Like last year, I might have overestimated my run fitness and started a little too hard, as I hit the first marker in 7:20. That was actually my goal pace, but I clearly didn't finish anywhere close to that.

I might have been able to push just a little more in the second mile, but I'll have to get back in to the swing of the 5k effort to know exactly how hard I can go without blowing up. I finished reasonably strong and passed people in the final mile, so I might have held back a little more than I needed to on that second mile. I came in 10th overall among women.

All in all, it was a fun race. They really do a great job with this little race. They offer plenty of fruits and snacks, have ample volunteers, are well-organized, collect canned goods, and have a nice veteran's day service before the race. Also, they have great prizes, mostly gift certificates donated from local establishments. This year, I got a GC to a local salon, so I stopped by on my way home and got a manicure.