Cresting The Summit!: Greek Peak 5k Oct 13 2012

So just the other day, I decided to run a little local 5k here in Cortland to support the Greek Peak adaptive sports programs. As I am almost a week away from the Empire State Half Marathon, I felt that a little tune-up race was in order. The race start time was 11am as this was very beneficial since a massive cold front came through and dropped temperatures into the 20's early this morning. By the time it was race time, the temps hovered around 42 with a wind chill in the mid to upper 30's. Most people would think of this all too cold but for me, I have found that I thrive in this temperature range period. Why I do so well in colder weather beats me. So anyway, I did my normal warm-up thinking this 5k was going to be around the Hope Lake and ski lodge on their biking trails which are solid blacktop. To my surprise, this race for the 5k actually incorporated some of the steep xc ski trails around the lake as well. This was going to be a mountain 5k. After my warm-up, I began to hydrate ever so slightly with my Camelback Elixer Lemon/Lime and Lemon/Lime Gatorade power mix which produces a light sugar sports drink that is not overdone on either end of the sugar spectrum. I then stripped down into my racing attire. I had arm warmers, gloves, singlet and shorts just the type of outfit I will wear for the empire half.

It was then time to head off and it was great to have Chris hang out and watch me run around the course. With the blow of a whistle, we were off. I immediately took to the lead and then headed across the little bridge out on Hope Lake and then made the sharp turn straight up a nice steep ski slope. Obviously, I had to gauge my effort and not to sprint up the hill but rather climb rather strong. I felt that my climbing was very good as each effort I made to crest each summit, I had enough in the legs to surge on the flats and then fly down the other sides of the hills. I shot down the first climb then was directed into more trail sections. With all the wet leaves underfoot and some muddy sections, with road racing flats, my grip on the trail was not optimal. I only maybe ran 1k of the race on the road or path rather and the rest on the ski slopes. I had no idea how fast I was running but I did feel I had a nice comfortable fast effort going. I hit another climb then bombed the downhill and then headed out along the bike path. I came through the section so fast I had to stop and ask the race official where to go. Once redirected I headed out on the path waiting to see where I must head next. Then I came near the finish shoot and had the race event directors running to my vicinity to tell me to make a right up another ski slope. This climb was tough. I would say an easy 700ft climb. My pace slowed to a 8min mile as I worked my way up the pitch and then was out along the upper trail sections. I had a few more small climbs to go and looked at my watch as it read 14:34. I am thinking I probably have a half mile to go so I hit another gear through the wet and muddy, leaf-ridden trail sections sprinting all-out. I also thought maybe I was averaging 5:20 or 5:30 miles which would have been a nice tempo effort with the climbing. But no I was wrong! I came out of the trail section and then bombed that same steep up hill climb now as a downhill pitch and then flew into the short finish shoot. I stopped my watch at 15:57.
I averaged 5:08 a mile. I felt great as I hung out with Chris and waited for the awards ceremony.

Overall, it was a great day and a fun race. I am totally going to see if I can be my record! I learned a lot form the day. Even with mediocre sleep, I performed well. I also am in insane shape to run such a challenging 5k and perform the way I did. I think Max King would be proud. This was by far the hardest 5k I have ever run and truly was a challenge for all. Greek Peak is a great place in Cortland to run, race, and train at and I am very lucky to have such a great facility 8 miles away. Empire State Half Marathon here I come as this will be my next big post. Thank you Greek Peak for the great photos.

Thank you to my friends and family, my sponsors: Sierra Designs/Kelty, Karhu/Craft, Patagonia, Acidotic Racing, Ok Runner for helping me on my journey to greatness. I feel that this year is going to be HUGE! I cannot wait for the snowshoe season and I am excited for the summer trail season and spring marathon season as well. Bring it on NY.