Notes
Slight delay to start but great conditions out. The start was much more manageable than last year. Last year felt like a free-for-all with lots of pace-changes. This year a lead pack was created pretty early and the pace wasn't suicidal. I settled into the back of the pack feeling good (pace felt crazy fast, but good). Some guys in front of me broke off the pack and I didn't really do anything to bridge the distance so I was a few meters off the pack for a good amount too. Halfway uphill felt much better than last year, but the people in front of me weren't as stupid as last year either, so I only passed 1 person before hanging on and trying to pick up the pace for the last 1/3 mile; I haven't really found my kick in awhile.
But I supposedly finished with a 4:33, which is actually a lifetime PR and first time I've beaten a college PR. Though I'm sure you could debate road vs track. I'm half-tempted to jump in a 1500 to try for another pr, but I think I'm mentally burned out for track running. So I'm taking some days off now before gearing up for Dam to Dam with dreams of massive mileage and adding more bike riding this summer.