Decided at about midnight to give it a go. I wish I would've been at group this week, because I would've come to help out with the volunteering early as well...I guess that's what I get for being lazy. Anyway, lots of people to chat with at the beginning and I got to start with Julie and Michelle which was GREAT because I had someone to chat with and pace with; however, at times they got too speedy for me and I had to drop back. Leg pain was there, but minimal (2/10). It was a fun course with rolling hills and a few good uphills, I hate to admit it but I really am starting to like the short uphill pushes in races, because I feel strong to push up them - as long as I can get a break at the top :) I hit a GREAT stride around mile 3, it felt freeing, the pace felt good, I was able to push past people, and just hit a good groove (yes, still pain, but you get used to it after a while). Then, my wheels finally fell off around mile 4.5 (top of Lover's Lane), the thigh pain moved down and surrounded my left knee. I was pushing the pace with 2 guys and I had finally pulled ahead on the hill, but after about another .25 fell off their pace as well. I think they finished a good minute or more ahead of me, I was just doing what I could - I didn't want to push any harder than I needed to. Only 2 other people passed me on this stretch, so my good groove was well spent :)
AP: 7:55, splits: 7:44, 7:35, 7:50, 7:52, 8:14, 8:12, 8:13 (last .17 recorded on Garmin)
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