I started near the front and went into the race figuring I haven't run much in the last 3 months and only 20 miles the month before and 11 this month. My goal of breaking 30 min's on this course was more than likely out.

I wanted to push the first mile at the 30 min goal pace and see how I felt. First mile: 7:33 and the second 1/2 of the mile was uphill. Then in mile two I decided that pace was a little fast for how I felt and started to slow down. This is when Casey, the guy who wins this every year, ran up beside me and starts talking about the course and that to break 30 I needed to pick it up. See he designed the course and is also running with his girlfriend this year, that is why he was with me and not at the front. He told me about the false flat coming up and what hills were coming and paced me for the rest of the mile. Second mile: 7:50.

Mile 3 and my legs are burning pretty good and I do slow down just a bit more and start thinking about how much fun this race is and how I look forward to it and start looking around at the old headstones. Anything to keep me from slowing down more or thinking about the burn. This is the mile with the toughest hill and also the relief of leaving the cemetary on a downhill. Mile 3: 8:05

Mile 4 is actually just over a mile and if it ended at 4 instead of the 4.07 I would be happy....every year. It starts out downhill then flat but the final turn home is 1/2 mile uphill to the finish. It isn't real steep but it is long. It is all I can do to keep the pace I am going and I focus on beating the person in front of me. I have not looked at my time once, not even on the splits at this point and as I come in view of the clock I realize I have a decent time going and can actually get a personal best out of this race. I pick up my pace as much as I can and mile 4 (1.07): 8:13. PB 31:41

As with every year I will say continue to work out after Tri season until after this race. At least keep up with the running. It would be nice to run the course a few times through out the year and get some good hill work in. I haven't done that yet. Over all it is as it always was TRAIN TRAIN TRAIN.

Walked around and talked to a friend of mine and waited for another friend to finish. Water and potato chips and then a shower on site.


No training since tri season ended three months ago. Consistant running leading up to the event probably would help.


I love this race.