My marathon training plan had called for a 2 X 1 mile lactate threshold workout, but I figured this race would be a decent substitute. I didn't want to go all out because I had to run 7 miles the next day.

I went out pretty fast and actually kept the leaders in sight for the first 2 miles or so. By the time we hit the first mile the field had sorted itself out and I was in 7th place without anyone nearby. I had delusions of catching up to the lead group but those disappeared when I was caught from behind around mile 2. Another guy ran me down with about a quarter mile to go and I finished in 9th. Of course the two guys who passed me were in my age group and of course this knocked me into 4th place and right off the awards podium. So that's 2 times doing this race, six years apart, and both times I've hit the magical 4th spot.

Run faster! But I didn't want to cash myself for the 7 miler. I need to keep my eye on the long term goal.

Grabbed some water and cheered people on until my wife finished. She went sub-30 and I'm very proud of her doing so well so soon after our daughter was born.


Having to run 7 miles the next day. Running 3 miles the day before.


The t-shirt says "Talk Derby to Me". What else do you need?