I wanted to have an average pace at least under 10 min, preferably under 9 min. Endded up with 9.33. Despite trying not to, I started too fast (7.54). And that was with alot of hills still in front of me - I knew I was going to have trouble. Mile 2 time was 18:05. Water station was at mile 2. (I wish thay had more water stations then just 1). I was finally able to get my breathe after the hills during mile 2 and now settle into my pace. It didn't last long - there were more hills. Some small long grades, and then one monster grade. I thought the finish line was at the top of this grade (several hundred feet long), and gave it all I had up this hill. About 2/3 up the hill I realized, the finish was somewhere beyond the top of the hill. I was gassed and had to walk a little bit - I told myself I wouldn't walk, but couldn't help it. At the top of the hill, I started jogging through the last 2 small grades, and then was able to dig down one more time and actually sprinted the last strectch (it was FLAT - thank you Lord!). I was really exhausted when done. It was harder than I expected...stupid hills. Anyhow, it was good to get out there. I am going to do a 10K in 3 weeks...

Not have stomach flu week of race...arrive a little earlier (about total of 1 hour early)...SLOW down at the start...not walk AT ALL...bring some music so I don't get distracted and think too much while running. The mental part of the event is as important as the physical part (at least for me). It's hard not to compare yourself to everyone running past you (this includes kids, people many years my senior, people pushing strollers, and a pregnant lady. That pregnant lady kicked my butt she just cruised (big stomach and all).

light strectching


The hills, my lack of not training better. I had stomach flu at beginning of week, but don't think it was a factor (except cutting into training time).


Other than not enough water stations, it was great. I thought it was well organized.