This is it!

First big race of the year for me is 48 hours away and I’m feeling good. A bit tired from studying for a test this morning but I have no classes tomorrow and should get good sleep each of the next two nights. Laying down right now and besides a 30 minute bike spin today and a 15 minute warmup + 2-3 race pace 100m strides tomorrow that is all I’ll be doing. Thank you Netflix.

Just found out that Dan is in for the run. This is huge for me b/c he’s in at least sub 30 minute 8k shape and wants to go out with me. The plan (that I’ve been thinking about for the last 2 weeks) is to go out around 6/mile pace and slowly pick it up until I’m around 5:50/mile pace by the end of mile 1 (5:55 split ideally). From there, I’ll hold this pace or just a bit faster if I feel good, NEVER going under 5:45 unless there is crazy wind at my back (weather is looking interesting wind-wise), coming through 4 miles in 23:20 (5:50/mile). If I can get to this point with even splits, I’m confident I’ll still feel ok. The only question is, will I run a 6-6:10 last mile OR will I be able to throw down a 5:40 last mile. That might all come down to how well this taper thing works out. All I’m thinking about is getting to that 4 mile 23:20 point with as little effort spent as possible. The rest is out of my hands.

Next post you’ll see will be the post-race report