Mosied on over to the start line and said hello to a few runners that I knew. We joked a bit, then got in position to start the run. No way to tell who's a 10K or 5K runner, which sucks.

The RD fired the pistol and we were off! A few runners started off fast (as usual), but my strategy was different this time. I eased the gas a bit for the first mile and ran it at 6min/mi. I usually run the first mile 20+ seconds faster, then drop off to a more manageable 6:30 as the race progresses.

At the first mile, I was right at 6 and felt great! I had reigned in the urge to go out too hard. There was a pack ahead of me that was starting to pull away. I had to catch them! So I did.

At the second mile, I glanced at Garmin and we had run it sub 6! Damn! Too fast for the second mile (at least for me). Eh, whatever. Just run. I wasn't feeling too bad, so I just went with it.

The second half of the third mile is the toughest part of the whole course...by ALOT. You run through some neighborhoods and it's fairly hilly. I was running 7:40 or so at this point (and catching the leaders). The third mile ends with approx a 1/5 mile gradual climb before it levels off.

At this point, I inadvertantly mentioned that the second loop is much tougher than the first, out loud to nobody in particular, although there were others running with me. I immediately noticed one guy kind of slouch and slow down. Oops! Sorry, bro! Not my intention!

We make a right turn in front of Clayton State, and at this point, I'm behind two guys before the 5K turnoff. I pass the 2OA and set my sights on 1OA. He has dreadlocks and looks like he's floating. I'm right on his tail and then he veers off for the 5K. I yell at him, "Good run, bro!" and he gives me a thumbs up.

I'm 1OA at this point, but hear the pattering of shoes behind me. I hold off the other runs until the start of the 6th mile (the hilly part). All of a sudden, a guy flies by me. I'm shocked to see this guy, b/c he looks at least 20 years older than me! Huh? Excuse me?

Then, a blonde guy passes me and tells me to keep up. Well, I do. Then, to my surprise (yet again), another older guy comes running by us. Gah! WTH?

I fall back a little until we get to the top of the hill. Then, I make my move with about a quarter mile to go. I pass the blonde guy, and almost catch 2OA. So close.

I'm happy with this run today. I took almost 2 minutes off the 40:56 I ran last year at this race, but more importantly, I'm starting to feel good running again. INJURIES SUCK.

Nothing. I just need to get gradually increase my running volume again and ensure I don't get hurt again.

Jogged slowly to my car, then back to the HQ. Drank gatorade and ate a HUGE waffle with butter and syrup! Yum!


Lack of training b/c of injury.


Good race with plenty to do afterwards. The awards were late, but that's a common occurrence at this race.

I had to leave, so I didn't stick around for awards. The RD gave me my 1AG 30-34 award and thanked me for participating.