I started too far back for a race this size. I was hoping for 9 minute per mile average and being so far back at the start cost me a lot of time working through the crowd as we ran. My first mile was at 10:30 pace. By mile 2 the crowd was thinning but there were still quite a few slower runners (many walking by then) to weave through. I reached mile 2 at 19:55. My pace was now down to under 10 minutes per mile but still well above my hoped for 9 minute pace. After mile 3 most of the hills were behind me so I picked up the pace a little more. I reached mile 4 at 36:30, still behind my hoped for pace but closing in on it. At mile 5 I was right on 45 minutes. I had caught back up to where I'd hoped to be. Now was the time to push for a bit more. With less that 1/4 mile to go I was running hard and passing other runners left and right. I finished in 52:59! Well below my goal time of 54:00.

Having come from a couch to 5k program early this year I am very happy with my results.

Move closer to the front for the start so as not to get caught up in the press of slower runners.

Walked around the parking lot and grabbed a cup of water from the Fleet Feet folks. Jogged to my parents house and picked up my daughter to bring her back to the finish line and help me cheer for my wife and father-in-law as they finished. Eventually grabbed an orange slice and more water while walking around.


Getting caught in the traffic at the start.