Started out at steady pace, try to keep short stride & high cadence. Pretty much running in the pack for the first 3/4 mile. Pack started to thin out making the turn from 41 onto Ringling Blvd. Felt good going over bridge the first time. Didn't take any water at turnaround on far side. Coming back over the bridge was the toughest part, into 15 mph wind.
Started to feel both calves/Achilles getting tight, so walked an extra minute during a scheduled walk break as I was approaching the summit. Started to drive pace again coming back down and until the finish. No walk breaks after making the turn from Ringling Blvd back onto 41. Drove it home after the last turn off 41 to the finish. Got into a bit of a back & forth with a younger woman to my right. Finally was able to pull ahead for good with 100 yd to go.

Had figured to finish around 47 minutes, so on target with 47:18. Wasn't an all-out effort, but still a PR for for this race.

Race was pretty much as expected based on where I am with my HM training. Losing weight could always help. Still carrying extra 4 pounds from the Holidays.

Still have problems figuring out my race pace versus training pace.

Since this is mostly a prep race for my HM, I was OK with the results, particularly since I didn't hurt anything.

Grabbed a bottle of water at the finish and walked to car to put my jacket & sweat pants back on. Wanted to keep moving around, so walked around expo tents looking for friends. Had a 1/2 bagel, a hot dog and another bottle of water while waiting around for the awards ceremony.


The usual suspects: Physique, genetics, lack of speed training, weight, age, overthinking, trying to avoid injury, etc.


First race of 2014. Fifth time I've done this race, and first time in M60-64. PR'd by 1:16, so can't complain. Fun evernt. Good lead up to the Sarasota HM in March which also goes over & back on the Ringling Bridge.