This race was perfect. My goal was to break 1:30, get a PR, and take an age-group award, and I did all of them (chip time). I ran most of the race with a marathoner going about the same pace as me, so we alternated surges. I ate a GU at mile 9 or 10, but it didn't do anything.

The first mile was a little too fast, and mile 10 was too slow. They cancelled each other out this time, but next time I want mile 10 to be the same as the ones around it.

Nothin'. I stood in line to get a massage for about 40 minutes, which gave my muscles a chance to eat themselves.


Lack of sleep from travelling. I bet on a home course I would have gone a minute faster.


My only criticism is that the massage tent was way too slow. This race is at the interface between "big city" and "small town," so I think it offers the best of both worlds. I'll try to come back next year to defend my title.