Notes
A smaller field this year lead to Unattached athletes having plenty of room on the starting line (other alumni and running clubs had their own as well), so I got out pretty well towards the front. However, soon it became clear that the front pack was running more my pace than me running too fast. The mile confirmed this (5:27).
This was a large (~50 person) pack and it became a little more difficult to maneuver once we got to the downhill&wind-at-our-back section. I dropped from the pack here and came through 2 miles about 10:57. As we made the turn back into the wind, I was in a string off the pack and decided to push to catch up. I don't think this took too much out of me but who knows. I was, however, surprised to see this was the pack that Drew was still in.
Of course, once we hit the 180 turn, things started to pick up and I was off the pack again. From here I just focused on racing a Wartburg guy who was strong on the uphills while I tried to pass on the downhills. I didn't quite hear/understand the 3 mile but my 4th mile was a little over 22 min I think.
By the way, the wind was going the opposite direction of the only other 2 times I've raced here, so it was weird to push through the wind on the backstretch before getting blown in on the finishing straight. I passed a few people the last mile and I don't think anyone passed me, but it wasn't a great kick or anything.
Solid day, 2 seconds slower than last year which seemed odd (with what I thought were better conditions this year). But I was in good shape last year until I got injured right around this time, so I just need to take care of myself the next month and keep the good times rolling.
*Dan Huston Invitational