I went out fast, with first two mile average pace of 6:35 per mile. By the time I hit 4th mile marker, my split was 26:14. This was about 45 seconds faster than I had planned for, but I was feeling ok at that time. Then the pace started falling off as I tightened up. I think I was inadequately hydrated. I made it to mile seven marker at 47:50, still on pace for my goal of a PR, but at that point I knew I'd not have a chance at going sub 90 minute as hoped. I was starting to cramp up and had to back off, eventually doing a couple of short walk/stretch periods. I tried to get better at drinking at the aid stations at this point too. The Clif Shot Bloks seemed helpful, but I think I would have been better off bringing a flavor without caffeine. Gutted it out from miles 10 through the end, and missed a PR by less than a minute.

I wasn't exactly pleased with my race, but I'm not overly disappointed either. It was an extremely pleasant morning for the run.

Train better for hills and focus more on pre-race nutrition and in-race hydration.

Met Emily at the finish line, much to my surprise, as I thought she should still be out on the course. Turns out, she was feeling bad within the first two miles and wisely decided to run the 8k course instead. Her bout with influenza less than two weeks ago took a lot out of her and she didn't want to injure herself as Dam-to-Dam is coming up in a month and a half. We grabbed some post-race grub and walked half a mile back to the Jeep.


See above.


I really enjoy running this race each year. I'll likely use it again next year, for the sixth consecutive year, to kick off the racing season.