7.1 on the day, with 21 minute late morning shake out run, and warm up, mile race, recovery and 4X4 relay in the evening.
I hated life and running (the mile) all day. Should probably talk to a sports psychologist about that. Primarily happens with track races (mile and 5000 in particular). Really negative head space. But once the gun went off I was fine, and just on autopilot. 18 people in the slow heat under sunny 85 degree skies in Boulder. Tucked into 3rd behind a HS girl and a 40 yr old guy for first lap. She slowed up around the 3rd turn so the 40 yr old guy took over. I felt pretty good drafting, but held back. At 900 m I took over and never looked back, although did hear foot steps with two guys on my heels through the third lap. Closed well, and got a good negative split: approx. 81,85,80,80 for the 1/4 miles splits to finish in 5:26.9, best mile since 2019. 87.7% age grade (90.2% converted to sea level).
Saw a well known former CHer soon after and we chatted for a bit, but it took a few hits on my inhaler as I had some asthma issues soon after finishing the race.
4X4 with age group teammates (team name: No Grabby Hammy) was a blast. We ran 4:33, and my split was about 68 (give or take 1).
