Notes
I decided early on during this event that I was just going to cruise and I basically did exactly that.
After a straight shot up the boulevard miles 2 and 3 are run on a paved trail through a series of twists, turns and a couple of elevation rises which affected my pace despite no change in my perceived effort.
That would explain the drastic drop off in pace as at no point did I feel as if I was running 30 seconds slower the second mile.
I ended up running well below my fitness but am okay with that as my main goal today was to not aggravate my aching groin.
I was able to do that and finished ahead of my main rival for the first time in four tries as a bonus.
He was shocked to learn his pace dropped as much as it did on the trail so I suspect it is something in the course that was responsible for that.
As it is I came away no worse for the wear so all is good despite an otherwise less than desirable result for me.
Note: Garmin measured the course at 3 miles.