very hilly, including a steep 98' climb about halfway through: 

Last year, I ran 19:00 flat, and this year I was thinking I would be low 18's, but my goal was sub 18.  It also would be nice to finish first again.  The pressure was on! 

I arrived early with my dad, and picked up my bib and shirt.  In the parking lot, I noticed an unfamiliar fit-looking guy.  I also saw fellow teammates Jeff (directing and running) and Mike B.  My body was tight, and I decided to head out and run the entire course as a warm up.  The weather was spectacular (about 60 degrees and sunny, some wind).  Running really helped me relax and focus.  I glanced at my watch and I was going a little too fast during the first mile (mid 6's).  Oops.  I slowed down and continued to the big hill.  I tried not to storm up it.  I was impressed with its steepness and length, thinking that I had been exaggerating it in my mind from last year's race.  It made me think that it definitely was going to be an advantage to me place-wise (I love hills!), but not time-wise (goodbye 17's?).  On the third mile, the stranger from the parking lot jumped onto the road ahead of me.  He looked smooth and fast.  I checked my watch - I was running about 7 flat and he was pulling away from me on a warm up!  Yikes.  I finished up around the fields at the registration area and found my wife and kids.  Next thing I knew, it was almost time to start.  I ran some more and then waited at the line. 

At the gun, I sprinted to the front.  I tried to dial down my enthusiasm and stay under control.  By the time we were exiting the park, I was passed by the fast stranger.  He steadily increased his lead over the first mile.  After the fast start, I settled into my goal pace for the first mile (5:30).  I could hear footsteps behind me, but they weren't too close.  I reached the first mile in 5:32.  I continued on to the long downhill section until the course turns left onto the big hill.  I figured it was a good sign that Jeff hadn't run me down by now.  I began the ascent, watching first place ahead of me to see how he handled the hill.  I was gaining some ground, but he was still 15-20 seconds ahead of me.  Then the course turns left, but continues to gain in elevation.  I was really feeling the burn here.  As I crested the hill, it took a while to recover, but luckily it was downhill (briefly).  One more small climb, and I saw first place glance back at me.  I took this as a sign that he was tiring, so I tried to pick up my pace.  This was right about at the 2nd mile mark (6:01 split).  I felt like I had narrowed the gap to about 10 seconds before the course reaches its highest point, and then he descended speedily towards the finish in the park, and increasing his lead.  I got my pace back in to the 5:30's, and picked it up to low 5's as I finished through the park.  I was surprised that the clock was still under 18 when it came into view, and I sprinted to finish in the 17's, which I thought I had in 17:59.  SNERRO strikes again, just like last year when I thought I finished in 18:58, the official time was 19:00, my time this year was 18:00.  Oh well.  The winning time was 17:45.  Jeff came in 18:30.  My dad finished in the 24's.  I chatted with the winner, and then was greeted by my wife and kids.  After more mingling with fellow WTAC runners and watching the awards/raffle it was time to go. 

Finishing up.  Photo courtesy of Jeff Walker. 

Overall, I was super pleased with this race.  Last year I ran 19:00, and then 18:08 a couple of weeks later on a flat course.  I'd love to duplicate that 52 second improvement when I race that same flat course next week.  Kudos to the WTAC for putting on a great event! 

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