How should I approach this race?

High School Running Distance

2 years ago 10/25/2021 5:39pm EDT

I’m in 9th grade and my final race is on Friday. It’s district championships and I’m number 6/7 on the team my current pr is 20:43 5k(it’s a weak team). And districts is on a 3 mile course. I have ran there once before, during the first race of the season where I ran 22:05. I’m looking to break 20 minutes on this course. It’s a ok easy course, the first 2 miles are pretty flat with a few small hills but those 2 are very equal in difficulty. The last mile is slightly harder. I’d say it adds 10-15 seconds vs the other ones. How should I approach this race

2 years ago 10/25/2021 5:57pm EDT

re: Ben.chapuis

are you familiar with the 'gobble gobble, m'fer' protocol?

go out easy. too easy. let the fools race ahead

spend mile 1 contemplating your family, your friends. No faster than warmup pace. Make sure there are still people within sight, however

mile 2, contemplate yourself, your hopes, your dreams. You may need to kick it up a notch to keep a substantial portion of the rear-echolon in sight. Stay relaxed

Mile 3: start figuring out which portly fellow(s) you are going to unleash hell upon in the finishing 'chute. Start making sure your hair looks good for your finishing photos

mile 2.95: Gobble, Gobble, M'fer. Unleash the fury. Line up behind as many runners as you can and close the final 250m or so at/about your open 400m pace. Lock eyeballs on everyone you pass. Mouth the words "Gobble, Gobble" for every scalp you take.

your welcome

2 years ago 10/25/2021 6:14pm EDT

re: Ben.chapuis

I assume there is a hill in the last mile? Breaking 20 is a great goal, but you should come prepared for this race. be sure to get good sleep this week, stay energized. Take these easy days easy, and the hard days relaxed.

As far as the race goes, I actually have had a race like this. I go out pretty quickly (5-10 seconds faster than goal) for the first mile and then back to goal pace for the second mile. Take it easy up the hills (not super easy, obviously) and then pick up the runners at the top. If you do this right, you will set a record. You shouldn't really be wearing a watch in this race, however as it will throw you off with the hills involved. Just go run a great race!

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