Notes
The race started on time, which was nice. I didn't have a great starting position but I was on the outside so it was easy to find space once past the line. Not that I was hoping to run with the lead pack, but they were already gone by the time I had gotten up to speed. Instead, I found a decent 2nd pack; it never really coalesced into a nice pack but I did a good enough job of drafting for most of the 1st half.
There was a large no-man's land between the lead pack and everyone else. Nick Bowerman was the 1st to break away from our little group, and I was the next a little before halfway. Maybe I should have tried to go with him. I was feeling good at the turnaround (2:17 half), but I wasn't gaining on anyone.
With around 400m to go, I wasn't running quite as determined anymore. I think that had more to do with motivation than lactic acid. No one was coming back to me but I was beginning to hear footsteps. And who should pass me with around 200 or 300 to go, two Thorsday guys, New Guy and Falco - probably the 2 guys in the race I would have wanted to beat the most :). This was just the motivation I needed, and after a few seconds of drafting, I started kicking. New Guy would have no response, but Falco had already started kicking as well. I did hesitate while passing Falco as I was concerned he might have a response and I wanted to know that before giving my all. He maintained his kick and I finished slightly ahead of him.
I did finish about the same time as last year, but felt much more in control and relaxed this year.