Notes
Temp 32 Wind 5 mph.
Have made this pilgrimage more than any other during my 11+ years of running. Learn this morning that next year will be the final year. Too bad. One of the best courses and best organized races within a 100 mile radius.
Top five-six a pretty safe bet. Top three an easy handicap. Four through six may be a toss up.
One and two establish out of the gate. KEH rides the brakes for the first mile before cruising past Marcus into third. Couple years ago Marcus tried to stay with him and opened the door for me to run him down in last 800. Marcus initially goes, but backs off quickly this time. He's learning.
I juggle between 5th overall and 10th-12th through 800 before taking my spot in 5th OA. Hadn't closed enough on Marcus by the time we turned on Dame Street to catch up. Made up quite a few seconds the last 1.0K...maybe if it were a four miler?
Splits 6:39 (felt faster) / 6:38 (felt slower, mild headwind and concrete pavement on Main Street has deteriorated over the years to the point some spots ran more like a steeplechase) / 6:29 / 0:29 (6:09). Able to negative spit and finish strong despite only having about 2.0K worth of recovery in my fast twitch from last weekend's One and Done.
Gun time of 20:15 (77.57%). 5th OA and another AG win in the 56-60. KEH brings home a 3rd OA for CBEGM with a solid even split effort. Three of top six over 50 years of age. Nice morning, no complaints. Onward.