great weather for the race - perfect weather really with low to mid 60s and little to no wind.
My legs felt heavy and tired last night and during my warm-up miles but I know what I can do and I went out and tried my best.
This race course has very little flat running. There are four big ups in it and they take a big toll.
I lined up on the line for once cause I didn't want to get stuck behind anyone and have to lose time in the first mile. I figure the first mile is a good place to gain some time cause you are fresh as you are going to be. No matter what, you are will be tired in the last mile. The first 100 meters were hard because I couldn't imagine sustaining the pace I was doing for any longer. That's not a good sign for a race. Luckily right away I settled in with two others who were going my pace and didn't seem in over their head. The first mile is big rolling hills and we cruised in at 5:45. The 2nd mile has a big up and big down and I tried to save a little on the up and pounded the downhill. We came in at 11:40 I think. Considering that hill, I was happy with that split. The third mile has two more long hills that I really just hate, even when I am doing an easy run. I just hung with those two guys and tried to maintain focus. During that mile we dropping one of those guys and it was just me and a college kid. I think that we came in a 17:30-17:40 at 3 miles, so that was not too much time lsot. Then the last mile was hanging on and trying to kick a little at the end. 23:32 5:53 pace.
Looking at this, I think I lost a little opportunity to make up a little time in the last mile. I think maybe 5 seconds or so, but at that time I was pretty well cooked.
11th place - I think i was 4th in my age group, which is disappointing. My AG was stacked today. But it was a 30+ sec PR for 4 Miles
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