Four minute improvement over last year's time, but better conditions today. Cold morning at the start of the Striders 1/2, but the sun was out which is about the best conditions you can hope for at this race (no snow)! Plan today was to started a few rows deep behind the leaders and hopefully warm up after a couple of miles. I really wanted to focus on keeping a good pace the 2nd half of the race which is a little difficult. Splits and comments below
Mile 1: 5:58. Start with the lead girls and just tried to get into a good pace. Mile 2: 5:58. I can see Thom pulling away and I know I need to keep him close. My plan changes to follow him out of the canyon and try to stay with him on the rollers. Mile 3: 5:57 Mile 4: 5:52 Mile 5: 5:54 Mile 6: 5:58 Mile 7: 5:59. Out of the canyon now and Thom still out in front. I successfully made it down at about a 5:57 pace. I really wanted to try and keep the 6:00 pace as long as I could on the hills. Mile 8: 6:00 Mile 9: 6:12. Bigger hills. Mile 10: 6:01. Make a push to catch Thom and we set a good pace together on this stretch. Mile 11: 6:11. I can see James Moore in front of me. If it wasn't James I might could try to catch him, but who wants to be out kicked at the end? LOL. Mile 12: 6:11. Running for place now.
Mile 13: 6:10. Tried hard to get back to 6:00, but could not do it.
Mile 0.11: 5:46 pace. Felt strong at the finish and enjoyed watching the other runners come in. It was nice seeing all the bloggers at the race. Did a cool down with Tara, Allie, James, Devra. Nice talking with Albert and Jason too. Great turn out for the race. Our local running club took 1st in 3 age groups and a 2nd overall female masters (MONEY WINNER!). Way to go team!
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