Mile 3

This is the third in series of how to run each mile of the famed Crim 10 Mile road race. Each day a new mile description will be added leading up to the finally during Crim week. I hope you enjoy and find this description helpful

This is where you return to the balance of the “old Crim route”. You likely begin mile 3 at least a few seconds faster than your goal pace. No fear another hill is near J This time it’s of the long and slow rise variety. Between the 2 and 3 mile marker you likely will not realize it but you conquer a 60 foot rise in the course too. In case you either forgot your breakfast you can likely take advantage of the Krispy Kremes or similar treats being offered to runners at some point along this part of the course!

During this mile you will likely start to encounter the back of the pack members of the 30 and 40 year clubs. You can’t miss them as they will be wearing the number that represents their years of running Crim. Be sure to offer encouragement and congratulations to each of these runners. I promise you will be rewarded with special runner karma later along the course J

Be careful here as there are several small traffic islands in the street. You will need to stay to the right of these islands and for the entire distance along University. You do NOT want to ever be running along the left side of University!

You will be on this street for nearly a mile. If you are not having a good day, this stretch will do nothing to make it any better. It begins with a hill, flattens in the middle a bit, before another long gentle slope up to the 3 mile mark at the corner of Chevrolet.

Two of my favorite sites along this stretch are the locals who stand along the street curb to cheer and Atwood Stadium. Odds are you will be much closer to your goal pace at this point, but don’t be surprised if you begin to question your ability to maintain your pace for the next 7 miles. You will really need to maintain a positive mental attitude as you run this long, straight, and gently rising mile stretch. Do not let this stretch of the race beat you mentally.

Thanks for following this series of posts and be sure to return tomorrow as we turn the corner to run along Chevrolet Ave, in Flint Michigan!

Coach Lee