Notes
I started with the intent of running about an 8:30 pace and got caught up in the crowd and just went for it. Sort of what happened last year so I wasn't suprised. Early splits were over 8 and then I settled into a bit faster pace and was able to maintain it to the end. Very difficult over the last mile or so with the grade on the bridge. Here's my splits:
8:14, 154bpm (83% max)
8:09, 164bpm (89% max)
7:59, 168bpm (91% max)
7:42, 169bpm (91% max)
8:01, 170bpm (92% max)
7:49, 172bpm
7:50, 173bpm
8:06, 176bpm
7:37, 177bpm
7:59, 178bpm (96% max)
Based on the heart rate info, I have little doubt that I could not have maintained that pace much further. Heart rate increased steadily over the entire race.
Chip time, 1:20:45, Garmin pace 1:19:24 (time stopped for a quick bathroom break). PR by about 1 minute.