Started out just behind the lead pack (~8 runners). they quickly started to pull ahead and didn't have any plans to pace with them. My target was to start out 7min/mi and hold or slightly improve on that pace. Went out a bit faster than that. Was running with a few others in the first mile but couldn't stay behind them to draft -- one was falling off pace and the other was moving up.
Good first mile and felt comfortable.
Second mile the lead pack started to break apart and only a few runners were in sight with only one runner on my tail and falling. Pressed to stay on pace but didn't feel I had to work too hard.
Third mile started to become a challenge. Was focusing effort to pass the one runner within grasp and did at the end of this mile. was also focusing of smooth and efficient form.
4th mile I lost the runner I had passed but could hear another approaching. He passed me shortly after the 4mi marker and this section was the most mentally challenging. I started to focus on having a strong finish and to time my kick right. I was feeling pretty bad but some visualization helped a bit and then I "woke up" and kicked it from about 1/4mi out - passing and dropping the guy who had passed me.
Good finish. Saw 34 even as I was crossing the bridge. I was surprised to have my finish to be 34:19 - don't know where those 19sec went.

I wanted a PR (34:48) given early season and where I'm at in training. In retrospect I would have liked to have been at 34 even but don't know if I could have run a better race. perhaps a stronger mi 3 & 4 but I didn't have much at all left at the end. very satisfying

10min c/d with Scott on the last 1 mile of the race course


early season


CMRA puts on a great race series for the money. I'm glad my friend turned me on to this. The monthly races can be used for speed work or easier workouts, or socialization.