Not a bad race but not a great one either. I haven't run an open 5k in over a year but I knew I had a 17:28 PR so I expected that I could run 5:35-5:40/mile pace...hoped I could hang at 5:30-5:35 for a new PR. I used the first mile split as a reality check against how I was feeling (I didn't pay much attention to my HR since it was so cold). I came through at 5:32 (assuming accurate mile markers) and felt like I could hold on at that effort level with the right motivation. Only problem was that the first mile had some gradual downhill and I knew the last mile had the uphill sections so that effort level would probably mean a slightly slower pace. From that point I turned it into a tactical race...maintain a steady effort, don't let anyone pass and don't let the guy in front pull away. I know I run a very steady race and can usually bring it home stronger than most guys so should be able pick off a few people over the final 3-5min. Miles 2 and 3 were 5:44 and 5:41 and I did manage to pass the 2 other guys within sight, then I shut it down and coasted the final 100m when I saw I'd be 3-5sec short of a PR even if I went into a puke inducing sprint.

jogged about 1.5 miles