I really wanted to start off strong, but with so many people racing I was worried about my first mile split for some reason. But this wasn't an issue at all. First couple of miles were good - I was moving fast. I knew I'd have to to get the time I wanted - under 55 minutes.

Miles 3 and 4 I started to feel it.
Mile 5 it became tough to keep the pace. I could smell the hot dogs and hamburgers cooking and I got a little nauseous. I can't even stand the thought of eating meat, and coupled with the overwhelming smell almost did me in! I kept telling myself it was perfectly fine to puke at the finish line. I just HAD to get under 55 minutes. My Garmin was really helping me pace myself - I had the big numbers on the total average per lap (not instant average) so I could tell immediately when I was slipping.

Mile 6 I picked it up a little, but I was ready to stop for sure. This mile seemed to take forever. I just wanted to be done. Coming up to the finish chute I kicked it in and gave it all I had. I saw Tom, Eric and Jeff cheering for me; I guess they were yelling to hurry up so I could get under 55:00 on the "official" clock. Even though it took me a good 15-20 seconds to get to the finish line, it's still cool to come in under your goal on the official clock. From what they saw, I did! They though it was 54:59, haha! We'll see when the results are posted.

My Garmin showed 54:40 though, which is a 10K PR for me by 53 seconds. This course last year my time was 59:40 so in one year I took five minutes off my time on this course. Yay me!

Mile 1 - 8:24
Mile 2 - 8:41
Mile 3 - 8:54
Mile 4 - 9:00
Mile 5 - 9:05
Mile 6 - 8:56
0.2 - 7:57 pace

Warm up a little. Maybe not eat a whole bagel for breakfast since the smell of meat cooking turned my stomach.

Watched some more finishers come in. Walk to the car to get warm/dry clothes. Found a seat and listened to the live band playing and waited for the awards ceremony. Tom got 4th in his AG and Eric came away with 3rd! Pretty cool for such a big local race.

Came home and did a little yard work but had the biggest headache EVER. I realized later that I hadn't had any coffee or caffiene this morning. OOOPS.


Nothing.


Pretty big for a little local race, with 2,100 people total registered for all of the events this year. I love supporting charities like Youthville, a nonprofit trying to end the cycle of fatherlessness. Excellent post race activities with a live band and a great BBQ.