Notes
Quick take - Not sure where my fitness was at, but it's seems like its similar to past years at this time. The course was very windy, especially coming back miles 10 and 11. Mostly dirt roads. Got passed by college aged kid at mile 11. *uck..
A mass start of 5k,10k,1/2 marathon led to some confusion, but we settled in quickly. First mile was steady. Talked with a guy who had similar goals (ended up passing him at 8, but he hung on and came in right behind me), but he quickly stuck with two other guys who were running 5:50's. Little fast for me, especially going into the wind on mile 3. Mile 4 i caught up with them with the wind at my back through 6 miles. Steady headwind for miles 7 and 8. At 9 we got a short break with the turnaround, than battled the toughest stretch on my lonesome, miles 10 and 11. I started to fall apart about 10.5 as i saw a kid approaching me. I spent a lot of energy at that point just battling the wind. By 11 he caught me, tried going with him but not much turn over to speak of. Managed to stay under 6min pace the last two and finally battle the wind for the last .25 to the finish line. A very open course through farm fields, bottled water in two spots but no one was handing them out so i said screw it and ran with nothing.
I'll take it as a good sign. Better from where i was at in September.