Springdale Salute 5K: this is the first year I did this. The course started in the bottom of Glenn Oak park, ran down the trail to the bottom of Springdale, along the right road to the foot bridge, then up the hill to Prospect, around the turn around loop then back. The USATF map got it at 3.1 but various Garmin watches got it at 3.2 or so.
I had warmed up on the track (4 laps, plus extra) and cooled down too. Time: 29:04 (chip), with the first mile being 8:57 (slight uphill). Place:38/149 overall, 27/56 among the men (close to median)
Temperature: 70 F, 84 percent, but some shade. I think that, plus the big hill, added some time.
The course: I train on it..it is part of my 8 mile hill loop. But today, I wasn’t doing 11:30-12 mpm. I pushed this guy that I frequently see; I admit that he appeared to want it more than I did. I did catch him on the uphill and he fought me off..then on the way back I gained but really didn’t kick it in; I wasn’t in the mood to hurt.
Afterward: I didn’t partake but they had yogurt, high quality bagels, cheese sticks, etc. Very good spread.
The cause was for a Veteran’s home; it is known to be a worthy cause. I can recommend the event. But: do not expect at PR or a season’s best; that climb is tough, at least for a 5K type race. Expect a 5 percent slower time (e. g. a 20 minute 5K runner can expect to run 21 minutes, 30 minute runner would run 31:30, etc.)
Life of an old goat 