I tried to maintain an even effort throughout. I started at around 7:50/mi pace which is what I would be able to maintain on a flat course. I hit the first steep hill and got over it well. It was short. Again, maintained the 7:50 pace to the 2nd hill. I hit the 2nd steep hill (200ft) and slowed down but didn't have to walk. I made it to the top and flew down the hill to try to make up time. After the decline, I again was able to maintain around an 8min/mi pace. I hit the last steep hill (200ft but steeper than 1st). I pretty much walked it as did everyone else around me. This is a killer hill. After cresting, I took some water and tried to keep a good pace, but I felt fried. I barely maintained 8:50 pace through the small rolling hills that followed. However, the last 200 yrds or so were flat so I gunned it and was running between 7min and 6min mi pace.

It seems like it went well, I finished in 53:31, which was 30 secs more than my goal so I'm pleased. I ran this race 2 yrs ago, which was my first one since overcoming some chronic pain issues. At that 1st race I ran in 1:10 so this was a HUGE improvement.