I'm still not used to the congestion in the beginning of the race. People seeded them selves aggressively high and caused a traffic jam in the beginning. I weaved in and out of people and tried to make-up for time, already felt a little winded from that. HR felt like it was working pretty good after the first big hill. Saw the first mile split and it looked like I was on track for my 30min goal, though I was already feeling a little tired. HR settled a little during mile 2 since there isn't as many hills (turned out to be my fastest mile). Mile 3 was difficult. The 2nd hill on the west side kicked my butt and made the other hills that much more difficult, there were times I felt like I was gasping for air. Miles 3 and 4 I ran with this girl who ran effortlessly.. She look like she was prancing like a deer.. I tried to keep-up with her for the last 2 miles and tried to pass her at the end but she was just a better runner and had much more in the tank during the last 400m. Even though I didn't reach my 30min goal I though it was still an ok run since I improved from last yr (last yr avg 8:36/mile).. Felt great to race again and I miss the feeling of race day.

run outside more, work on hills and speed work. I don't do any of them nearly enough.

Thanked some of the volunteers, saw the wife and kid near the finish line. Drank some water and walked with them to the new apt changed and went to Landmark for brunch.


Speed and endurance.


The race was organized but not organized. If they didn't have problems with the registration system and get back to participants within a few days of the problem I would have rated them much higher. I emailed, called and left messages for 3 wks prior and no one got back to me. Went to check-in the sat before the race and they said I didn't even register. I showed them my confirmation and all the emails I sent them and they finally agreed to let me race. On race day the event was organized and the volunteers did a good job.