Somerville Homless Coalition 5k - Run

Was hoping to PR, and knew that based on recent speed work at the track that should be able to happen. The Harvard and Tufts XC teams had a bunch of guys here for the race (not quite sure why, as they are still in season???), so I knew I definitely wouldn't be contending for any podium spots. I also recognized some faster guys from other 5k's I've done in the area.

My goal was to target around a 5:40 pace, and try to be pretty consistent. This is my 4th race on this course over the past few years (3 different organizations use the same course), and it's pretty hilly. Except for the last half mile, most of the course is always slightly up or down, with 150 ft of elevation change over the course.

At the start a group of about 15-20 guys quickly pulled away, but I didn't want to push much more than a 5:30 pace. As a result, I was able to pull back in a few people by mile 1, which came by in 5:42. The second mile was a bit more hilly, and I was able to reign in two Harvard guys. Mile 2 passed in 5:47. At that point I really tried to push the pace, even though there were some decent hills.

Just before mile three the course takes a sharp right and the last 1/3 of a mile is on a bike path to the finish. I tried to push even more and got down to around a 5:25 pace for that last bit. Mile 3 came in at 5:39 and the last tenth at 5:19.

I took a minute at the finish line to congratulate a few guys who had finished around me, then quickly headed back to the car. The top two guys ran 4:55 miles and finished within a few seconds of each other - both were BAA runners.

Not much - felt pretty solid, and PR'd by 25 seconds.

Jogged back to the car and drove right home.


Not much 5k specific training - breaking 3 hrs in the marathon is my focus.


Another season goal (breaking 17:45) can be checked off. Maybe I can get down into the low 17 range for next season.

NYC Marathon is now four weeks away. Two more high mileage weeks, than a two week taper into what I hope will be a sub-3 race.