Started out too far in the back. Th 5 and 10k start together, and there were about 480 total entrants, so I got boxed out right at the start. I ended up making up ground once we were out on the road, though, so it wasn't too bad. Turn up a hill, and I keep passing people. Hit the 1 mile mark, sub 7:00, and I was somewhat concerned that I was going to kill myself on the first 5k. Anyway, keep running, feeling pretty strong, passing people fairly consistently (one advantage to starting in the back). Hit the turnaround point at 21:00. Ok, still sub-7's, but now I gotta go and do the whole thing again. I start out with not many people in front within sight, so I'm just cruising along for now. Hit mile 4, still feeling good. I see someone whom I recognize, and start trying to pick him off. Hit the final mile mark, and the last downhill, and I pass him and another guy. At this point, we've got maybe .75 miles to go, and it's all flat. I'm focused on trying to keep the two guys back. About a half-mile out, I start to feel that oh-so-familiar tightening in my stomach. No time for that right now, though, I got 2 guys right on my heels, and I can't give up that easily. As we approach the final turn and the downslope to the finish line, I look back and see one guy coming up. As we start down, he sprints up to me. I tried to kick it up, but he just took off, and at this point I can feel that tightening turning into major heaving. I cross the line and get about 5 steps down the chute before ducking under the rope and proceeding to puke. Repeatedly. A volunteer comes over and takes my number.

Eat earlier, not drink 6 pints of shwarzbier the night before, not take sinus medication beforehand....Who knows?

Got some water, and some soup.


Nothing, really. I might've been a few seconds faster at the end, if I wasn't puking, but hey, it's not a real race unless somebody pukes their brains out.


Well-run, well organized. Great course. Low-key event, but definitely a good way to see how your training is coming in the winter months.