They had pace markers at the start line area to divide the racers into groups depending on their projected speed. We went to the 6:00/mile marker to get a good position. I know I can't run 6:00/miles and I "knew" that 98% of those around us couldn't either.

After the gun, it took 30 seconds to get to the line. Sure enough, the first half mile was spent passing all the folks that had no business being near the front. The challenge was to break through and not get tripped.

Crossing the overpass at the 1 mile mark thinned out the rest of the slow runners and it was time to settle into a smooth rhythym. Had lost track of Mike, but he caught and passed me at the 1.5 mile mark. I stuck to his heels the rest of the way.

I hadn't "trained" specifically for this race, but felt like I could do it in 36 minutes if everything went OK. Pushed pretty hard keeping up with Mike and managed to stayed close.

When the course circled back and crossed the overpass again, Mike got some separation and I couldn't hang with him any more and he ended up beating me by 28 seconds.

I never looked at my watch during the race, but I knew I had run well with a steady effort and never faded. Put on a good kick at 200 yards out to finish strong.

Study the course map and know where to start kicking at 1/2 mile out; oh, and start up front with the 5:00/milers.

Walked around, found a sunny place out of the cold wind, and got something to eat and drink.


Always the hard question to answer...

Nothing really; pretty much just ran as fast as I could and I am just a 7:00/miler, and that's just the way it is.


Great post-race breakfast cooked fresh by local cafe. Lots of other food and drinks, music; the whole deal. This was their 18th year and it is very well organized and sponsored.

I'll do it again next year.