As we lined up before the gun went off I kept repeating my mantra of "Run my own race". As the gun sounded we headed south through downtown. Dropped into a comfortable pace. My friend Justin took off like a shot. I had to hold myself back from chasing him. Made it onto the hiway and played leap frog with a woman who was running close to my pace. Started up the first hill and into the wind which was a slight head wind. Didn't push too hard. Justin seemed to be a long ways ahead of me. Found out after the race that he ran a 7:25 first mile compared to a 8:02 for me. Another couple of gradual hills through mile two. Made the corner and headed west from about 2.5 to the turn around. Wind now at our backs to the turnaround. Started to slowly close on Justin. Made the turnaround at 26:22. Wind now in our faces back to the curve. Decided now was the time to start and catch Justin. Pushed hard into the wind and started to reel him in. Caught Justin around mile 4.5 and ran together for a while. At mile 5 started my push to see if he would keep up. He seemed steady but I was pulling away. As I came back into town pushed it extra hard and finished strong. Negative split on the back half by :37. PR for a 10K by 5:23.

Push a little harder? Not sure if I had anymore to give without blowing up.

Walked around and waited for Justin and other finishers. Drank a Gatorade and waited for door prize drawing.


Training. Need to do more as always.