It was a great day for a race 44F and overcast in Raleigh, NC. Coach Bubba's Heart and Sole 20K race is put on by the Godiva Tracck Club: Godiva Track Club established this event to honor Bruce Koenig, affectionately known as Coach Bubba, and his contributions to the running community. Bruce was a dedicated and spirited running coach who died unexpectedly while leading a group run. With his wife, Anne Marie Mulhern, Bruce started the area's first marathon training class as well as Carolina Godiva's "Running Start" program for those just beginning to run. He was an inspiration to many. This year the event was also designated a North Carolina State Championship 20K. So I expected a FAST field! I am in the middle of training for Boston with 60+ MPW's and a recent issue with some foot and knee soreness. Ths week I stepped back a bit and the foot and knee issues were totally gone by Friday (whew). I always dread these races but LOVE when they are over because I push this distance hard the whole way and it HURTS ) The first half basically winds through a pretty old neighborhood (Forest Hills)... say no more (see elevation profile). Then by mile 6 it goes onto the Rails-To-Trails called the American Tobacco Trail (ATT). Tory and I have run that portion of the trail many times so it was very familar which was helpful. Goals: I Hoped to maintain a PBJ Special (7:30 pace) the whole way and finish in 1:33:00 which, based on lsat years times would place me in my new AG M55-59 which I entered a week ago. At 8:33 we were off on a down hill start which progressed to the rolling hills, some challenging. I kept track of the mile splits but went by feel not pushing super hard but still intense. Here's how it went: First 10K: 47:09 Second 10K: 47:10 Splits: Mile1: 7:29 [AHR 176] Mile 2: 7:26 [173] Mile 3: 7:38 [171] Mile 4+5: 15:20 (7:40) [167] Mile 6: 7:37 [167] Mile 7: 7:28 [168] Mile 8: 7:43 [168] Mile 9: 7:46 [166] Mile 10: 7:21 [165] Mile 11: 7:40 [166] Mile 12: 7:40 [166] Mile 12.4: 3:05 (7:10) [179, max 192!] I was able to manage a good kick last .4 miles! Final 1:34:16 (7:36 pace, AHR 169) 1st M55-59 AG (out of 13)! 70.1% WAVA 2006 Age Grade Ranking!! 105/456 OA... lots of young runners! [note: combining ages 50-59, I came in 4/31 !] PR for 20K (1st 20K ), PR Age Grade, great workout, nothing injured! Even won a drawing for sweets at a pastry shop... yum, yum.

Quite the accomplishment Steve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gotta love the hardware. Thanks for the RR.

I found the history of the race interesting. Races that honor a particular person are special. You sure ran a fast race with nice even mile splits and the 10K splits were really even. Congrats on your AG win. TomS

Amazing race, Steve! Wow... yes I'd say a lot of fast runners were there... YOU were there! Congratulations on the breakout AG win. Nice way to start the 5 year span. And treats to boot! Very cool. Rest up now and save some of that mojo for Arizona, ok?

WOW!!! Congrats on a great race...your pacing is excellent!!!

I'm really happy for you Steve. You work hard in your training, and this first place finish, combined with your sensible pacing is great evidence of the right way to train for this distance. I imagine your competition didn't have that great base of yours that would allow them to hold a strong pace like this for 20K. You were like a machine out there. Very well done. Spareribs

Great race Steve. Congratulations!

Perch! You animal! Nice race!! I am in awe!! Congratulations! Chris