8600+ is a lot of people for a race and 73F is really hot when it's the first time temps have been in the 70's in about 8 months.

There were flags at the start to seed yourself by pace of 6,7,8 and 9+, but as it turns out quite a few people were either wildly optimistic, delusional, or just plain inconsiderate.

I put myself 1/3rd of the way between the 7 and 8 minute flags which was a mistake. I passed many, many people especially in the first half. Easily a couple hundred. Between the weaving and just having to slow down because of slower people blocking, I lost at least 30 seconds in mile 1 and probably 10 more in mile 2. Once I saw my time at mile 1, I got a little aggravated and more aggressive.

Given I had my own sense of pace and two times at miles 1 and 2 to judge by, I'm happy with my pacing. I've been tied to the S+D unit for a long time.

Was able to keep passing people right up until the end which was a mental boost.

Got a stitch at the mile 3 mark and made the decision to not let it affect my race. Pain is temporary.
Effort level towards the end was high.
I was first on the company team by 2 minutes.

Seed myself higher. Be a little more aggressive passing. If people are going to seed themselves that poorly and place themselves in a competitive group that they clearly don't belong in, they have to expect at least mildly competitive behavior.

Drank water, ate a banana, then a burger 10 minutes later. Jogged the .75 or so back to the car. This was backward along the route, and walkers were yelling "hey! wrong way!" at me. :)


Lots of slower people in front of me.
Less than 2 years of running/athletic training.
I could have pushed a bit harder.


Given the nature and size of the event, it was organized and managed very well.