January 2nd

Yesterday's poor race performance was hopefully just a bad day.  Today's run was much better.  Ran 9.25 miles in a 8:50 pace with the last 2 miles the fastest.  I even did hill repeats at the end.  Felt fresh and comfortable the entire time.

Wicked Frosty Four

Ran the Wicked Frosty Four this morning.  Race time temps were in the low 20s with a feel like temp in the teens with a bit of wind.  Cool temps for sure but I was actually more concerned with overdressing. Felt good before the race but I've been fighting a bit of a runny nose.  Jogged the approximate mile to the start of the race and began to worry that I indeed had overdressed.  Met up with my friend and got to the start line.  First mile I felt great.  Took off from my friend and ran it in 7:11. Mile 2-7:39.  However 2 miles in I felt like I couldn't breathe.  My nose was definitely running and it felt like someone was squeezing my lungs.  Pace started to drop. Should have stopped to catch my breathe and blow my nose but my pride wouldn't let me because no one else was.  I know stupid mistake.  2.5 miles in and approaching a midsize hill my friend passed me.  This really took the wind out of my sails.  I wanted to keep up with her but I just couldn't.  My lungs were definitely hurting.  Finished in 31 minutes (almost 2 minutes slower than last year's time.) Finished with a slower pace than I did running a 5 mile race just a few weeks ago on almost the same course.  Feel depressed and hope that this is not a sign of things to come.  Hoping my less than stellar finish is due to the cold air, my having a cold and probably going out a little too fast.  I'm committed more now than ever to work as hard as I can the next few months and not to worry about others.