This was my best race in about 2 years. Felt good at the start, kept a good pace, felt relaxed.
mile 1- 9:18 thought" Oh boy, I could have a decent race if I don't collapse at mile 4." kept small, quick steps.
mile 2-9:58- there were some hills and a transition to gravel.
mile 3-9:37- this was still on gravel and was at the turnaround point. Came around the corner and couldn't believe I saw the 3 mile marker! Thought I was at least a minute away from it. :-)
My 3 mile split time was 28:54!!
mile 4- 10:55- Always start slowing down here but didn't feel like I slowed THAT much.
mile 5- 8:46- OK, I think the mile markers might've been slightly off because I know I didn't pick up the pace THAT much. I'll take it though!
mile 6- 10:15- started to really drag the last mile. Knew it was almost over and I start getting excited and tense all my muscles. Gotta learn to stay relaxed until the finish line.
The last .2 mile was 2 minutes exactly.
Overall I'm soooo happy with my time. Not only did I break my PB for a 10K, I finally ran a sub 10 minute mile race this year!!

Not much. I pushed myself today and did not walk AT ALL. Even made it up the hills.
I also did not take any water. I seem to do much better hydrating early, then going without during the race.

Walked over and grabbed my gear and had to hurry home to go to my brother's for a BBQ. Then we ended up playing an hour of tennis in the afternoon too which actually seemed to help loosen me up.


Still not in great shape for running. Gotta keep getting out there and doing 1-1 1/2 hour runs. Seems to be helping.


Great race! I strongly recommend it to anyone in the Chicago area if you are looking for a nice run.
Lots of volunteers and everyone seemed very friendly. Heard lots of people during the run thanking the volunteers which was cool. I was doing it too.
Will definitely do it again next year.