The course was pretty hilly, and my HR was great until the up hills. I walked for about 90 seconds at mile 2 to bring the HR down after a big hill. I've never heard so many people sucking wind during a race before, especially in the first mile. It was hot and humid. The last 1/4 mile was all uphill (ugh) and my heart was pounding (177), but I wasn't about to stop that close to the finish line, I knew I could make it. I was keeping pace with a girl who tried to pass me, then we started chatting a little up that last hill. About 20 yds from the finish my "competitive" side kicked in and I had to cross the line before her, if only by a hair.


Drink a little water at mile 2. (or at least pour it on my head :) )

Drank a Powerade and water and walked a little, then to the massage table for a nice stretch of the legs. They were tight after the cycle yesterday. Ate 1/2 an orange, looked at some new shoe models (to arrive Spring 08 - damn).


I need to start doing some speed work or intervals, I would like to get to a 9 min. pace.


I had fun, which is all that matters. I feel like I broke out of my blahs, by doing something spontaneous. Also, confirmed that I need new running shoes, these are rubbing blisters on the inside ball of my feet. After Latta I had a blister under callus on both feet and had to do a little "surgery" to fix it. Now I have blisters, but at least no callus. :)