I have done this race 3 times now and have finally figured a couple of things out. The bridge is early enough that it isn't a big deal, just keep the pace going. I wanted to stick around the 2:15 pace group for as long as I could. Success on that count. Early on I kept telling myself not to use up too much. Gel at miles 5 and 10. This is the first race I've made a plan on nutrition and it helped a lot. The first part is an out and back, so I could see the leader go by and ,WOW, he was moving quick. Then more front runners, then a couple of good sized groups. Saw a fellow in a wheelchair, what an inspiration. Saw Ann and Kelly (my sister) at mile 5. At mile 6 there is a bit of a cluster as there is water on the left, then the relay folks peel off to the right. No issue through there, although the high fiving mom that saw her kids with the signs kinda made me pause and smile. More moments like that in the next mile or so that made me think about how much I have changed/grown and how wonderful the running community is. In the past it is the neighborhood that slaps me and slows me down and I knew this year would be different. No walking, no slowing, just kept going. Fell in behind a pair of green and white checked shorts that had a great pace going. I stayed there for about 2 miles, until she turned it up a notch to head in to finish. I just kept steady into the finish.

I had issues at 2 water tables, nearly running over checked shorts when she stopped at one. Really though, it was a well executed race on my part, I kept to the plan, had a number of folks in my mind to help when things got tough (thanks Manatees!), and had a very enjoyable race.

Walked around, drank water, and met Ann and Kelly. Wandered over to the beer garden and had the obligatory post race beer. I do believe that Mich Ultra may be the worst post race beverage possible, but it is cold and free, so how bad is it, really?


I'm going to blame my mother and father for poor genetics. Ok, maybe that isn't it. I am pleased with this race, heck an 11 minute PR is nothing to sneeze at. But I do see room for improvement and I think that with some work and time, I'll continue to see improvements.


This race continues to improve and I hope to keep doing it. I might relay next year with Kelly, just to change things up.