I got caught up in the rush at the start and went out much faster than planned. By the first 1/2 mile I was breathing way too hard. When I heard the first mile was 6:36 I knew I was in trouble. I haven't run that fast in over 20 years. I saw my HR was already at and above my LT. I worried a bit, but decided to just focus on staying relaxed and in good form. Still, I kept checking my HR, and it continued to climb. I decided to just gut it out as best I could, and accept that I would slow down eventually. After the first mile I was only passed by 2 other runners. I had planned to use mmakbenton as my run rabbitt, but he was too fast for me today. At mile 5 I just decided to pick it up as best I could, and I succeeded fairly well. Tried to catch one runner the last quarter mile, and was making progress until he looked back and saw me coming. He managed to hold me off in the end. I finished feeling toatally wiped, but very pleased with my oveall time. I beat my pre-race goal by over 3 minutes.

Watch my pace more carefully at the start, and not get caught up in what the others were doing.

Walked around after recovering for a couple of minutes. Drank a bottle of water and 16 oz. skim strawberry milk. Waited to cheer Larissa in on her longest run ever. She did great. Spent time waiting on the awards talking with Larissa, Michael (who won 2nd in his age group), and several locals. Instead of a sports bag for second in age group, I won a trophy for being the fastest local (Decatur County) man in the race. It's kind of cheesy, especially since I know at least one guy who would have smoked me had he run the race, but I've never won a trophy before so I'll take it.


Training. I'm only now getting up to 20 miles a week running, and everyone says you need to do close to 40 for optimal performance. Also, lack of experience in road races.


Very well run race. Only 2 drink stations, but that was all needed. There were timers at every mile marker calling out your split as you went by, and traffic control was great. Nice USA T&F certified course, and it was well marked. I can't wait for next year to do it again, and set a new PR.