NYRR Gridiron Classic (4M)/Longest Football - Run4 Mile

I set my "virtual training partner" to 8:45. I carried a small (8oz) bottle of accellerade with me. I was pretty far back in the corrall, so when the horn went off, apropos of Super Bowl Sunday, I found two big, fast guys in front of me, and used them like my fullback/tight end, and just followed them through the holes they made. Once I got into the open, I sped up a little. My plan was to pass a few people on each downhill and try to avoid getting passed (ex by really fast people) on inclines, and keep steady on the flats. I never really found anyone to pace with, but I kept trying to get further ahead of my "virtual" partner. At one mile, I was .10miles ahead, and I knew I was doing well. I tossed my bottle at mile two, and was .33 miles ahead of him. Still didn't really push, but just tried to keep a steady, quick turnover and keep churning. Passed up the water stop (frozen anyway). By mile 4, I knew I was well ahead of my goal pace of 8:45. I had enough left for a good kick at the end. Garmin showed 4 miles with about 100 yeards to go, but the time reflects timing mat at start to timing mat at finish, so (amazingly) I think the pace is correct. I'm pretty proud of myself--it's much faster than I expected, and I SMASHED my virtual partner! Who's your virtual daddy?! What!

I don't think I'd do anything different. It was really fun, and I'm happy with the result.
Oh--one thing. I'd bring a phone that worked so I could find my fellow BT-ers after the race. Sorry Jen, Mary, Emily et al. Next time!

Ate an apple and drank a partially fozen cup of water. Walked back across the part to get my coat.


My first-ever stand-alone running event.