Lakeside 5k

Yesterday was the Lakeside 5k here in Penticton. It's pretty awesome to race in your hometown especially on a course where the finish is very similar to Ironman Canada. Last year I had planned to run this race easy and ended up going out harder than I thought for the first 4k and then keeping it in control for the last k. I ended up running a 15:15 or something and definitely felt it for the next couple of days. Coaches orders were to win the race but keep it controlled. When the gun goes off I automatically go into hammer mode so I decided that I would avoid this by not taking the lead until the final turn up lakeshore which is about 1200m from the finish. I ran with fellow local Dave Matheson until the turn and ran strong from there. It was a less than spectacular time for me but I got the win and had a great experience. I love racing local because it gives you the opportunity to see the success of your friends and training partners first hand. IMC 2012..... seems likely. Dave had a solid race holding on to second silencing the early morning pool pundits who claimed that he was horribly out of shape. Keddi-Anne Sherbino who also won in Vernon, took the women's race. New to running she is super talented and definitely one to watch in the next few years. Super cute as well. But, BY FAR the performance of the day goes to the man, who name I don't even know, who finished third with a Roger Banister-esque collapse at the finish line. He definitely got ugly out there. REAL UGLY and luckily Dirk was there to capture it with a timeless photo.

Although I was planning on keeping it controlled I kept my pre-race routine the same as if I was going out to smash it. I packed my stuff the night before, went to bed early, got up early, ate the same things I usually eat and did my usual warm-up. Two reasons for this. Firstly, I think that any race is a good chance to go through your routine and iron out any kinks that might be there. Secondly, something I learned a long time ago at the 2008 Bare Bones Duathlon, never take anything for granted. I held a lot of confidence knowing that I had trained hard and training was going well but I learned at the Bare Bones Duathlon that all the training in the world doesn't mean squat if you don't bring you A game to the race. I came fully prepared to run a smokin' fast time if needed. I am looking forward to coming back to defend my title next year.