Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series #1, Race Report #29

     On June 5th, Robin and I made the trip to Hart Park outside of Bakersfield for the first Bakersfield Track Club Summer Cross Country Series race. The weather was cool for Bakersfield standards, a nice 91-degree evening greeted us as we ventured North to tackle the hills that awaited us.
     We had pre-registered so check in was brief and we got our gear ready as Trevor and Andrea, who were also running the series went to check in. Since I haven't done much in the way of speed work since well before the marathon I wasn't expecting to torch the course on this night. I got a short warm-up done and headed to the starting area to await the 7:30 start.

The runners getting ready for the start of the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series Race #1.

     The Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series is different in that the first race is the only race when everyone starts together. Starting with race #2, the start times are handicapped based on the previous weeks times with a goal of everyone finishing together at 7:30 PM. The race started on time and off we all went. The start is on grass but we soon move on to the bike path for the rest of the first mile. 

Heading out at the Bakersfield Summer Series

     I hit the mile in a 7:18, and continued the effort for a 7:20 clocking for mile two. My lack of fitness showed as I slowed to a 7:28 for mile 3 as I headed to the finish. My time was 23:01, just missing going under 23 minutes at the first race. 

Heading to the finish at the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series #1.

     It wasn't long before Trevor, Andrea, and Robin came across the line. We did our version of a cool down, which includes having a cold beer, then we headed to Ethels for some post-race nourishment.

I opted for the chile size with onions.

     We filled our bellies and headed home, looking forward to the 19th of June and race number two. It would be upon us soon, and I needed to get faster.