Luck of the Irish? Sure, I've seen my share of BS blown referee calls to help Notre Dame, that might be luck of the Irish. Their program hasn't been relevant in twenty years, that's hardly lucky though. When I think of Ireland, the first thing that comes to mind is potato famine, not exactly lucky. Where does this luck come from? I'll tell you, Beginner's Luck, Luck of the Irish, it's all made up. Okay, you probably already know that, but I thought it needed to be said anyway. There's no such thing as luck, it's all about increasing your chances.
Last year I set a goal for myself of getting a 5K under twenty minutes. I came close, but wasn't able to accomplish that goal. The goal remained the same this year, but it's something that became less important as I think about what I want to do in my marathon. The only 5K I had even considered doing this year was my hometown one and that was only because CT wants the trophy badly given to the top person in each age group. Even though I don't have a strong desire to run a crazy amount of 5K's like I did last year, it's still hard to turn down the opportunity to run when a friend is doing one. That's what the Irish Jig became.
Holy people! Close to 5,000 runners! My theory why the event is that popular, it gives people an excuse to wear that horribly colored green clothing. As far as I know, this is the first race that I've ever ran that had cash money for prizes. Walking up and seeing people with coaches, doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
I'd be lying if I said didn't have hopes of getting my goal. While I've been running well, it's all been for distance. I haven't done any speed work and to top it off my toe injury, my confidence wasn't there. I did set my watch's pace for what I'd need for my goal, but looking at the pace I'd need looked daunting. It was over a minute faster than my best per mile pace doing my distance runs lately.
Blaaaaaaargh, goes the bag pipes to start the race. I had completely forgot what a pain it is to run in a crowd of people. Where I felt guilty trying to be anywhere near the front because of my lack of training for this and my sore toe, it turned to fueled anger trying to maneuver around all the people that had no business being up closer than I was. When I hit the mile mark, I was right at the pace I needed to be at, which was amazing considering how much zig zagging I had to do and practically walked around one of the corners. Mile 2, things finally were spaced out, and it wasn't a traffic jam. I felt scared to look at my watch, but when I did, I was shocked to still be on pace. This actually might be possible, it's also when it dawned on me that my toe didn't hurt. Was it the speed, adrenaline, lack of blood? Whatever, I didn't feel it and all I had to do was maintain my pace for another mile.
"Never give up" flashed in my head. I rounded the final corner to see 20:11 on the clock. Dammit! So close, but I missed it, again! Luck wasn't a factor, because Ace has been putting in the work. Yeah, the clock said 20:11, but it doesn't account for the fact it took me almost thirty seconds to get to the starting line, when I looked at my watch, 19:43! New PR!
The Green Mambas that bit me, also got me the PR I've been dying to get. No luck here, miles and miles of training and dedication got me to this goal. I'll save my luck for the lotto.
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