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Monday, October 27, 2014

Race Recap: Lisa McNichols Places Second Overall in a Thrilling Goblin Gallop 5K

From NOVA team member and Masters ace Lisa McNichols, to Coach Jerry

Ran the Goblin Gallop 5K this weekend. I went out with the lead pack and was tempted to push it, as the pace felt very easy, but I remembered what you said and did not want to die like I did last week. It was me, Alisa Harvey (whom I have never bested), Jackie Gruendel (who ran a 5:24 or 5:25 at the DCRRC Bring Back the Mile race when I did 5:28, and won last year), and a young girl from Germany (her mother won the Masters division). 

We hit almost 6:10 on the nose for the first mile, then maybe 12:25 at the second mile. We were all together trading the lead. I pushed it a little at the two mile mark and I think we shook Jackie around then. I started flagging around mile two, but got it back together, then felt pretty tired about two and three quarters. I think I was 18:40 or 45 at the three mile mark, which seemed quite slow. With about 600 (maybe less) meters to go, the German girl surged ahead. I was getting pretty tired then and let her go.

I knew it was going to be between me and Alisa for second place, and was ready to settle in for third. But we rounded the turn with 100 meters to go, and then I said, "I'm here, I might as well give it everything!" So we sprinted for it and with about twenty meters to go I realized she didn't have it. I saw the first place girl raise her hands in victory, but was happy I didn't just roll over. Once I started sprinting it really didn't hurt that much anymore. So I got second overall.

I have to say I am pretty disappointed, as my time was the same as the time I ran in my 5K last week - 19:24. Last week I wanted to stop half way through, it hurt so much. This felt way easier and I had hoped to be faster. The course was up and down, so I guess it was harder than it seemed. 

It has been a long time since I have been in the lead pack for a road race, and so I was fighting some demons. Alisa Harvey has the indoor 45-49 American record (I think it's a 5:04!) and I know she still has speed. But the pace felt totally manageable. All in all, I think this was a good run for me.

Speaking of which, today is my 47th birthday! If only I had run a little harder, I could have won! But $100 bucks isn't a bad birthday present!

See the full Goblin Gallop 5K results here