Took the first 3 miles easy and then picked up the pace. It was a gently rolling course so I tried to stay consistent on the uphills and hammered the downhills. I love to run downhill. Worked hard to stay focused on my pace and not let those running faster or slower influence me. Hit a few places where I got stuck behind people. Got to mile 5 and was a bit disappointed in my half-way time. Last week my coach held a Sports Psychology clinic and we talked about mind games in racing. Thank goodness that discussion was fresh in my mind. I turned my focus to the moment and let the 5 miles that were behind me stay there. Hit some headwind at mile 8-9. My realistic goal was 1:35. My aggressive goal was 1:30. Reality won and I was happy with it.

1 – 10:27
2 – 10:05
3 – 10:00
4 – 9:32
5 – 9:12
6 – 9:19
7 – 9:05
8 – 9:36
9 – 9:34
10 – 8:57

This was the last race in the Winter Distance Series. It's always cold at these races but today we were blessed with beautiful weather. I got to meet some awesome BT GIRLS at the finish line. See the picture in my blog on 02/23/2008.