Felt really great through miles 1&2. First mile was 8:34. Missed the reading on the 2nd mile. I was super happy when Tommy found me about midway through mile three. We cruised along smoothly for miles 3-6.

Things started to feel a little harder around mile 6 for no apparent reason. I gel'd up and felt a little boost and wondered what my blood sugar was doing. Too high still? Possibly, b/c I didn't feel low (usually that a very distinctive feeling when I'm running) at all. At mile 7, Tommy says we need to pick it up a little. We did, but I really had to focus on my breathing and my form. Never seemed to settle into my comfortable form today. Mile 8 - still struggling to maintain a decent pace. My HR was climbing into the 180's and got a little light headed. Not good. I refused to give up on the 1:30 goal. Had another gel and settled a little more comfortably into a rhythm for mile 9.

Tommy was great all along encouraging and giving me needed feedback. He kept it up even though I wasn't answering much and it was just what I needed. Sweet! At the 10 mile mark, he says 'You're in the lead for this last mile. Just do what you can.' And I did. I dug really deep for that last mile. Tommy was awesome with his encouragement and guidance - an immense help!

I gave it all I had and ended up coming in just under my goal time. Sweet!

Not getting up with a really high blood sugar would be a good start! I figured that the race would be difficult b/c of this, but I was hoping I could do a little better.

Walked down the finish shoot a little ways and then stopped to stretch and try to clear my head a little. Got a good chuckle out of Tommy as I shared a few choice words about how much I "enjoyed" that last mile. :) We saw some of Tommy's CG friends and then Z, Shelly and Slake as they finished up.


Again, I think my blood sugars probably played a big part of my difficulties for the day.


I was expecting a better performance today... but after taking everything in, I'm glad I hung in there and gutted out that last mile and met my goal. I made my goal. That's always a good thing.

Gio and I chatted all the way back on our cold METRO ride. After a warm shower and some reflection time, I feel great and almost anxious to get out and train tomorrow! Had a tough run that was made so much better by my friends that were there with me. Bring on the next race!!!