I really laid it all out there.
I was trying to keep up with the 8 min/mile pace balloon. At the beginning, it wasn't too hard. Then the pacer handed off the balloon and dropped out, which was a little tough mentally because she was a woman, and everyone else around me was male.
I knew I had to pass the pace balloon in order to break 24 minutes. I didn't pass it, and I didn't make my goal. But it was the coldest day I have run so far this year.
Dh (david tri's) and both kids were there cheering for me. They were the only spectators on the whole course!!!! They cheered for me in 3 spots. At spot number 3, dh was definitely not expecting me yet! That always makes me smile.
It was very interesting lining up with the "fast people" at the beginning, and seeing the leader not that long before I hit the turnaround, and then seeing hordes and hordes of people behind me. That doesn't usually happen to me! I am used to being solidly MOP.
I was very pleased at the finish when they told me I was #2 in my AG. The prize was a 12% off card at the running store. 12% off? Really? How about 50%? Or $5 off or something? Still, it was nice. Everyone got a really nice travel coffee mug in addition to the technical shirt.

Don't take up weightlifting two weeks before a race.
Also, do some intervals in the month before the race. I had forgotten what that puking feeling felt like.

Walked back to the building where the bagels and hot chocolate were.


This was a pretty big improvement for me, and a personal best. I wanted to break 24 minutes, but I'll get there.


Web site was a bit unclear on what the course actually was. I couldn't tell if crossing the main road was part of the race, or if we were supposed to line up on the other side of the street.