I needed to start adding some intensity into my training to prepare for Worlds coming up in November. Physically I was recovering from Nationals 2 weeks ago, but mentally just could not get motivated enough to head to the track for solo 400’s.

So Headed to Kent State for a local 5 K. Even though its only 30 minutes from my house, have never been on the college campus there. Wow- was it impressive. The sign up was held at the Rec center- a first class facility.

There were 250 + signed up- with many runners from the Kent State team, so I started farther back than normal as everyone lined up in the parking lot for the start. I warmed up on the course- and it had some hills, with a lot of tight corners, and a 90 degree turn in the parking lot for the finish.

The first mile was slight downhill- I was in maybe 30th, but looking over the runners in front of me-did not seeing any O.G.’s (old guys), so just pushed to try to pass a few runners- and not let any O.G.’s pass me.

Had a solid race- pushed hard the whole way- ended up 25th overall, first in my age group- with a 20:39. Was not my best time, but with tight course was happy, and with a hilly bike ride right after- a solid workout

Ken