This has always been my main prep race for the Sarasota Half Marathon coming up in March, comprising the first four miles of the Half course.
Started about 2/3 back in the pack, took a minute or two to get to the start mat after the gun. First mile just flowed along with the pack while sticking to my 3:1 walk/run ratio. Focused on usual stuff: posture, short stride length and maintaining cadence. Shortened stride a bit climbing over bridge. Wasn't really thirsty, but grabbed cup of water at turn-around, which conveniently coincided with one of my walk breaks. Back over the bridge for third mile, probably the toughest part of the race. Glad to get over the top. Tried to start pushing pace with about 3/4 mile to go. One nasty little hill to climb on Tamiami Trail just before turn to finish. Went hard the last couple hundred yards.

Was OK. Not my A race, but did OK for me. Close to my PR which I did back in 2009. Three minutes better than last year. Can tell big difference due to the higher mileage I have put in over the past year. Nevcr felt uncomfortable. Really haven't trained at any faster pace, since I'm targeting the Half. Nothing really to be unhappy about. Glad to get first race of the year under my belt.

Grabbed some water and a hot dog. Walked around looking for friends while waiting for the awards ceremony.


The usual stuff: age, weight, physique, etc. Definitely felt better prepared compared to last year, primarily due to weight loss and higher training volume over past year, as mentioned above.


One of my favorite races. Well organized with great volunteers. For a good cause (YMCA).