This was the first time in 30 years I got to "race". Usually it's me against the clock and I do not pay too much attention to those around me. But today was very special.

This was a very tough course with a lot of long elevation changes. The ups were more long and grinding with the downs shorter and steeper. First half mile was flat and then a half mile of climbing. I went out comfortably hard on the flat but held back a bit for the climb. Passed a lot of people on the climb.

On the next section of gradual down just relaxed and opened my stride. Was passing more folks and then came to a young kid who sprinted ahead as I passed him. He reacted solely to my presence and I soon reeled him in. On the next stretch of uphill he fought back but I knew all the base work I have put in would bury him when it got tough.

There had been three people ahead of me just prior to this that turned around on the course too soon and headed back the way we came instead of continuing the loop so when I passed junior I thought I had overall lead. A position I had not been in for 30 years.

He made one more push on me but I held him off as the last mile was uphill. There was another local running club gal that was also stalking me during the last mile. She was just cruising on my heels and I was sure she was playing the role of cat to my mouse. At this point nobody was in sight and I figured that we were racing for the win with the others going off course. We turned the last corner and I smiled to her and said "go get 'em" and was going to concede. After a few strides, I thought no way and dug deeper than I thought was possible. I outkicked her by about 5 yards. I really had no idea I could sprint like that again. As it turned out the three that cut the course probably never knew it and their results stood. They would have beat me any way so no big deal. The lady I outkicked beat me based on chip time so she got fourth. I used to really race a lot when I was young and it was so fun to be thinking about one on one strategy against others.

Nothing. I felt I executed very well and am looking forward to a flat, fast 5k in two weeks and a marathon a week after that.

Threw up.

Waited for my wife and other friends to finish. Hit the great beer garden at the finish, then on to my favorite brewpub, and then a 90 minute massage. God was looking most favorably upon me today and I am most thankful.


Not much. Was very happy overall.