Met Greg and Tom and caught a bus up to the start. Got there a little before six. It was still fairly dark. We headed up to the campground toilets and then hung around the pavilion until about 6:30. Tom and I then jogged up the trail for a ways. It was very beautiful running along the creek. Got down to the start with about ten minutes to go. Race started right on time. Pace per mile varied between 6:55 and 7:07 for the first three miles. Walked part way through the first water station at Vivian Park (3.25 miles). Averaged around a 7:30 pace for the next few miles. Stopped for a gel and some water before heading up the road. Saw Sasha fly by with a good lead on Ron Greenwood and Steve King. Saw Darin Cable close behind, but he wasn't wearing a number so I wasn't sure if he just happened to be on the course or what. Averaged a litte under eight minute pace heading up the hill. Saw Tom and Greg a little bit before the turnaround (I lost sight of Tom at about two miles and Greg around four). I tried to keep my heart rate between 158 and 164 for the most part. It jumped to 169 average for the uphill. Dropped back down again heading down to Nunn's Park. The remaining miles seem to go by fairly quickly and although there were times that I felt tired, there were also times when I felt quite energized. Passed a half dozen or so that I'd been trailing after we hit the eleven mile mark. Battled some of the usual negative thoughts the last mile or so, particularly following the very circuitous route towards the end. Finished in 1:37:35 which was just was I was shooting for (10th pace in 50-54 age group). Greg finished around 1:33 and Tom around 1:32. Met up with Kevin at the end. Just a great morning to spend in the park with friends. | 