Victory race. I pulled away from (although I wouldn't say drop) everyone right from the beginning. I was going conservatively, as I always do, especially when I'm leading. But it seems like everyone else in the lead pack did too. At the halfway, several guys were close. Then the person in 2nd hung around and closed the gap. He passed me convincingly with maybe 0.1 miles to go. So yes, I got 2nd place (again! and to a new winner, again) This was a very slow time for me. I took my watch off so I didn't get splits, which was probably a good thing since they wouldn't have been impressive. Obviously with the move to Labor day, it was much warmer, about 70 degrees this time. How much did the weather / wind slow me? Maybe a little, but not that much.
Do I have a problem? I've taken 2nd place in 6 out of 7 major 10Ks in MPLS, not to mention my Freedom run results. Taking a look back at those results, let's say that a 10 second gap is something that can legitimately be negotiated by mental willpower, rather than just fitness. In 2 races, I beat someone by 10 seconds or less. In 3 races, someone beat me by 10 seconds or less. I don't think that statistically there is enough evidence that I have a weak mind, even though that's a narrative I have sometimes wondered about.
The cooldown along the river was something I haven't done before at this race and was nice. On the way home, I was merging onto the highway when I realized my singlet was still draped over my side mirror. Thankfully I was able to roll down the window and snatch it!!
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