Very low-key run. About 500 or so runners. Started off a little chilly since it was kinda windy and cold. Just tried to keep jogging at a steady pace and not walk too much.

Loop 1 - I managed to pass ALL the walkers - even the speed walkers. This is a definite first so that was really cool - so I knew I was going a little faster than I usually manage. Got looped by the fast dudes about 1/2 way through. There was a clown on one of the corners - that was kinda fun. Was happy that I managed to pass the finish line BEFORE I got double-looped although it was VERY close. (Finish clock said 14:?? as I passed and the first guy finished in 15:?? - could hear the announcer.)

Loop 2 - Got passed by all the people who can actually run vs. jog. Spent a little time in useless envy, but knew I was doing good. Started to pass a couple of people doing the walk/jog routine. First time I've ever felt like I was doing more jogging than walking so that was cool. First time I've ever felt like I actually managed to pass a couple people who were actually trying to run (instead of just walk.) Clown was looking a little tired on this loop - wasn't saying much to anyone if you know what I mean. Finish clock at 26:?? as I passed.

Loop 3 - Passed one more person - and then she was behind me the whole way - I had to stay ahead of her. I'd pull ahead, walk for a bit and then I could hear her coming. Maybe it was petty but I wanted to finish in FRONT of her. Clown apparently gave up on the slow guys and had disappeared. I had a REALLY good kick to the finish - although I felt like I was going to have to sit down in the finishing chute - so I probably could have gone a little faster overall. Finished in almost exactly 40:30.

This is a PB time for me, and almost 1.5 minutes per mile faster than my old PB time. Yay! Of course it helps that the course was really, really, really flat.

I've lost a good chunk of weight this year - and this is the first time (on a run) that I've really felt it. Not that I felt really all that faster, but I didn't get tired as much, and I could keep up my glacially slow speed without getting even slower. So, I'm really pleased with this.

I always think I could have pushed a little harder. But, this was a really good race for me.

Walked around a bit, had an orange slice. My stomach wasn't happy though, although it liked the 1/2 banana better. So I probably did pretty well on the effort level - as stomach cramps for a bit afterwards is one of my personal "Yeah, I went hard" signs.


Not enough running, and I'm just not really all that good at it. Weight is still a factor, but I can tell that losing what I have has made a big difference.


Nice little kick-off to 4th of July. They have the parade right after, although I didn't stay for that. It's right downtown, so some of the businesses were open. Jamba Juice was doing HUGE business.