I did what I have been doing the past few races, started out in the back with the slower folk. This is one of the larger races I have run in, some where in the 1.5K-2K runners/walkers. Once the gun went off it took somewhere about 1-2 minutes to crawl my way up to the starting line. That was when I started my watch.

The crowd was really thick to start, lots of runners. That was good because it forced me to slow down, other wise I would have gone out way too fast. I was running at first and it felt really great, but then I checked my pace.... dang 8:10 or faster, better back off. I just kept backing off until I hit mile 1. I didn't know how fast I was then, since the timing clock had 10:XX.

Just before the mile marker, I saw a gal stretching her calfs pushing on a police car. I joked with someone that I think she needed help pushing that car. I don't know if they got the joke or not.

I knew I was ahead of that time, but I didn't know how much. I kept passing people, the route was bad because many of the places after the bridge were not wide enough for the whole group. I kept having to dodge people, I would pass one, then have to squeeze around a couple more. I was not breathing that hard, and this run felt really great.

During the second mile I started picking it up just a little, pushing to see how I felt. I really felt great the whole run. I couldn't really pick someone off, since the crowds were so thick. I just ran my race, when it got too thick I would step off the path onto the dirt, pass a group then head back on. Some where in this mile was the water station, I was on the right side, but decided to switch sides, since the left didn't have as many people over there. Grabbed my cup, gulped it down only spilled a little on me. Tossed the cup and took off. Passed the 2nd mile timer, 18:xx dang 8:xx Minute pace.

Some where along here I saw super girl, spiderman, and some one else in a cape. I was glad super girl (woman) was not using her super powers, that would not have been fair. Spiderman was not using his web to move along, and was not sticking anyone in it either.

Third mile I was still in the groove, felt great breathing was still very smooth, not gasping and struggling. Just stepping out, smooth gate, didn't feel any blisters forming as I was running (a first for this part of shoes.) Came off the bike path running side walks, along the street had one section that I was weaving around someone and had to squeeze between them and a lamp post. They thought I hadn't seen it (which I hadn't, but I got around them and it without causing a crash.) Turned the corner, and headed down to the river finish area.

This is where I picked someone and started really trying to move up. Target pass, new target pass.... I think in the last 1/4 mile I picked off 20-30 poeple. Passed the 3 mile marker, no timer (that I recall) hit my lap button, and started working for the finish.

Last .15 I paced at 6:09 pace.

I guess I should mention this set a new PR for me. I was very pleased to finish MOP in my AG, and FOP in the race. Course there were a lot of walkers, and I have no clue how many total.

Not too much, maybe push just a little harder in mile 2 and 3.

Walked around got some pizza, water, cookies and a banana.


Age and speed.