This is the 3rd year for me in this race (This was it's 5th year). Every year I look to try to do a little better than last. First year was about an 8:30 min mile, second year was 8:07, and this year....well this year I had no chance to improve on that. Since being injured this winter and just returing to running, my run fitness is just not there yet. Also, I some sort of bronchial asthma or something. It is affecting my breathing this week, and I knew with those two things at play, I should just be happy to be running. I took one last hit of the Primeatine Mist inhaler before the race start and just hoped for the best. I seeded myself in the 9:30 min corral, not really knowing where I should be. I ended up bobbing and weaving through people the entire race. Some because really slow people started too up front, and because I ended up running faster than I thought I could. I carried a flask of water in my hand, and it was perfect. It was 60 degrees, sunny, and the perfect morning. Great day for a run! There were a few spots in the race where it just got too narrow and you had to slow down and you could not get by people, which was irritating, but what are you going to do? I finished strong, and ran along the side of the ASU football team hi-fiving all the way down. I tend to do that every year. I was very suprised by my 8:34 finish, and would happily take it. Walked around the expo filling a bag with free stuff, then headed home.

Great race! Lots of volunteers, great tech t-shirt and for a great cause! We need more people like you in this world Pat!