Well today was the race I have trained for in the last 5 weeks. I know 5 weeks isn't a long time but 8 miles isn't a long race either. Overall I am very happy with my time. I don't know the mile splits except that the first mile was 5:42. After 1-1/2 miles the pace felt slow so I took off and wish I could say never looked back but I did look back numerous times because of a pesky side ache that I had from miles 3 to the finish. Even with the side ache and big hills I ran faster than I thought I could. In the last 2 miles the 2nd place runner (who happens to be the 1st Hawaiian that finished the Boston Marathon this year) was gaining on me. I did all I could to just hang on my pace and finished about 20 seconds ahead of him. My only regret is that stupid side ache that wouldn't go away.... I'm just curious to see what my time would have been without getting a side ache. Does anybody have tips on how to avoid side aches in races? Almost every race I run these days I get a side ache. I've tried eating and drinking different food before the race but maybe it isn't related to food? I don't know. Any ideas?
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