2009 Charles E. Davis 7 Mile Race Report

WIN!

1st place in 40:07.

The temperature was in the mid-60's, overcast skies, and a slight westerly breeze. Pretty much perfect for racing.

We took the school bus out to Perry Corner where the race begins. The course is 7 miles in on Route 190 to downtown Eastport. It is fairly flat with 3 hills located at mile 1.5, 4, and a one mile climb to mile 6.

Before we got on the bus, I ran a slow 2 mile warmup to loosen up. I'm glad I did as there was only 3 minutes after the drop-off and the start of the race. Just enough time to jump in the woods. We lined up and then we were off.

And off we were. The lead pack was pushing like I've never seen. I hooked up on the leader's shoulder and drove it on. The alarm bells were going off inside my head but the legs said keep on pushing. So I pushed.

Mile 1: 5:07

The leader and I broke away and headed up into the first hill. It rises, flattens, and rises to the to top at 1.5 miles. Just before the top the leader eased the pace ever so slightly and I pulled ahead and rolled over the top. Then I opened up down the other side like it was a 5k race.

Mile 2: 10:36 (5:29)

I turned onto the first causeway and with the intent of breaking into a commanding lead I kept it at the redline. Aerobically I was feeling good but the alarms were still sounding in the background. But knowing who was behind me I had to risk it for the chance of a solo finish.

Mile 3: 16:10 (5:34)

Flat for half a mile then up to mile 4. Now it was getting hard. The Eastport police took over escort duty and I locked in on the blue lights and battled the coming fatigue. I had no regrets. I was in it to win and this was my try at it. I told myself to relax but the hill still took its toll.

Mile 4: 22:09 (5:59)

Down the other side. I had to keep reminding myself not to let up. I'd catch myself trying to recover. Then I'd pick up the pace until the next low point. Repeat.

Mile 5: 27:59 (5:50)

The road was twisting and turning and my escort was great. I'd move across the road into the left lane and so did the police car! I ran in an awesome protected envelope! Against traffic with a cruiser right in front of me forcing traffic around me. That was a huge help on this open course. This next mile is a bruiser no matter how you look at it. It climbs gradually for the whole mile just sapping the pace. With under two miles to go I tried to maintain my pace but it was too difficult.

Mile 6: 34:10 (6:11)

Final mile! All downhill and I was spent. I pushed really hard to a sharp left where a quick look back confirmed the race was mine. Enjoyed the final 3/4 mile like a victory lap. Ran through town without stress waving to my neighbors. Loved every step of it.

Finish: 40:07 (5:57)

Average: 5:44 pace.