As usual, I should have seeded myself further to the front of the pack, but I just don't like acting like I'm "Joe Runner Guy". I still don't feel like a runner, and at 191 pounds, I don't look much like a runner. But as usual, my decision to start further back, caused me to get boxed in behind slower runners (even a lady pushing a walker-- not kidding!) and it definitely cost me some time. Although I planned on starting a little easy and pumping out negative splits, it turns out I ran a very consistent pace of around 7:14's every mile.

Start further toward the front of the pack. Consider using a walker myself.

I am a little disappointed I ran this 5k slower than last week's (St. Dom's), which was a harder course on a hotter day. Maybe I can only peak for one or maybe it hurt that I got away from running longer distances for a while to tackle both of these 5K's.

Still, I can't complain too much about finishing 6th in my AG against some pretty fast competition. it's worth noting that if I was 10 years older and had the same time , I would have finished 15th in my AG, not 6th. Just goes to show it all depends on who shows up!

Starting too far back in the start pack and probably not opening my kick sooner as we approached the finish line.

I've also been dealing with a swollen knee about the size of a grapefruit--- it doesn't hurt but it does limit my flexibility.


To me, this race took a slight step back this year. In the past, they've handed out sausages and chocolate milk at the finish in addition to water. This year, it was just water. The t-shirts were awful (as usual). But it is a nice family-friendly race and you can't beat the free admission to Germanfest, not to mention the food!