The race was very well organized, and it was a beautiful day to WATCH a race

The start was fairly tight, with 5k and 15k starting together, making pacing a challenge. I lined up behind my buddies as I knew they'd take off quickly and create room for me. As we rolled into the valley I remembered the one thing I do better than them is run downhill, and it was a real effort not to pass my friend AJ, who is much too fast for me to race with.
At the first kilometer Mark (another friend) called out "3:30, a little fast guys"... a LITTLE... Oops.

The climb out of the valley was hot and challenging; usually I'm pretty good on hills, but there wasn't much zip in my legs. Whether that was my current fitness, the heat, the pace or just one of those days is hard to say. Shortly after the hill one runner slipped by me and another moved up off my shoulder, then 1/2 a kilometer later also went by. We were around 1/2 way and I really couldn't decide whether to push harder or just maintain pace. Coming around a corner some guy offers me a water bottle, but I thought... maybe I'll just wait for the water station.
The turnaround offered me the chance to see the leaders, and unless someone was WAY ahead, AJ was clear out front. If that was true I was holding 10th, which was my 'stretch goal' for the day, along with sub 60 minutes. As I made the turn I could see I had about 30 seconds on 11th, who was the first place woman. Man, I've got to hold this spot




The run in was uneventful, as the runners were fairly spread out and everyone seemed content with their position, or unable to bridge the gaps. The last big climb was a bit painful as my attention turned to my finishing time. Cresting the hill I could see the clock and it was 59... something... better pick it up.. Damn 59:5_ there is something blocking the last digit; hit the afterburners... . Crossed just as the clock was switching to 1:00:00. Must have a second or so on the chip time, right?
As it turns out, I don't know; although I heard a beep, my chip didn't pick up on the first sensor and they'll check the other one when they have time. Fortunately there are PLENTY of witnesses to the full on sprint to the line. Still a little disappointing to look at the preliminary finishing sheets and NOT see your name. I ended up in 10th overall, 59:58 (provisional time). My friends won 1st overall, 1st 30-40, 1st 40-50, 1st 50-60, and another buddy got 1st 40-50 in the 5k: pretty good haul!
