Shamrocks 4 mile

 I decided to run the Shamrocks 4 mile in Manchester NH based on a number of factors (entry fee, start time, race distance).  Four miles is a bit of an unusual distance and this was my third time doing a 4m race this year.  It is a pretty good distance for me to race at right now as my fitness slowly comes back.  I'm not really ready for longer races and it isn't quite the fast speed of a 5k.

Race day featured temps in the upper 30's with fog and a little drizzle, in other words PERFECT for racing.  I previewed some of the course as a warm-up, and had driven the other part prior to ensure I knew where I was going.  The course was very well marked with cones and arrows.  It was also sneaky with more climb and descent than the Lawrence 4m (last weekend).  That race had 150' but it was all in a half-mile.  This race had about 160' but they were all very small and gradual ups and downs.  I hoped to run close to 6:00 pace.  I didn't see anyone out warming up, which generally means the field will not be strong up front.  I saw Mark Mayall right before the start and we are usually closely matched, so it looked like I'd be in for a fight.

Only 175 runners turned out, but they were certainly enthusiastic with many St Patrick's outfits and kilts and such.  At the start the lady from Runner's Alley shot out and the guy from Millenium went after her.  I settled in with Mark at what felt like the appropriate pace.  

By the mile (5:50) the front runner (Katherine Cross-Powers) was more than 10 seconds up and I was in the 2nd pack with Mark and Dan Johnson (Millenium).  Mark and I traded the lead off and on through 2.5 miles.

There was a long steady drop from 2.5 to 3 miles and I pushed that section as hard as I dared.  That got me clear of Dan and Mark and WAY up in the distance I could see the leader.  She would not be coming back to me.  With a 2m split of 11:57 and 3 in 18:57, I knew I had a shot at breaking 6's if I could hold it together.  The last mile had a steady drop of 50' from 3.25 to 3.75 and I worked that, knowing that the last 1/4 mile would climb back up 50' (probably the toughest part of the course).  I kept it together and held on for 2nd place in 23:53.  Although I've been beaten by many women, I have never finished 2nd when a woman won the race outright.  Doesn't matter, I met my goal and I'm no worse for the wear.