Overall effort was pretty good right from the start, set a target of 7:30 pace for the run. At the gun I took off and was running with the front group, checked my watch and noticed the pace was around 6:45. Obviously not at that level so I pulled back on the pace to make sure I didn't blow up on the course. Hit the 1st crossing of the covered bridge and felt pretty good, at this point I also starting running with someone else who proved to be a good push later in the run. Came to the 1 mile mark at a time of 7:22, still faster than I wanted so pulled back a little more, I think pulling back may have hurt me a little later in the race.

Mile 2 was uneventful, the majority of it was downhill but did have a short section that went straight up for 20yds. Enough to put the brakes on but was able to quickly recover and move on. Time for Mile 2 came in at 7:36.

Mile 3 was where things became difficult, not really physically but more keeping my focus. For some reason I became distracted and allowed myself to slow down to much, I knew I had a hill that I needed to conserve my energy for and I think I allowed this to give me an excuse to slow down. I should of powered through and then hit the hill and go from there. Lost a lot of pace on this mile which also cost me a chance to hit the 7:30 pace goal. At the end of mile 3 is the largest hill on the course, probably around 100yds and is almost vertical. I kept the effort even going up the hill to the point that at around 3/4 mark I was walking. Once I reached the top though I was able to get right back into running and enjoy the run down the other side. Time for mile 3 8:26 with at least 30s coming from running/walking up the hill.

Once down the hill and into mile 4 I picked up the pace for the push home, this last section was mostly flat with a few short downhills. Felt strong for the entire mile and thought I was holding a pretty good pace. I attempted to catch the group of 3 runners ahead of me, caught one of them but the other 2 stayed out in front! I just didn't have enough in the tank to push for more. Mile 4 finished with a time of 7:46.

Hold concentration through entire run and it myself into some discomfort to get a better time!

No warm-down, more of a warm-up. Went for hot chocolate and changed quickly into dry clothes, it was almost comical watching all of the steam coming off the runners as we waited for the results!