First race in a while, after a low and slow mileage summer and still in pain early in the morning. I wanted to do this race just to evaluate my fitness considering I have done in 2009 and 2010 55:24 and 54:58. My goal was to finish under 1 hour and if I felt decent trying to stay under 58:30, that is 4:30/km. This race is held in a small town, Orte, the course starts 100 m lower than the main plaza where is the finish line and goes on a rolling loop for 11k and it climbs up to the very top of the town during the last two km. Many guys and girls around here have their best 10k during this race, because there are not many flat 10k where to test your speed. I got there at 9:00 am, found my captain to get the bib number, changed clothes and then after a quick stop I lined up in the middle of the crowd. The start is usually crowded but I didn't mind to start slow and to have people to pass along the way. My goal was to stay at 4:30/km and then along the way evaluate my legs and my feet. At km 5 I was at 4:27 average pace and I felt good, I decided to leave the group of people I was running with to see if I could make up some time for the final slow 2k. The chasing game continued until I reached the finish line, just during the final climb I probably passed more than 10 people. Overall I was happy about the time and the feeling, I honestly did my best and my legs and feet were ok after. I am writing this on monday morning and my feet are in pain 2/10 my right one, 8/10 my left one, this was somehow expected. The good news is it will go away during the day, it is just a painful reminder. I have miles and speed to rebuild slowly and patiently.
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