Commence Race Mode!

Ok folks, Saturday is my last stand alone running race of the season until who knows when. Maybe next fall?

I am doing the NYRR Scotland Run 10K down in Central Park. I don't really ever run 10K's, but this will be my 2nd one of the season. I ran the Joe Kleinerman 10K on Jan 7th, so this will be a great 12 week 10K checkup.

How will it go down? My goal: Get as close to 40 mins or under as possible.

Back in January, I ran a 43:21 for a 7:00 flat pace. Then at the 4 miler in February I ran a 25:06 for a 6:17 pace. Finally, at the National Half almost 3 weeks ago, I ran a 1:32:35 for a 7:04 pace, and in the process hit the 10K mark at roughly 43:41, only 20 seconds off of that January 10K PR time.

I am fairly confident that this will be another PR. Now, just like the National Half, by how much?

That 4 miler 8 weeks ago proved that I have some speed in my legs. A 6:17 pace is more than enough to break the 40 min benchmark. All is needed is a 6:26 or faster pace.

Easy right?

Its gonna hurt. I already know that. But you know what? If I feel like I want to quit half way through the race, that means one thing: I AM DOING IT RIGHT!

Now a couple of factors to consider:

1) Weather. Supposed to be low to mid 40's at race time. PERFECT!!!! Over heating has been taken out of the equation.

2) The course: Central Park is a rolling course, with a few decent hills at the top of the park. The course is going in a clockwise direction, which means you hit two large hills instead of just one if the course were going in a counter clockwise direction. Its strange, I know. I think because of this the course is harder. Regardless, its the same elevation no matter which direction you run it in. I think I am more fearful of the clockwise direction simply because I have not run that way as often as counter clockwise. (I know I know, call me a creature of habit!)

Ok, I think I have over analyzed this race to death. Hey! Its only customary, right?

Now I will let my legs do the rest of the talking!