I guess I should start this race report out like every one I write with a list of excuses why I didn't think I would do well. My legs have been dead for 2 weeks, I was up too late last night (Kathie and Teena - the answer to your question is yes), and my stomach was really unsettled this morning. I didn't wake up as early as I wanted so I rushed to the race to register and get in a couple of warm up miles. My plan was to stick with Trevor (from the running club) as long as I could. Started out a little ahead of him until we hit the hill at about the 1/2 mile mark. He gapped me going up the hill and maintained the lead the rest of the race. I didn't want to kill myself on the uphill so I just ran at a controlled pace. Felt good until a guy pushing a stroller passed me going uphill. Hit the first mile in 6:07 (6 seconds faster than last year). After the 1 mile marker, the course drops but for some reason it was really difficult to pick up the pace. Was only able to run this in 6:03 (identical to last year's split). I felt decent during the last mile but did not have the desire to push at all. I knew I could run faster but the desire wasn't there. I was approaching puke pace and backed off. I need to learn that even though I am nauseous I will not throw up and can push through it. The 3rd mile split was 6:06 which was 6 seconds slower than last year. During the last 0.1 I let a guy pass me and heard another coming up on me. I pushed the pace hard but he slipped by me at the end. To my credit he was half my age. Finished in 18:50 which is identical to last year's time. Despite my disappointment in myself for not pushing myself harder I am happy with the results because I expected something in the 19's.
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