Didn't really expect much from the race as I have not been running much since the ROC Marathon back in September. Have been spending the majority of my time in the weight room or on the trainer. Ran about four times in the week leading up to Thanksgiving to "shake the rust off" and make sure I still remembered how to use the legs.
Got to the race well before the start. Gave myself ample time to warm up and fight through the crowd of 3,600+; suffice it to say the race was very well attended. Things felt good and I secured a decent spot on the starting line. Ended up about 15feet in front of the starting line as those arriving late added themselves to the front.
Start was interesting, PA system was muffled and after an inaudible amount of noise there was suddenly a cry of "Run" coming from somewhere behind us. An air horn would have been nice but after the accordion effect subsided everyone was off and running. Immediately I located Karl Johnson (local triathlete and running Guru) and decided that I was going to try and stick to his hip. Of course the collegiate level runners took off like a shot but I settled in and was running a solid 5:30 pace, stride for stride with Karl. The miles ticked by and I was pleased with my ability to stay with some very good runners (including Karl). Finished in 00:24:11, good enough for 26th overall.
I am continuously surprised by how strong my running has become, especially after my result as the ROC Marathon. Makes me excited for next year. Few things I took away from this race: (1) Fleet Feet got new race kits and I want one, (2) my running has improved a lot, (3) I want to try and start training with a group (i.e. Fleet Feet)
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