This run was good. I wanted to break 20', so I seeded myself towards the front. There were 190 runners. I started off a bit too fast, but actually led for the first 600-1000m. For the first time ever, I was actually talking to bike that was clearing the course. He asked if I had ever run the course, I replied yes, and he said to just follow him. After about 1/2 of a mile, I took my first look at my watch and my pace was 5:50. My coach wanted me to run the first one at 6:22. Plan here was that I usually go out too fast, and I could go faster after the first mile. Well, I gradually slowed down. At about 2/3 of a mile, this 18 year old cross country kid passed me, and he was going pretty good. He ended up winning with an 18:40 (5:59m/m). I let him go, knowing I had no business running with him.

At the one mile, I was at 6:13. Not the 6:22, I was prescribed, but I did hold back during that 2nd half mile and was feeling really good. Felt like I could start to press. Only problem, though, was that the first 1.25 was with the wind. The rest of the race, was going to be against it. Doh. I just tried to keep the 18 year old in sight, and he continued to grow his lead, but it worked OK for me, as I just tried to keep him in sight.

The second mile was 6:17. It was harder work than the first, b/c of the wind, but also b/c I was running faster than I have ever run. I tried to keep it together as we went by the crowd again. My family was there shouting to keep going, and that always helps. Knowing I only had 1.1 miles to go, I really started to hammer, but I wasn't going any faster. The wind (~12mph) was affecting me, but so was my HR. I was really breathing hard and loud. Didn't care, though. I knew, I was going to break 20' after the third mile, but I remembered that last year, the course was 3.15 miles, so I had to keep up the pace (turned out to be a perfect 3.11 this year, however).

I turned the corner, with about .2 miles left, and gave it all I had. Nice kick to the finish.

Fun race and a PR by 1:07!!! Good to see hard work pay off.

Splits were:
1m: 6:13, 153 ahr
2m: 6:17, 166 ahr
3m: 6:20, 169 ahr
0.11m: 5:33, 169 ahr


Not much. Take it a little easier at the beginning (first 400m). I just got caught up with leading the pack.

Hugged the wife and kids. Went for a 10' cool down. Drank my endurox and watched others finish.


Not much, again. Maybe the wind, but I can't really use that as the weather was perfect for running. Was around 42 and overcast. I ran in shorts and a long sleeve t-shirt.


This is a great event. They really cater to the kids and get them thinking of a healthy lifestyle. The weather was suppose to be really bad today, and I think that kept some people away. Usually have at least 400-500 people. OK, for me, though... allowed me to get to the podium again this year!!!