Rain was a bit distracting. So were all the really fit runners passing me. Got a cup of water on first half, but aspirated! With the rain, it felt like my swim workout! Played around with lengthening my stride, but not too much, and it made a big difference. Did not have phone with running app, so had no idea of my pace. Felt about right. Felt stronger on second half. Last mile, picked up the pace and started getting a little winded. Did accelerate at times to keep up with peers or prevent being passed. At the end, down the last turn (25 yards or less, sprinted in a footrace with the guy coming up behind me, and we both grunted and egged each other on across the finish line! Fun!). But I definitely was able to focus my mind on what I wanted to do and stay within myself for most of the race. Was OK whatever the outcome and was pleased with the result. Hard work paying off.

Bring phone to keep track of pace better.

Sucking wind! Stretching. The spring at the end led my calves to seize up, so quickly applied more sports cream and massaged/stretched.


Nothing, really, other than cardio and technique.


Rain and lack of friends there was difficult. No fun to party by self. Exposed to a whole other segment of athletes. Pretty inspiring.