Since this was my first 8k race, my first time running this course, and my first race since my half marathon in January, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I had taken a few weeks off in February to heal up some nagging injuries, had only gotten my long run up over 6 miles a few weeks ago, and had done mostly easy running the last few months. I was hoping for somewhere around a 6:30 pace.

Mile 1: 5:54 - Started near the front of the wave C pack and stayed there for the first mile. I wasn't sure what pace to shoot for since I almost always go out too fast the first mile, but this first mile was also a net downhill. At the 1 mile marker, I was surprised at my time because it didn't feel that fast.

Mile 2: 6:20 - I was assuming my pace up the hill on Observatory Drive would be slower than my target average pace, but I didn't feel like I was pushing too hard up the hill and was again surprised by my time at the next mile marker. After cresting the hill, there were some nice downhill stretches where I just leaned forward and took advantage of the free speed.

Mile 3: 6:34 - The 3rd mile was mostly flat and partway through, I started to feel a little tired. At the turn-around just before the 3rd mile marker, we turned right into about a 25 mph wind, which I could definitely feel slowing me down a little.

Mile 4: 6:46 - I tried to draft off a few other runners, frequently having to try to speed up to get behind them, but I didn't have anything left in me to speed up, so the wind along with the gradual incline and exhaustion setting in slowed me down. Started feeling some twinges of discomfort in my quads. I just tried to keep pulling myself along as fast as I could manage.

Mile 5: 6:18 - Felt very similar to the 4th mile, except once we made the turn onto Breese Terrace, I was able to start picking up the pace a little, knowing the end was close. However, I don't think I would have been able to muster much of a kick at the end if it weren't for the downhill ramp into the stadium. I was able to use gravity to pick up my pace and then sprint to the finish. Another runner next to me started sprinting at the same time and I think I just barely beat him over the finish line.


Not much. I was totally exhausted after crossing the finish line, so i don't think I could have run the race any faster, given my current fitness level.

Went and picked up my sweats and then headed up to get some fruit, water, and beer. Made it through the beer line a few times before my family met up with me from the 2 mile walk.


I'm just building my running base back up, so lack of more training? Besides that, the wind, but all the runners had to deal with that.


$30 for a race including a t-shirt and free beer is a good deal!