OK, I know I said I wasn't going to run this one. Then, I looked at my new training schedule and coach put either a time trial or 5k for yesterday. Sorry, would rather run a race than a TT. So, I convinced Brian to join me and we headed to the race. This is the first running of this event, but they did have the route posted -- YIKES -- it's going to be a wee bit hilly. HermosaDog (Rosie) and I headed out for a little 2 mile shakeout run around 6 and the good news was, the weather was just about perfect. Brian arrived at 7 and we hit the road. Got to the race, picked up our packets and decided to run the course as a warm-up to see how bad the hills were going to be -- Yup, that bad. The Bud Break two weeks ago was hilly, but at least you got to roll. For this one, mile one is mainly downhill and then it's pretty much all climb. Another thing we noted, the 2 mile marker was about 0.4 late. Get back to the HermosaMobile to change into flats. Brian and I talk strategy. We want to get out hard and see where we are at (hope to be in 2nd or 3rd). After the first mile, time to start moving. Survery the other participants at the starting line. There's a youngster that we ran against a few weeks ago. He will get out hard, but probably fail. Then there is a guy who looks like he is heading to a costume party -- dressed as Pre! He has the full look going -- hair, sideburns, mustache and the full nike Pre gear on. We wonder about him until we see him putting on headphones -- those aren't running headphones... So, the horn sounds and the youngster takes off. I get out ahead of Brain (that's rare) and he laughs about it. As we settle in, we are in 2nd and 3rd -- right where we want to be. The youngster is 20 yards or so ahead, but he is not running the tangents. Sidebar, does anyone else really wonder why people want to run longer than the race distance but not cutting every corner they possibly can (while staying on the course)? But I digress... All splits are according to Garmin(s) except the overall time. So, this continues throug the first mile. Youngster hits it in 5:11 (according to him after the race). Brian hits it in 5:17 and me in 5:22. I look back to see if we have anyone else looking to play -- nope, not today! Now the climbing begins... I cover the gap between Brian and me and we run together. We tell each other to just gradually close the gap on the leader and then pass him around 2 miles. Great strategy, except he is slowing! So, we are right on him as we get to 1.5. Brian looks like he is going to settle in. Me? Nah, run his legs out from under him!!! So, I surge and off we go -- and of course Brian comes with me. Well, now it's just me and Brian. I hit mile 2 in 5:52 for me and 5:51 for Brian. Not sure how I passed him while running a slower mile when he was ahead at 1 mile. Wow, time travel! I know this won't be a PR, but would like to run well. We keep pushing and as we continue to climb, I open up 10 or 15 yards on Brian. Just trying to turn them over as we FINALLY crest the last of the hills -- PHEW!!! As we make a turn, I look back to see Brian about 20 yards behind. I dial the pace back a bit to let him catch up -- BIG MISTAKE!!! Mile 3 comes in 6:01 for me and 6:00 for Brian -- still not sure how I am ahead? But not for long... Why did I let a former college 800 runner catch up to me at the end of a 5k? He turns it on and it's all I can do to stay within a few seconds of him. Official results: Brian 1st OA and in 1st AG with 17:46 Hermosaboy 2nd OA and 1st in AG with 17:48 3rd OA was the youngster in 18:35 PRE was 4th in 21:12 Note to self -- next time I gotta run Brian's legs right out from under him so he won't have a kick! Thanks for reading.

Great racing hermosaboy, especially when you weren't planning on running this initially. Way to show the youngsters how it's done and with style. Thanks for the report. I always take notes and remember to shut up and run now, er, or is it run or die?! Both will work I am sure. Congrats! CNyrunner/Karin

Nice race! I loved the head to head action. Congrats to all!

Nice race, Hermosa!

Great job Hermosa - but we wouldn't expect any less from you! ~Mary

2nd OA and 1st in AG - well done!

I love to read about the speed, Great report, thanks for sharing Larry