An unpleasant Discovery
July 19, 2008A week before a big race, I like to do a shorter race or time trial as a final test of my fitness. Often that time trial consists of a single lap of the hilly 2.8-mile loop trail at Discovery Park. My time there is usually similar to previous times — between 15:04 and 15:13 — providing some reassurance that I’m about as race-ready as usual.
This morning I completed the loop in 15:55, a full 15 seconds per mile slower than expected.
Either I had a really bad day today, or else I’m going to have a really bad day on the 26th at White River. Or both.
Perhaps if I get the self-doubt and self-loathing out of the way now, I won’t have to deal with it on race day?
My Track Record 
Hi Greg,Rob Cook used to use that 2.8 mile Discovery Park loop for workouts / fitness tests as well. He did 5 continous loops, the first and last serving as a warm-up / cool-down, with the middle 3 as a hard tempo run. On Nov 15th 1998 Brian Montgomery and I "joined" him for that workout. I ran 15:10 – 14:46 – 14:35, and I lost sight of Rob sometime during loop 2. He ran 15:00 – 14:00 – 14:00. Not sure if he made the US world XC team that year, but he did make the team 5 times…..Based on our Tiger Mountain run a few weeks ago, I think you are in pretty good shape. Don't let a single workout that didn't go so well throw you off your game plan. Just don't push any part of the first loop at WR. Don't jog, but don't push either. The second half is where the race gets decided.Good Luck!!!
Greg I just wanted to wish you luck and say that from you reduced racing this year and increased mileage I expect you will run quite well! Good luck. And to the above poster. is that the Rob Cook of Section V NY running who ran the steeple?