Started out with my running partner figuring on 8:45--9:00 for as long as we could hold it together. First mile or two my HR was sky-high and I was trying to get some rhythm sorted out. Natalie said she wasn't feeling well, but took off after two miles and finished 6 minutes ahead of me. After mile 3, the difference between my HRM and the miles marked got bigger and bigger. I'm pretty sure the course was long because the time at "8 miles" was 1:20 (10 min/mile) and I didn't have any significant change in my pace before/after that point according to my HRM.

Didn't drink anything the entire race (it wasn't too hot, and I was doing OK) No obvious drop-off in pace to suggest either dehydration or overheating. Variations in the pace are mostly due to the hills. There were at least 3 good climbs in each loop in the middle 4 miles.

Not sure. I was expecting 1:55--1:58 and came in a hair over 1:58, but I felt like I was pushing the pace/effort much harder than 9 minute miles.

I can't complain about today's performance. I passed a number of people on the second loop. A couple re-passed me in the last mile or so, but I was pushing as hard as I could, so it's what it is.

I took a scan through my HR data, and I had a steady climb from 180 to 188 during the last 2-3 minutes, so it isn't like I just "let" the people who passed me go...I was working as hard as I could at that time.

A couple minutes stretching, then some food and hanging out for the awards.


genetics?