I had 3 goals going into this race. "C" goal was to beat my time last year which was 19:25. "B" goal was sub-19. "A" goal was in the 18:30s.
The course was short by everyone's account, but regardless it was a good race for me. I had told myself to run the first mile at 6:00 and then speed up for mile 2 and then hold on. Mile 1 felt good and I backed off a little half way through cause Hille and I were going a little too fast. Mile one was right at 6:00.
Hille and I made the turn back north and I pulled a few body lengths ahead of him. I figured he was right off my shoulder so I didn't even look. Mile 2 felt alright. I wasn't hurting yet and it came in at 5:50. I tried to approach the hill smart and this is when I entered the pain cave. I tried to relax and was able to shake a few demons and refocus. I passed a few people on the hill and that boosted my confidence.
By the top of the hill, mile 3 average was in the 6:20s. I committed to not looking at my watch again and just running off of feel and getting this thing done. Mile 3 was 6:01 (which I am stoked on because last year I faded and ran 3 at a 6:28). When I got close to the end and looked up the clock read 17:51. I figured that had to be wrong but I gave it one last push to come in just under 18:00.
Hille finished about 12 seconds back and ran a great race.
Hope everyone enjoys their 4th! Whit gave me an American flag tank and I couldn't think of a better race to wear it in.
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