Notes
Temp 77 Wind 6 mph. Humidity 96% Dew Point 71 degrees.
Over 150 entered. Several HS kids allowed to run but cannot enter due to start of CC on 8/9 (more on that later). Early morning shower has kept temps in high 70s, however, humidity is a bear. Take spot a couple of rows back. There are 11 in AG. Know Hammer, Schmiz, and Shannon A. Saw at check-in that runner in our AG has #1 bib. See him toeing the start line on front row in "real" running gear. Uh-oh? Also saw several runners who appeared to be masters get out of their cars with Fleet Feet Racing Team shirts on. Another Uh-oh?
We start and I clear the folks who shouldn't have lined up in front about the time we pass the finish line for the first time at 0.1 miles. Snake through the park on Mathews Drive for first 0.44 miles. Hammer out quick with some young folks. Bib #1 has bolted out like a rocket. Passing people down the semi-steep drop. Pass bib #1 and we make the first real turn onto Little Rock Road. See Hammer and all young folks ahead. Didn't count, but there were less than ten, and I'm not sure how many are actually entered. Have one in my sights, and second I'm thinking: maybe?
Running into 6 mph wind on flat straight. Finish first mile split in 5:58. (Garmin set to alert every 6:00) Fast in this humidity, but course gets progressively harder each mile, so no other way to run it. Little Rock Road turns into Main Street, and we continue on until next turn on LaHaye Street 1.4 miles into race. Begin to feel effects of humidity as sweat is building on my skin with no where to go. Can tell pace is slowing, but inching up on kid in front of me. Hear footsteps behind me all the way down Main Street. Thinking bib #1 may be tagging along waiting to make his move. (Found out after the race it was Schmiz.)
Three blocks on LaHaye, then left on Third Street as we hit the start of small rolling hills. Right on Jefferson at 1.83 miles, then another right on Fourth Street at 1.93 miles. Pass kid just after turn. (Over hear him talking to friend after race, "He was an older dude, didn't look too tough, but he blew by me at about two miles...") As I pull away, I realize I'm no longer hearing footsteps. Look ahead and can still see Hammer running with some young guys. All look to be out of reach. Second mile spit slows to 6:32 in the humidity and start of hills.
Hills continue to roll until Maxwell Hill at 2.2 miles. Locals are proud of this one. Steep climb for over quarter of mile. Hard effort, but did not feel like I slowed down too much. Short steep partial drop (beat the crap out of my tired legs) before second part of climb. Hear my thrid Garmin alert as I near turn back into park. Will be a respectable time and running close to front of pack. Do not sense anyone behind me.
Right on Matthews Drive back into park. Pass the third mile split with a 6:39. Didn't pound me too bad. See clock as it turns over to 19:00. Kick it down to a 5:34 pace and finish the last 0.12 (Garmin distance) in 0:40.
Time is 19:49. I'm 5th OA and 2nd to Hammer in 45-49. Two 20 year old studs one and two. Winner drops a sub-17 on us...wow. A HS kid between me and Hammer. Schmiz in 6th OA at just over 20:30 for 3rd AG. SplitMaster / Ghisallo masters sweep the 45-49 AG...again! Shannon A. drops about 5:00 off his 2009 time.
One of the HS kids crosses line and gets timed, but does not take finish stick. Throws off everyone's official time by one place for second race in a row. RD announces my finish time at awards ceremony as "19 flat". Coaches need to do a seminar and teach these kids how to run as a bandit.
Nice afternoon with Hammer letting the girls check out the festival before and after lunch while we got to talk some more running.