*overall rank is female only*

If I've kept the records correctly, this was my 5th TC 10 Mile. This is a good race for me - I like the distance (10 miles are the bomb!) and the time of year is usually pleasant weather. I also know the course well. I meant to practice my marathon breakfast, but was without a fresh banana. So I had a shake with extra froz banana and a small breakfast biscuit in the car. Drank my crystal light in the car, which is perfect for race morning.

This year my goal was mostly to practice race day tactics for the marathon, plus some pacing.

Miles 1-2 (warmup):
I started out in the first corral since I was signed up under a USATF team. I liked the idea of finishing earlier, but in retrospect I should have started in the "right" corral for me. I was passed by SO many people. I started in the back but it didn't take long for most of corral B to pass me too. I don't care about those passing as much as the pressure you feel to run faster. It was hard for me to do the first 2 miles "easy." 10:27, 10:29. Too fast, although mile 1 is pretty much downhill.

Middle at marathon pace (s/b 10:55):
I ran with my friend Leslie until about mile 2.5 She means well, but her running ahead and talking about how nice it is to run so slow is hard on the ego. Miles 2-7 are a series of hills, so I let her go on the first incline so I could walk a little and have a gel. Then I just motored on. Gel at around 25 mins, water at mile 3, Gatorade mile 4.5ish, gel around 58 mins (while walking up hill), water around 6, skipped the rest stop at mile 7, gel at 1:35ish, water at mile 8. 11:16 (hill, gel), 10:57 (potty - quick!), 10:41, 11:17 (hill and gel), 10:48, 10:26. Good pacing.

Miles 8-10faster:
After the last gel I just ran. The last mile or more is really a good downhill, but it's mostly easy after 7. Knowing this helps a person pace well. My last two miles were 10:36 and 10:01. Perfect.

All in all a good event. Was happy to come in under 1:50 and I think my gels, water situation went well. Even though I have been extolling the virtues of my hydration pack and sport drink, I realize that if marathon day is cool I definitely don't want to do that. I need to remember this and to bring more gels if so. I think the gels are better for my tummy than the Gatorade.