Mass start, I started in the back of the pack trying to keep out of the way of the faster people. I didn't realize I had started out so fast. I was running and felt pretty comfortable in the pace, then I looked down at my Garmin at some point and saw that I was doing 8:XX pace and knew I was going to have trouble later. I started trying to slow my pace down, but I didn't slow down quiet fast enough. I was not passing very many people, and some were passing me. I was feeling preety good, but knew I really needed to back it off.

Hit the first mile, the path was pretty clear. Clicked on the lap button to both the Garmin, and my watch. I had no clue how fast I had done that mile, just knew it was pretty fast.

Running the second mile, I can tell the breathing is very labored. Legs are starting to feel a little heavy but still feeling pretty good. The path is getting a little sloopy, but mostly it is dry. A few spots it was slippery and muddy. I am thinking I could have another PR, but I know I need to hold back some so I don't blow up. Finish the second mile, hit the buttons again. I still had no clue how fast I had been going.

Starting the third mile, I am feeling the legs slow down. Breathing is harder and harder. Since I can't really count on the garmin since the path has a lot of tree cover, I am not sure what my pace is. I am thinking that I just need to keep running. I get to about mile 2.5-.6 and just have to slow down and walk. I was pretty waisted by this point, so I walk a little then take off again. Another short run, and then I have to walk another stretch. Finally I hit the mile 3 marker, I could see I was not going to hit my goal of under 30:00. I was disappointed, but wanted to finish out strong.

I finished and was disappointed with 31:15, I thought I could have done better. I figure next race I will try to set the garmin up a little different. Set pace zones and see how that works for me.

NOT GO OUT SO DANG FAST! Let the folks that want to go out for 8:45 minute miles go, pace myself for 9:30 or so.

Walked around, stretched a little got some water. Listen to some of the guys from my tri club talk about their last race.


Not enough base miles in running.


I really can't complain about the race, it was nearly another PR. I just wanted to break 30:00 and figured I had a great chance of doing it this race. Had I started a little slower, I think I could have held the pace a lot better.

I have another race in a week and I can try again then.