The last race

Well my fall season is over. I ran my last race of the season in Hirakata city which is just 45 minutes away from my home by bus. All the previous races I have been to this year entailed overnight stays so it was nice to go to a closer one. The course was along a river bed so I was looking forward to a semi-fast race. It was quite cold and a bit windy so my warm-up was shortened. I probably ran a half mile so I was a bit stiff at the start. My hamstrings were tight but I managed to push through it and relax as much as possible. The first mile went pretty smoothly 6:12. It felt pretty easy so I picked it up a bit and started catching a few people. At the turn araound I was running well and hit 2 miles in 12:19 for a 6:07 2nd mile. The last mile I ran as hard as I could, knowing that it was the last race of the season so I wanted to give it my all. From the turnaround point there was a guy behind me who was making the most disgusting noises. He sounded like he was half-way between having a heart attack and vomitting. It was making me nauseous to listen to him, so that was a big motivation to get away from him and out of earshot. In the last half mile I saw a guy ahead of me with the worst form. His arm was flailing around and he looked quite awkward. I just couldn't face losing to someone who looked that bad. Well, I guess I have to face it because I couldn't catch him by the finish. So that is how far I have fallen in my running. I used to strategize how to win local road races. Now I struggle to stay ahead of grotesque noise makers or to beat people whose form does not measure up to a level I have set. :) Anyway I ran the last mile in 6:03 and finished in 19:05. This is a post 40 personal record so i consider it a success.