This race comes one week before my first tri and I wanted to get a fairly strong tempo run in. This was my first 5k as I have only raced in 5 mile and above distances. So at the start I wasn't really sure what pace I should run.

I was very surprised with the hill climbs which was an added bonus as next week tri is very hilly. I have also been hitting the hills pretty hard on my own so I felt like I had a good opportunity to have a decent placing.

The first mile was essentially downhill. I tried to keep a nice steady pace with a good kick and let all 210 pounds of me get me down the hill. To my absolute shock I heard a volunteer calling of time at the first mile.....6:13....6:14...6:15!!!! I couldn't believe it. Sure enough I looked down at my watch and it was correct. I have never run a competitive mile below 8:10 and I just crushed that by almost 2 miniuntes!!!!

I started to freak out a little as I had no idea if I could maintain or even finished. I decided to pull the rains in slightly an focus on a keeping a steady breath.

At about 1.3 miles the course turned back up from the seaside pier and carnival area and started to climb and climb and climb...The race was some form of hill climb from that point on.

I was about 14:30 at mile 2. I wasn't passed after the hill climbs started and did pass a few on the way in.

I was absolutely shock to check the results on the internet and to see my name as 3rd in my age group. This is the first time I have ever won a medal or even finished in the top 50% of a race!!

Check the results before I leave to see if I'm bringing home hardware and stay for the awards ceremony!!!

Other than that this run was just a low mileage tempo run and I accomplished everythin I set out to do.

take a leak and walk to the breakfast buffet. Had eggs, bacon, water, bananna, orange and juice.


genetics, age, 40 pounds and slight hangover