Placement aside, I raced a good race at the Ottawa Run For Reach Half Marathon. Like any races, there were people that I challenged and there were those that I didn't. When all is said and done, the outcome of this race aligns well with my goal for this season.
Finishing Time: 43:48.5 (official results available here)
Overall Placement: 29/92
Gender Placement: 6/27
My start left much to be desired. I parked myself behind DL and GN at various times. It looked promising that I could remain in the main pack. However, I got spooked a few times by clicking skates. Every time that happened, I missed a stride and that cost me dearly. At that kind of speed, I could not afford to play unnecessary catch up when there were already pack accelerations to deal with. When I finally got dropped by the main pack, I rolled for what seemed like forever before the next pack caught up.
I hopped into this pack of six or seven skaters easily. There were some familiar faces and I quickly assessed the pack. The pace was easy to handle and I knew that it was time to play. The dreaded 180s was not as bad as I thought. Our pack slowed down significantly for every one of them and I stayed near the front to minimize the amount of catch up I needed to do. I no longer get out of the pack in anticipation for these turnarounds so as not to "disrupt" the pack with my inability to turn. The skaters behind me could take care of themselves.
We picked up EL who got dropped from the pack ahead. Throughout the entire race, attacks and surges in speed were not uncommon, especially after the last 180 turnaround. The pack split several times and sometimes we flushed out weak skaters while other times they bridged the gap. It was awesome fun to reel in breakaways, chase down attacks, and initiate attack of my own. There was certainly no shortage of action. I stayed near the front half of the pack and loved the fact that I could get in anywhere I wanted. This kind of confidence is what I need to develop. Coming close to the field sprint, it was the usual poker face and nobody wanting to pull. As soon as EL peeled off from the front, DD started the field sprint. I was ready and well-rested. PC got around to the left of DD and BX. I was originally behind PC but once I lost his draft, I knew that I had to get into the draft of DD and BX to fend off skaters behind me. Unfortunately, with the narrow finishing chute, I could not get around either of them and came in a wheel behind BX.
Unlike most of my races where I just hang on to the pack for dear life, I got a chance to try out some strategies and tactics. For once, I was mixing it up and had a good practice for field sprint. These are all valuable lessons to take away from a race where I could afford to make mistakes. Although I would much prefer a better result, I think this race prepares me well for racing which lies ahead.
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