Went out fast, as usual. Made the first mile in 5:50, second in 6:10, so I already had a minute "in the bank" since I was shooting for a 6:30 pace. Ran 6:30's pretty steadily for the next five or six miles, which I was happy with since we were doing a lot of steady climbing into the wind. Miles 8 to 10 were tough for me, with some real low points as far as energy and motivation, and I lost my 1 minute advantage and was passed by a few people. Pushed hard the last 3.1 miles, and managed not to lose more time. I thought I had a shot at breaking 1:25 (my ideal goal for today), and I was running very hard toward what I thought was the finish line but which was just the turn into the parking lot where the finish line was. My watch passed 1:25 as I entered the parking lot, and after that I cruised into the finish.

So I didn't meet my ideal goal, but given how tough this course was, I'm pretty satisfied with my performance, my overall pace, and my placing in the top 5 in my age group in what is more of a regional race than a small local one (lot of runners from Mass, NH, Maine, and Vermont).

Another good race put on by Keith Jordan. Free massage after the race, quick posting of results, decent food for a running race.

Overall a very good day. I feel like I gave this race the best that I could today.