Before I start this blog, I want to apologize for not blogging after the Mariemont 5K, the North Olmsted Community 5K, or even the end of May recap. Life got in the way and I didn’t want to force myself to write something when other events for occupying my mind.
I have always loved the Hyde Park Blast 4 Miler. It is a great, competitive race, in one of the best neighborhoods in the city of Cincinnati. The competition is always great and although the race is a little more pricey than most races, the money goes to a great cause. For example, the money raised last year went to Lauren Hill. This was the fourth time running this race and I have progressed a little bit in the past 6 years…
2009- 16th place 23:53
2010- 16th place 23:33 -> Swore I would never run this race again.
2014- 4th place 21:37
2015- 2nd place 20:42
I had the race plan of get out hard the first mile (short uphill, then big downhill), hang on miles 2 and 3 (uphill), and hammer home the last mile (uphill first half mile, downhill and flat 2nd half to finish). With this plan in mind, I felt that sub 21 was definitely attainable and that with a time under 21 minutes I would be in a position to win. I was wrong…
Clayton Wilson (Clemson) and myself shortly after passing two miles.
Colin Cotton (multiple AA Honors, National Runner Up in XC) showed up to the starting line and I knew it would be a tall order to take down him. But, I didn’t let that shake my confidence, we (Colin, myself, and Clayton) went out through the first mile in 4:51 and we were all still talking which was a little surprising, considering that was my fastest mile in months. Colin eventually pulled away as we headed up Erie and my mind was to just make sure I hung on for second. I was battling with Clayton Wilson, a runner from Clemson University and eventually he dropped off the pace because he was doing a tempo workout today. I really wish he would’ve kept going because the last 1.5 miles was lonely. Going up Observatory was brutal… After I hit 3 miles, my pace had dropped below 6 minute pace for the first .1 of the next mile. I knew if I didn’t pick it up sub 21 would soon be out of reach. Eventually I regained some energy as I reached the top of the hill. I came thru the half mile in 2:45 and knew I had to kick hard to make sure I was under 21 and secure second place. My last mile was 5:04. According to Strava, my last 800 was 2:19. I am very happy with my finish and the fact that I improved upon my place again. Although I really wish I could have taken home the win today, there is no shame into losing to Colin Cotton who is a very very good runner. It was a good start to the morning as I still had a workout to do before I could engage in some post race festivities.
Finishing up in 20:42!
No idea why the clock was a minute off…
The plan originally (before signing up for the Blast) was to do 6 by one mile at marathon pace (5:25) or faster. I decided to jog a mile to the Withrow track and do a 5K in the outside lanes starting at MP and then progressing downward. I have never really tried a workout post race, so I really didn’t know what to expect. It went really well as I finished up the 5K in 16:30. Splits:
5:26
5:20
5:10
31
Only near the very end did I feel a little gassed, which is really encouraging. I honestly don’t know which one was the bigger confidence boost, the workout after the race, or the race itself. I know one thing though, I am in good shape. I have big goals for the rest of the summer and leading up into Chicago. Today was one of those days I will remember when I am lacking confidence and need a little boost.
End of June and first half of the year blog coming soon, hopefully Tuesday night it will be up!
Jeffrey Denny 