Ran with the boys at the race formerly known as PHCC 5K Run with the Quistas. I haven't been getting them out running since the summer, although Andy has just finished swim team so is in pretty decent shape. Plan was to let Thomas go at his own pace and I'd try and pace Andy for a PR.
We all stuck together for almost the first mile which ended up being about 7:15. Just before that Thomas calmly said "ok, I'm going to run my own pace now" and then he eased off the gas but didn't slow down too much and took no walk breaks.
I saw that the garmin and course markers weren't going to line up so knew I'd have to run faster than 7:30 to get 7:30. But, into the second mile we were pushing just under a 7:00 for a little bit when Andy asked to slow down. Backed it down a little bit to a 7:20. Seemed to cruise through the third mile, and then just past the mile 3 marker, Andy sped up and I let him go and I saw him cross the finish line. I was 5 seconds back.
We had seen Thomas out on the course not too far back from us, and pretty soon we could see him coming through the last parking lot. Saw him race through the finish chute side by side with a lady who later thanked him for the push at the end.
Andy - 23:11, me 23:16, Thomas 27:15. Both Andy and Thomas were about 4 minutes faster than last year.
It was a great time and I was thrilled to see the boys both do so well. Bonus - they had nice trophies for age group prizes which the three of us all got.
