I ended up signing up for Beat the Bridge to prove to myself after Bloomsday that I could string together a few sub-6 miles. I'm not in shape to beat last year's time, but it was still fun to get out and race with a big crowd (and it's a good cause). This is a good run because I can jog over to the course from Bryce and Bonnie's for a two-mile warmup, race, jog back, eat breakfast and still make it to church on time. The morning was cloudy, but warmer than I thought and the rain held off. I was overdressed, actually, with a thin long-sleeve. Didn't rush the first mile intentionally (6:05), then used the second mile's downhill to pick up the pace a bit and settle in the with the group I'd stay with the whole time (5:57). The third mile goes up the bridge and I played it safe with this little group of four of us (6:13), then the fourth mile I felt really comfortable and just floated along (5:05, the marker was definitely short and maybe 3 was a little long). The closing mile I should have pushed a little more than I did, I wasn't ready mentally to chase people and just held a pace rather than really using the last long hill (6:01). I did catch one guy and girl, but had I been engaged I think there were two more for the taking. One mile cool down. Ninety seconds slower than a year ago, which isn't encouraging, but I do feel better about this one than Bloomsday and have some confidence to maybe run a bit more this month. adizero flats | 