Stayed up way to late the night before and didn't eat anything before the race. I was feeling tired before the race even started. Also forgot my watch in the car so I was frustrated and worried I wouldn't be able to pace myself. Lined up near the back of the runners and beginning of the walkers. The temp was great starting out and the shade helped a lot too. Started out pretty fast but realized it was TOO fast and slowed down. Was passed a lot by runners but still felt good. Then came the hill. About a half mile in we hit a hill that must have been 70 degrees up for about a block and a half! Tried to keep running but the "hill from hell" was just too much! Had to slow to a walk until I was up the hill. Since I didn't have my watch I was sure it really destroyed my time and I was hoping to do about the same time as the last race if not better so I was frustrated. The only water stop was about 2 miles in and I was so happy to see it! Once the sun came out from behind the clouds it heated up fast. Started to feel very sick and thirsty. Kept running but slowed down. My friend who started the race in front of me had finished and came back to run the rest with me. I was so happy to see him. Wasn't feeling good at all. Had to walk again or I was going to be sick. Hit the 3 mile mark and just kicked it up to a pretty good run for the last bit. Was happy to finish and releaved my time wasn't worse than I thought it was going to be. Once I drank some water and sat in the shade I felt much better.

I didn't feel good at all going into this race and it showed once I started the run! I need to be more prepared next time. Need to get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of water and eat something prior to my next race. Also need to work on the hills!

Walked around the National Law Enforecement Officers Memorial. Drank some water and ate a banana.