15k

The 15k was today, the run I registered for when I didn't make the NYC 1/2 lottery. I intended to train for it alongside Mrs. FA, while she trained for the half. I didn't come close to that, but still had a good run.

Even with a minute, 20 seconds lost to an urgent potty break at mile one, I surprised myself with a consistant 9.30 pace for the first three miles, and was surprised again to hit mile six under one hour, at 59.23. My off-again, on-again right knee pain started around mile 4 but was managable until just past mile 6, when it started to make the hills VERY tough, and I walked up a few.

Around mile 7.5 an older guy I had been chatting with around 6.5 pulled up next to me. He caught me walking and said, very warmly, "Come on buddy, pick it up."

I responded, "It's not the lungs, it's the legs."

He said, "Use your arms! Your arms will carry up up that mountain!"

And, son of a b*tch, pumping my arms I took the rest of the hill and the next two, the knee less of a factor, and I practically flew (for me) the last two miles to the finish. It was a big, strong finish for me, probably my strongest to date. I was aiming for sub-90. My watch said 1.34.10 at the finish. But with the potty break and etc., I am pretty happy with the time and very pleased with my 3 and 6 mile splits. Mrs. FA and the little FAs came out to cheer at miles 2.5 and 6, which was a great boost, too.

It was a good event, typically well organized and not too many runners, so the start wasn't overly crowded. Temps were lower than I expected. I went out in shorts, a polypro long sleeve, the race T-shirt, polypro gloves and a baseball cap, and was so cold at the start that I thought it was going to be a big problem. After the first mile I was dressed perfectly.

Peace, fellas.