Notes
First time running Rice Street. Was really nervous since I really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really hate mile races.<br><br>Goal going in was to beat Jason and Jeffrey (and for sure not lose to Carrie or Brenner). Talked to Bobby Paxton before the race and he was hoping to run somewhere around 5:20-:30 and since I haven't done any fast speedwork, I decided to try and stick with him. Lined up just behind him. Ben and Mike B. were standing next to me and we were chatting. All of a sudden the gun went off (early) and I wasn't ready. Got stuck behind them the first 50 yards.<br><br>Finally got around them and in the open. Iwas looking for J & J. Saw them about a quarter mile in and they were about 20 yards ahead of me. The first quarter was uphill and my forearms were really feeling tired (very weird). I thought I was going to die. Didn't see the quarter mile. Looked at my old school watch and I was already 1:45 into the race. I was so hoping I was coming up to the half and not quarter. Found the half, looked at watch and it said 2:45. Thought to myself, shit I should start running.<br><br>Shortly after the half I caught up to Jeffrey. I was starting to run angry and said screw it, and put a surge in to pass him strong. Didn't want him hanging around. Just before the .75 mile mark I caught up to Jason. I decided to hang for a bit and recover for the final surge. My plan was to attack on the top of the hill, so I hung off his back shoulder for a block or two. <br><br>Saw the team at the top of the hill and went for it. I put a couple seconds on Jason, but I think I made him mad. We started on the downhill and I could hear him. I then remembered that he's a great downhill runner and I was feeling out of control, so I slowed down a bit (big mistake), he went around me and I kinda slowed down some more. I had realized that I had passed Luke earlier and now he came back around. I said screw that and took off. Ended up beating Luke by two seconds and lost to Jason by that amount. Urgh.<br><br>I really have no regrets about this race (first time for everything). I really thought I ran a smart race and to the best of my ability, considering I haven't done any hardcore speed training. I had a complete blast actually racing a race, first time in a long time I've done that.