I really held back for the first 5 miles because I didn't want to blow up on the hills. My plan was to keep enough in the tank to capitalize on the flat sections late in the race, because those are normally my strength. The first two miles felt super easy, and then I was able to keep the effort moderate on the uphills. So it seemed like I was executing the race well. Unfortunately things went south when I hit the flats. I think it was because they were exposed to the sun, and it was an unseasonably warm day, and aid stations were sparse. Between aid stations my strength gradually withered, and then when I finally reached the next station and drank a cup of water, I got another burst of energy. Despite the occasional bursts of energy, my pace slowly faded throughout the later miles.

Throughout the race I was trying to figure out if I would break 1:30. I didn't think I would, so I was pleasantly surprised by my finish time.


Mile times:
1+2: 12:33
3: 6:36
4: 7:02
5: 7:02
6: 6:48
7: 6:56
8: 6:47
9: 7:10
10: 7:02
11: 7:05
12: 7:04
13: 6:55
0.1: 0:40

If faced with this situation again, I would carry a bottle of water or gatorade with me. It would have made a big difference.

Nothing


Keeping cool


This race has lots of good points. You get a T-shirt that is actually good looking (the whole reason I signed up), beer and a lasagna dinner after the race, lots of goodies at the finish line, and chip timing. The course is nice and challenging and the race-morning logistics (finding parking, getting your number, etc.) are not difficult or time consuming.

The only negative is that there are too few aid stations. If it's hot out (like this year), you can really suffer.