Race at Centennial Park ... part of Georgia Marathon weekend. Karhu shoes was a sponsor, which is why I signed up. If you beat 'the bear' (a fast runner in a bear costume), you win a free pair of shoes (up to 10 people). Everyone went out fast, hit first mile at 5:52 ... in 8th place. The bear passed me around Mile 2, which was a 6:20 mile. I basically just fell in behind, as I knew as long as I stayed on his heels, I could out sprint him. I made my move with about a 1/4 mile to go, as I was not positive I was in Top 10, and there were a couple runners 30-40 yards ahead. I was gaining on them pretty quick & for some reson I thought the finish was at the end of the block ... I blew by both people only to turn the corner & realize the finish line was still not in site & a ways to go! Ooops ... I was toast as I had just sprinted all out about 200 yards to pass them ... they quickly passed me back & I let them go, as I looked over my shoulder to see how much distance I had put on the bear. It was substantial, but he was gaining ... I gutted it out to keep a safe distance, but did not have it in me to chase the other two people a second time. No worries, I came in 9th overall, beat the bear by 5 seconds. My new shoes have shipped, and should be here in a few days. There was lots of free beer and live music at finish ... so my St. Patricks Day got an early start!
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