The crowds were huge! I was trying to break my 5K PR at this race but the waves of slow moving people were really working against me. I was darting back and forth, running on medians and sidewalks; whatever I could do to get around people. I finished the first mile in a surprising 6:48 despite all the obstacles, but I'm sure that I ran at least and extra quarter mile with all the weaving.

This really took a toll on me the last half of the race. We made a right turn by the water and I was finally able to run on the opposite side of the street where I had some room. I had to consciously slow my pace down to keep myself from blowing up. Just a steady cadence and slowly passing people on by one. Shortly after the race leaders came into sight and I hopped on the median to get out of their way.

After a minute the bigger chase packs started heading my way and I couldn't get back on that side of the street anymore. So I'd run on the median until I hit a group of slow-pokes, pace behind them for a few seconds to let my HR calm down, kindly ask them to move the hell out of my way and go on with my business of destroying them.

The aid station at the halfway point was a zoo and there was no way I could afford to slow down that much to get a drink and still PR. No fluids for Aaron today. My pace was finally taking its toll on me but at least I had gotten past the middle of the pack and had room to run. Then I hear someone yelling, "JeeeeeepFleeeeeeeb!" on my left! It turned out to be Rick(rkreuser) and a handfull of other BTers heading the opposite direction. In my head I meant to point at them to at least acknowledge them but I'm not sure if the message ever made it down to my arm. I was too focused on breaking that PR.

Mile 2 went by in 8:07. I could give up a little time with how well that first mile went, but I couldn't afford to slow down now. Luckily for me there was a second aid station just after mile 2 that was practically empty. I grabbed a quick drink and never broke my stride.

By the time I hit 2.5 I just wanted it to end. I was hurting really bad and my heart rate was through the roof. It seemed like an eternity before I saw the flag hanging from the bridge at mile 3. I looked at my watch and I had a minute and a half to get to the finish line! I was going to make it.

A race official was telling the runners that they could run in the left lane and didn't have to crowd up on the right. I was more than happy to get away from everyone and run on my own. The spctators at the finish were great and I did what I could to sprint in the last tenth of a mile.

PR by 30 seconds on the dot! Also finished in the top 5.5% overall.

Get there earlier. Have someone pick-up my packet the day before. Don't start with 6,000 slower people in front of me.

I was handed a bottle of water and had to have someone open it for me. My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking. I've never run that fast before. I wanted to find the other BTers but just couldn't think straight. I went to the baracades on the left and asked a random woman to hold my flag while I chugged my water and caught my breath. This race really kicked my ass.

After a minute or two I regained my composure, untied the chip from my shoe, handed it to the volunteer, took my flag and looked for the rest of the BTers. I found Haley and Lane(cavu9) on the other side of the road. Had my finisher picture taken with a pirate, got some food and hung out until the other BTers finished so we could make lunch plans.


Starting at the back of the pack. I could have run faster if I didn't need to rush at the start and weave back and forth to pass people. A consistent start with some rabbits to chase would have pushed me under 22:00.


Fun race. I wish I would have known about the Jeep Challenge (15K, 5K and half marathon) earlier. Otherwise I would have signed up for sure. If the BT gathering is just as big next year, I'll seriously think about coming back.