I wanted to hold the pace at 9:06 the first 2 miles, then kick it up in mile 3. It took me about a minute to SLOW my pace down to my target, letting all the chargers go on by. I just tried to stick to 9:06-9:14 most of the race but started getting tired in mile 3; I did have enough left to kick it at the finish.
1st mile: pace 9:10; HR 134 (zone 3)
2nd mile: pace 9:07; HR 141 (zone 5a)
3rd mile: pace 9:18; HR 146 (zone 5b)
Last .1 mile: pace 8:14; HR 149 (zone 5c)

My goal was matching last year's time, but it wasn't quite there. Looking at the HR zones , I can see why I couldn't push it harder in mile 3. I think it was smart to keep my watch showing the pace and not the HR. I could have aimed for an even slower pace in miles 1 & 2, but the watch mostly stayed on 9:14, so I thought I was on target.

2 water bottles , 1 with Fizz; 1/2 Recoverite bar, 1 banana. Walked around, socializing & collecting my Medal. Rode my bike home, high cadence (100-110), low HR. Lunch & stretching.


Last fall's injury, but I'm happy to be pretty much where I was a year ago.


I love this race, mostly locals, long-time friends. There's the HS track stars, all gung-ho & pretty fast, and the overweight folks for whom this is an important goal in changing their lifestyles. And I like being able to ride my bike there.