Ayer Firefighters 5k and Training?

Photo: warmer days on the farm!

The Ayer Firefighters 5k on Thanksgiving was the race I had been hoping to break 17 minutes on this year. I ran 17:27 last year and was in much better shape this year. I am in the last week of mostly resting and did not run since Slattery's on Sunday. My hamstring is starting to feel much better and after warming up with Jaime I though I was ready to pop one more 40+ PR this year. I lined up with Jaime and Andy McCarron, and the race seemed to go out pretty fast. I tried to keep Andy in sight for the first mile and looked at the clock at 1 mile and saw 4:40, and began to panic until I looked at my watch and

read 5:40 which was 20 seconds slower than last year. I then got passed by Jaime and a few young guys, and realized my attempt to break 17 was out the window. Jaime got 20 yards ahead and I tried to focus on running hard but relaxed and at 2 miles I had caught and passed Jaime again. I hit 2 miles in 11:25 and by the 3 mile turn I was trying to put as much distance on Jaime as possible as he still has 2 minute 800 speed. Luckily the finish is downhill and I was able to hold off Jaime and another 40+ guy for a close finish. I finished 9th behind Andy in 17:46. After talking with several people, the consensus was the course seemed longer this year. The race director mentioned during the Awards about it being 400 feet or so longer this year, adding several 90 degree turns. I have now reached the end of my fitness and I am looking forward to serious Base training and no important races until DH Jones in February.

Training Nov 23- 29
M-W 0
Thur 9 mi ayer 5k 17:46
1+ mi at home
fri 8 mi 7:30/mi
sat 8 mi 7:30/mi
Sun 10 mi 7:40/mi
Total 36 miles Year=2266