Notes
The Stampede was my first race in the last 6-months and my first attempt at longer than 5k in many years. The weather conditions were perfect at the gun: 45 degrees, overcast with no wind.
The loop course was essentially flat, except for two freeway overpasses on Interstate 80. But much of the venue was scenic, encompassing Playfields Park and a trip through residential greenbelts.
My legs were fresh after three days of rest. I set the pace on feel, gradually picking up speed in the second half. It helped that the race was large enough to keep runners in close quarters. I had enough left to get the last mile in 7:29.
I enjoyed a night's stay in a solid Airbnb in Woodland. I dined at Morgan's On Main, the top-recommended restaurant by Yelp. It was okay if ravenous and dying of thirst.