The race strategy I'd gotten from Coach Mike worked beautifully. The strategy was mid-Z3 for the first mile, Z4 for the second, and whatever I could handle in the third. Check, check, and check. It was really fun to drop all those people who'd gone out like Ben Johnson from the start like 'roid assisted sprinters. I have to say that I'm really pleased by the splite times, too. I can't believe the last mile and change's pace was less than 8:00. I didn't know I was capable of that! It sure helped me to think about what my Aunt Judy and friend John are going through in their colon and rectal cancer treatments. My short-term physical pain in those last couple of miles is petty and insignificant compared to the horrors they've been experiencing. I really need to remember things like that EVERY time I race. My ability to do these sports, as mediocre as I may do them, is an absolute blessing and one that shouldn't be taken for granted.

I think I might've gone a little harder for the first portions of the race. Maybe I'd push mile one to high Z3 and let mile 2 start flirting with the LT number. I felt I could've sustained that 191 - 193 range longer. I was happy and proud to have gas in the tank to haul a$$ on the last quarter mile, however. I just wish the lady in front of me hadn't slowed down as we were getting across the line and into the finisher's queue (they were collecting the tear-offs for results).

Grabbed some water, half a bagel, a banana, and a Pearson's Salted Nut Roll. YUM. Walked around for a while to cool down and did a little stretching back at the car.


Nothing, really. I had hoped to come in around 27:00 but I had forgotten that the parkway around the lake is not flat like the walking trail is. There was opportunity for significant HR spiking on the hills and I was trying to stick with my strategy. Overall, I'm pretty pleased with how it went. Found out that I was 249 of 531 in male overall. That's in the top half. DAMN!!! I'm really proud of that.


A very well organized race benefiting the Colon Cancer Coalition. Great race t-shirt. Its a black dri-fit long sleeve tee without too many ugly logos. I was also very happy to have raised $670 for the cause in only 7 days. Its not a lot but goes to show how willing people are to make contributions toward a worthy cause. I just hope that people are smart enough to get screened so that they don't have to battle like my friend and aunt have.