Nice morning for the race with temp in mid 40's and light wind. This was my first race in over two years so didn't really know what to expect. Planned to run it just faster than I have been doing tempo runs and see how it went. This is a big event with around 15,000 runners. I positioned myself a little too far back at the start because once we got going I was slowed down by other runners and had to use extra energy weaving through a bunch of people. I was hoping for sub 6:30 the whole way but could only get a 6:41 the first mile because of the slow down. After that got into the clear and was able to establish a better pace. Felt good on the second mile and came through in 6:23. Was still felling good and picked it up some more on the 3rd mile for a 6:18. The forth mile I was feeling good but kind of lost my focus some and slow to a 6:29. Was able to pick it up over the last .6 and finished that closer to 6:20. Was happy with the time as I averaged 6:28 pace so accomplished my goal but in hindsight felt I could have gone faster. The first mile hurt me and I was a little too conseravtive toward the end. It was good to get back to racing and hopefully with some more races I will get better at knowing where I am at fitness wise and do a better job of pacing. I had a special treat this year as my daughter ran. She had an amazing time and said she would like to do more races. She hadn't done much running coming in but was able to run the whole way and I think it motivated her to run more. Great way to start Thanksgiving day! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! | 