first race of the year! My plan was to build speed gradually, which the crowd was very helpful in me achieving that goal. There were tons of walkers way to close the front. Typical for a big event, but it gets aggravating having to zig and zag all over the road. I wanted to run on the right side of the coarse as much as possible to head off any ITB tightening. Several times I broke their 'chains' when there were more than two wide. I will never understand why they do that.

Karen was stayed with me for the first two miles, but then she started to fade a little. We had talked that if one of us couldn't keep up with the other, it was okay. So I started to push the pace just a little. I tried keeping the HR at or above LT, which I was successful at doing without too much discomfort. Breathing was relaxed; about a 2/2 or 3/3 pattern. Turnover was good, arms relaxed. I didn't bother with the water stops. The only problem was the the layers of clothes. Running pants, two long sleeve shirts, gloves, and hat may have been too much.

I wore the ITB strap; not sure if it helped or not, but it didn't bother me too much until I was done. So at least, I am up to running 5 miles without discomfort.

iced the knee for 20', beer, and flip cup