Weird start as I think only the front group heard the announcement and it wasn't until the spectators started yelling at us that we finally started. Started off very comfortable and at a rough goal pace of 7:15 per mile. Felt very strong through the first seven miles with my HR in the high 140s. Around this point I tagged along with two guys who were running a consistent pace and just stuck on them. They made it very easy for me. At mile 10, I started getting hot spots on both of my front soles, with the left being worse. It continued to get worse through the duration of the race.
I took Gatorade starting at mile 4 and continued throughout. At 8 I took a PowerGel and had a little of it but it was too thick and I didn't have water. Skipped fluids at mile 12. Felt good in this respect and had no stomach issues or cramping.
Definitely felt tired up the last hill on 8th Ave but stayed with my "pacers." I like hills anyway. They took off going down the hill but I caught them on the flat and passed both of them with a few hundred yards left. "Thanks for pacing me for six miles, now I'll outkick you." What an a$$hole! (see photo below)

I think I could have run this faster in general. I don't think 7 minute miles were out of the question.

Walked around to keep my quads from cramping. Stretched a bit, got some food, and had a lukewarm massage (knead me already!). Of course after reading Dillard's report, everybody was there and I missed them!

Ended up having a good pinch blister on my left foot and a smaller one on my right. I've never really had problems with blisters but attribute it to running at a faster pace and entirely on concrete. Probably time to replace my socks too.


Racing at these distances is foreign to me. Last summer, a 10k was a big race and I was more comfortable with 5ks. So I really have no idea what I'm capable of. My training was ok with a long run of 12 miles two weeks ago but I didn't specifically train for this race.

But overall I'm happy with the race and it's a good starting place. My goal was to run 7:15 miles or better.


Very well run race. Picked up my packet in the morning and that was quick and easy.
Again, the actual start was a little confusing but I really liked that they organized it by goal pace. Now if we can just get runners to seed themselves properly...