Felt pretty good the first 2.5 miles or so and then fatigue started to become a problem. Ran a 7:03 minute first mile and kept that pace pretty steadily. Kept wondering if I was going at it too hard, but I think after years of athletics I've got a good mental game and just kept plugging away. Seeing the family was a little rejuvenating, and there is a significant downhill after the bridge that I tried to take advantage of, but not to the point where I wasn't in control. I rounded the corner onto O'Connor road and decided to pass a girl that I thought could be in my age group! I really pushed it at that point and after I passed her I was really afraid that I'd made the move too soon. I was really sprinting at that point and the finish line was still 2-3/10's of a mile away. I think she tried to get me, but I kept sprinting hoping she'd relinquish eventually! I also passed one or two guys at that point too. Anyway, thought I was going to lose all bodily functions towards the end, but didn't, thankfully. Walked straight to the bathrooms as my "cooldown" after they took off my chip!!

Not pass that girl as soon as I did. Should have waited until we rounded the corner and could actually see the finish line because my body did not like that 3/10 of a mile sprint I forced it to do.

Drank a little more water before the race.. Had cotton mouth at the beginnning, but took advantage of all of the water stops and that helped.

Brisk walk to the bathrooms!


This is the 28th year of this race and I liked it. I might do it again next year!