I started out great and with the lead pack and settled into around 6-6:10 pace. When I got to mile 1, I hit my lap button and I was at 6:23, which was right at my goal pace of sub 20, however I wanted to be at 6:05 at this point. I learned first hand its easier to start out hard and hang on than it is to make up time later in the race. Got to mile two, hit lap and I was around 6:30, still good, but than came this bastard of a hill into the wind. Took all I had to get up it sub 7:00 pace. Got to the top of that, and finally a tail wind where I was able to go sub 6:00 for a decent stretch, but not too long. At this point, I had under a mile to go, but I was behind a decent amount. I saw the finish, and knew sub 20 was out of reach and was disappointed. I than realized, finish strong and you still win, finish weak and you should have stayed home. Ran hard through the finish, looked up and say 20:39. Close. I learned a lot, however, and my next 5k will be sub 20’.

push hard the first mile, not much, but just a little bit more and hang on the final 2.1

waited for my wife, who kicked ass at the finish. got a decent photo of her crossing the finish line.

walked around inside, had some coffee than checked out the results. I was happy to see I took 1st in my AG and was 9th overall. I was happy about that and it was a sign of significant improvement since last year.


20-25 mph winds. This made me nervous before the start, as running into a strong wind will slow you down. However I took it on best I could and definitely did not let the wind hold me back.


good local race. no complaints at all.