This was a small town race but had alot of fun running it. I was alittle concerned about the course as there is alot of turns and turn arounds as it was the 1st annual run, but it was well marked out and aid stations and volunteers were good.
Race started at 8 am and on time as there were 5 runners that took off in to the front, John and two younger kids and 2 other runners in there 30's or so. By mile 1 John and the young guys were in front by .25 miles and by mile 2 they were out of sight. The first 3 miles were just nice and easy as the two 30 year old and myself were just at about the same pace. At mile 4 I moved the pace up to a 7:15 - 7:20 pace and I really felt comfortable and consistent at every mile. One of the runners fell off the pace at mile 7 and I felt like I was pacing the other guy as he was just hanging out about 10 yards behind me until mile 10. He then faded out. I was runninng by myself the rest of the race. Still running 7:20 up until mile 16 as the wind picked up and was getting stronger every mile and by mile 18 pace slowed to 7:35 and by mile 20 it was a head wind from hell. But I just kept pushing it. I was able to catch one of the young guys at mile 22 and saw the other one about a half mile ahead of me. Pace slowed to the low 8 min pace. About every 1/2 mile I was getting closer and could see he was looking over his shoulder alot as to were I was. By mile 24.5 I passed him ( that was fun and I know how he must have felt because it has happend to me before and it is something that you remember for awhile). Finished strong. Just wished the wind didn't happen. 2nd overall finish. | 