Straw M Thoroughman wrote:
Are you sure the 17:30 wasn't on a short course?
two valid questions. did you run 17:30 only once and was the course short.
other things to think about:
- are you running the same courses as last year? if so were the conditions similar to last? (same temps, clouds vs sun, footing dry/wet, etc)
- how do this years times compare to last years for YOU on the same course? you may not be as good at say technical footing or steep hills as teammates you beat in the spring or on flatter courses.
- did your teammates that you beat in the spring also put in a great summer and maybe they are further along than you in fitness? which is fine, we all respond at different rates, you can only control yourself so don't get discouraged.
- your 5:30 1st mile may be way too fast if really hilly, or fine if it is flat, but if miles 2 and 3 are strength sapping, then sure, you'll slow down.
- so you have upped the mileage, perhaps the intensity. are you really killing it in your workouts? it is early season and hard training and great racing don't always mix. i'd say if you've upped your mileage you may just be on the edge. come october/november when you scale back on the volume then you should pop a great race or two.
- by all means look at iron (ferritin will be the telling marker and you have to specifically ask to have this tested).
- you may also want to see if you have developed asthma.