Mission Possible 5K race report

 All systems were go this morning, good sleep, fine weather, and wanting to race. I did a shorter warm-up this morning, but it was adequate. This race was very well run and the folks were great! There was plenty of water/juice/nanners...they even had these unreal Cinnamon rolls!! I had one after the race.
  The field was mixed with 5K and HM'ers. I opted to move up to the front seeing majority of runners were running the half. When the whistle blew I took off running 'bout as fast as I could! I was really serious about trying to get in under 24 minutes. I observed this guy who is 61 and runs consistent 21 minute 5K's. He's amazing! I tried to hold on to him! The course was on a asphalted trail, very nice, rolling and scenic. I was passed by a couple of guys running the half fairly early. I was feeling gassed and I looked at my watch and it said .47....I did the math and realized I was going to suffer in this race because I started way to fast! A 7:25 first mile. I tried to find places I could rest, little downs...but I was in debt...The turn must be coming because here came the winner...a 52 year old!!! Then the 61 year old a couple of younger fellas, and one really fast and strong Lady, She ran a sub 20. So there were only 5-6 folks ahead of me?! But reality hit at the turn...the watch said 12:10. Sub 24 was not possible. Not the way I felt, anyway. How's that for negative thinking? I shook it off and decided to keep pressing. I enjoyed seeing all the 5Kers behind me! Mile two was an 8:08 mile, 15:33 two mile split, here I calculated that sub 24 would be possible if I could speed up. Easy to think hard to do...my legs, body, was not handling the lactic acid worth a lick. I felt it pretty good on every little uphill yet I poured it on during the downs. I came on to the parking lot and saw 24:00 on my watch and I hadn't even tripped 3 miles....the third mile was an 8:38! So I died, but I tried! Hearing some encouragement I finished strong with a 25:15 unofficial. Get this....slower than last week? I ran a stinkin' hilly course last week, this was a sweet route with no big hills.....go figure?
  Because of the thin field I took home first in my age group 55-59. I still believe I can break the 24 minute barrier. I won't spend much more time chasing it though. I want to move to longer D. Watching the HMers got to me...I miss long distance.
  So I had time to think on the drive home my plan of action. I have the speed, I need the ability to hold on anaerobically. That requires training. Plus I need to lose weight! At least 8 more pounds! Is it all worth it? Why not? I will train all the way up to the target race, Oct 23rd, and let the chips fall where they may. Hope you are having a great Saturday! I'm helping a band out tonight, they are in need of a Banjo picker! Peace!