This morning was the first of three successive Sundays where I will put down a 5k at one of Long Islands lovely state parks. Today's race was at Heckscher State Park in Great River - about 40 minutes away from my house. Unlike most 5k's this series starts at 11am so I had oatmeal and some OJ at 8:30 and didn't have to leave the house until 9:35. Met Joe Jensen (a friend from FedEx) in the parking lot as I was warming up. There was a blanket of fog over the entire park which made for a somewhat creepy feel but was cool and not quite cold enough to chill me.
I was geared out in my New Skin kit - race top and shorts - and I wore my winter cap with the headphones built into them and my biking gloves, carried the 10oz bottle of water and we headed to the start line. My concern before the race was that my legs were still hurting from my Saturday workout (did weights for legs - may not be too smart before a race) ... once we got running though I felt good.
My goal of a sub-24 minute finish did not come to fruition but I did set a PR with a 24:08 finish with Joe matching me stride for stride to the 3 mile mark. Finished 177 overall out of 959, 138th male and 17th out of 55 in my age group.
Tomorrow I have a 17 mile "jog" on tap - I really need to keep my pace in check so I don't suffer like I did last week. The plan this week will be to wear the fuel belt with 4 bottles and bring 2 or 3 gels with me.
My name is Paul - I am a Clydesdale Triathlete from New York competing in my third season (2013). 2012 was a mess of injuries and disappointments but this is a new year with new goals. A few short years ago I weighed 308 pounds. Changes in nutrition and exercise helped with weight loss and competition keeps me focused on getting lighter and perhaps someday not being The Heavy Racer.
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