Virginia Beach, VA

Piggy-backed on the end of a trip to Greece with Keeley was the Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon.  A fair number of you will have no interest in the race, but would rather read about our trip to Greece, so if you are only interested in the Greece trip, but wandered into this race recap, you can access the Greece blog entry by clicking here.

As I mentioned, this race was tacked on the back of a trip to Greece.  I was a bit mal-nourished and a bit jet-lagged and a bit sleep-deprived.  Otherwise, I was feeling good and hoping for a good race.  It took us a good 32 hours to get from Greece to Virginia, but we had time enough to get a decent pre-race meal and a good night's sleep.  My body had no clue what time it was nor even what day it was, but I was feeling relatively rested and I was properly hydrated.

We had a no-frills trip to the expo.  Actually, I swung by the expo on my way from the airport.  I had the Uber driver drop me off at the expo and drop Keeley off at the hotel.  I walked in, got my race packet and shirt, walked out and ran 2 miles to the hotel.  Keeley waited there for me.  We checked in to our room and went to lunch.  Keeley had eyed a waffle and pancake joint and wanted to eat there, but it was closing, so we took the recommendation of the now off duty employee who said the pizza place next door was tasty.  Truth be told, it WAS good.  I had the lasagna and Keeley had a calzone.  Both were quite good.  We went back to the room and watched a movie.  There was a tiny little section of the nearby souvenir shop that was dedicated to "groceries", that is beer and snacks.  I bought some pop tarts for breakfast the next morning and a small bag of cookies for dessert.  Our bodies were all mixed-up so we did not even eat dinner.  I went to bed early ~ 9:00pm to get a good night's sleep.

It was chilly when I got up.  I ate my pop tarts and made sure my pre-race potty routine was complete.  I completed my Bible study and got myself ready for the start of the race.

I was super excited to have my support team there with me to encourage me and assist me in preparing for my race.

It was a beautiful day in Virginia, although a bit windy and a bit chilly.  I waited in the hotel lobby until 15 min prior to the race start.. not wanting to brave the cold until I absolutely had to.  I just stood there and watched the hoards of people walking to the start.  The hotel was only three streets away from the start, so it was a quick and easy walk.  These pictures were taken from our hotel room.  The lighted path is actually the race path at the end of the race, right about mile 13.... but well before the race start. 

I was situated in corral 1, so I was right up front and did not have to fight with anyone.  The fastest pace group was 1:35 and was being paced by Meb Keflezighi.  I figured that I would not be able to keep pace with him because of the jet-lag and the other excuses I mentioned earlier, so I resigned myself to being behind his group.   It was a larger than normal group because so many people wanted to run with him.  The race started right on time and I was ready to get started so that I could get warm.  The race itself was nice and flat.  There were some very minor inclines throughout, but nothing that even resembled a hill.  I was happy for that.   As I was running along, I was feeling pretty good.  I was running about 7:10, give or take.  Right about mile 2 some girl calling herself Sonia ran up from behind me and hung on my side for about a half mile, then announced that her name was Sonia and her plan was to run this pace for 6 miles and then "see what happens".  I told her that this was the pace I was planning on maintaining, so if she wanted this pace, then I would be right there with her.  I generally like to run alone, but did not mind a partner who might encourage me to keep pace.  She started to speed up a bit and showed no remorse for breaking her stated goal, nor any concern whether or not I would keep up with her.  I pointed out that we had caught the 1:35 pace group and she muttered something and sped up to run with them  For a period of about 2-3 miles, I passed the 1:35 group and stayed ahead of them.  They eventually caught me, but I hung out behind them for 9 miles.  At that point I started to struggle.  My pace went from 7:15-7:20 to 8:11... as you can see.


I watched them get farther and farther away from me until I could no longer see them.  Recognizing the finish was getting closer, I picked back up a bit and finished 1:38:36.   Not too bad... I was not too disappointed.

The fan support was quite good.  There were lots of cheering people with all sorts of signs, there was a large military presence.  I am not certain if they were working the event or if they were guarding something that we were running around, but there were soldiers posted all over the course.The last stretch of the race was along the beach on a paved path that was lined with people cheering.


I had picked up the pace a little, so I was no longer getting passed by everybody, but was running along pretty much by myself, until I picked-off two people that had previously passed me.  The finishing announcer pronounced my name right and I was happy to be finished.  I looked for Keeley at the finish, but I could not seem to find her.  I imagined that she was still in the bed, but we just missed each other with all of the people around, so I went back to the room and got myself cleaned up.  In all it was a good race and I enjoyed it.  I got pretty tired and tanked a bit around mile 9-11, but rallied back to finish.  I forgot to mention the post race meal was at Repeal Bourbon and Burgers.  It was super good... then Keely and I went tourist shopping for the family.  If we came back empty handed from Greece and Virginia, they may not have let us back in the house.

Virginia, state number 35 complete.  Next weekend is the next race in Kansas.  The Wicked Half Marathon in Wamego, Kansas.  Wish me luck.

Year 2018 in review

I just realized that I wrote a 2017 year in review, but never got around to writing a 2018 year in review.  The good news is it is only February 2019, so I am not too far off.

My goals for 2018 were:

1.   To continue with my 50 in 50 goal.  I ran 12 races in 2017.  If you add the three that I ran in 2016, (I started this venture in October 2016 with the I Dream of Jeannie Half) then I had run 15 races by the end of year 2017.  I ran 17 races in 2018, so by the end of 2018 my grand total races completed was 32.

2.  Run at least a mile for 365 days -- I DID complete that goal -- and even got a medal for it.

3.  Run at least 1000 miles.  -- I ran somewhere around 1600 miles in 2018 -- even got a couple medals for that.

4.  Add in some cycling and some swimming.  -- More on that later.

Running stats 2018

1559 miles run
199 hours spent running
220,000 + calories burned running
Avg. 7.4 miles per hour
17 half marathons
Best time 1:36:38
Best 10k 41:50

2018 Race recap

January 2018

The Rain Run, Redmond WA

This was a smaller race.  I chose this race because it was the day before I was scheduled to work in Seattle.  Since I was already out there, I thought it would be a great idea to knock out Washington.  This race was called the Rain Run and they purposefully schedule the race during the rainy season.  People actually want it to rain.  Fortunately for me, maybe not for them, it did not really ever rain that day.  There was a light mist before the race, but no rain during the race at all.  I raced fairly well and ended the race with a PR 1:42:09.  The first PR of 2018... more to come.

Best part of the race: The post race cupcake and a PR
Best part of the trip:  I did not have to travel (I was already scheduled to be in Seattle)

Vineyard Vines Half Marathon at Pebble Beach

Just seven days later I left from Seattle and stopped in California to race at Pebble Beach.  This was an inaugural race at Pebble Beach.  It was not very well advertised.  They put it together on a short time frame as I understand it, and therefore was not terribly well attended -- only 359 runners.  It was a pretty course on 17 mile drive, an out and back race.  I enjoyed the scenery and although there were some steep hills, they were steep up and then back down, so my race time was pretty good.  I earned another PR. 1:40:33  That is two PR's in a row.  A nice way to start 2018.... and I got first place in my age group!!

Best part of the race:  The scenery of 17 mile drive and a PR
Best part of the trip: the the uniqueness of running in this venue


February 2018, Austin, TX.

Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Valerie's brother lives outside of Austin, so it only made sense to run my Texas race in Austin.  The whole family went on this one and we were able to spend some time with Uncle Michael and Aunt Angela.  Always a good time.  The race was a very well organized race.  Lots of entertainment and nutrition and fan support.  Valerie was able to find a few spots to catch me running by and cheer me on a bit.

This was a much bigger race, with some 15,000 runners, so not much chance of placing in this one, but I had a decent race anyway.  I was a bit concerned about my ability to run as I had a swelling on the top of my foot... presumably tendinitis... two days before the race, but it did not hinder my performance.  I actually forgot about it.  No PR this time, but a solid 1:42:55.

Best part of the race: the part on the trail by the river
Best part of the trip:  Fun with the family

March 2018, NYC, NY

United Airlines NYC Half Valerie loves NYC.  I don't know if she would ever want to live there, but I know that she always likes to visit.  We went out, just the two of us.  A nice little vacation for us.  We stayed in the city, at a hotel, just off Central Park.  A friend of ours bought us some tickets to go see Hamilton and we had a great time.

This was a HUGE race.  There was really nowhere for Valerie to go and see the start because it was across the bridge in Brooklyn... but she was able to see me running up Times Square and then again at the finish in Central Park.  It is a good thing, for her, that she was not at the start, because it was FREEZING!!!!  20º F and we had to stand out there in the cold for an inordinate amount of time.  I was shivering.

Big race, lots of folks.  Very cool running through Times Square and Central Park.  Raced fairly well.  1:43:27.

Best part of the race: running through Times Square
Best part of the trip:  A NYC vacation (are you kidding me?)

April 2018, Louisville, KY

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon  I went out by myself on this one.  I stayed directly across the street from sluggers field.  The race ran into the front gate of Churchill Downs and around the infield.  I thought it would be super cool, but the infield was a bit of a let down because all we could see was trucks and tents, etc. being set up for the festival.  It was really cool running through the front gate though.  The rest was just the streets of Louisville.  I had a great time though, mostly because I had a good race.  Another PR.  1:39:05.  My first sub 1:40 race!!! -- BTW.  I love this picture because it makes me look like I am running super fast.

Best part of the race: running through the entry gate of Churchill Downs and a PR
Best part of the trip: seeing the sights and how close my room was to it all

May 2018, Alton, NH

Big Lake Half Marathon  Valerie ran this one with me.  It was a smallish race.  You know they are a small town race when they meet and start at the elementary school.  The scenery was great around the Big Lake and the weather was perfect, as I recall.  The finishing food lacked a little something.... like variety and taste... and then there were the hills.  Omagosh, these were some super steep hills.  Valerie actually turned and walked backwards down one of the hills it was so steep.  She had tweaked her hamstring a bit, but she was still able to jog well enough to finish respectably.  I finished with 1:40:43.  I was not too terribly disappointed.  We had a nice time together. 

Best part of the race:  the super fast downhill parts
Best part of the trip: a mini vacation with the wife

June 2018, Steamboat Springs, CO

Steamboat Half Marathon  I suppose it is not possible to get a PR on EVERY race.  It certainly did not happen in Steamboat.  This race wins the award for most scenic area.  The race was not so much as scenic as the town.  I had never been to Colorado in the summer before.  Many times in the winter, but never in the summer and I have to type, It was beautiful.  The weather was amazing.  I just know I would have loved this race more if I could have handled the altitude -- at least I am blaming my lack of speed on the altitude.  I sure petered out quickly... but I would definitely like to go back in the summer again sometime.  Race time 1:54:40... BTW.  I love this picture too because it makes me look like I have wings and therefore flying. 

Best part of the race:  the beginning, when it was downhill and the sun peaked out from behind the mountain and warmed me.
Best part of the trip:  The beauty of the area

Also in June 2018 Anchorage, AK

Anchorage Mayor's Marathon  OK... so, now there is a new front runner for most scenic area.  We had never been to Alaska before, but I am certain that ALL of us want to go back again sometime.  What a beautiful place.  It was great having my family there with me, Valerie, the kids, Mom and our friend Coral.  We had a great time.  It was Keeley's birthday too, so it was all kinds of a good time.  Summer weather, eternal daylight, glaciers, snow, ice, dogsleds, helicopters... a big list of lots of fun.  I had a decent race.  1:41:30

Best part of the race:  the "turkey call" from the family
Best part of the trip: Vacation with the family

July 2018, Easton, MA

Narragansett Summer Running Festival Oh, the pain.  I tore my hamstring one week before this race.  Multiple times I considered canceling, but decided that I could "man-up" and "muscle through it", "suck it up", etc...  It was ugly.  I hobbled through the entire race,,,, BUT I FINISHED!  Cute little small college town.  Decent course.  I'm glad I do not have to do it again.  I ran slow, but I ran!  2:04:46.

Best part of the race:  the quaint view of the little college town
Best part of the trip:  recognizing that I could finish while still injured

Aug 2018, Akron, OH

Goodyear Half Marathon  I was alone for this one as well.  The course started inside and ended outside of the Goodyear test track.  This was a no frills race for me.  Not because of the race or the set-up, entertainment, support, etc... but because I was just not all that in to it.  It was a fine race.  I ran OK, not great, but OK.  I just did not make much of it.  I walked to the start.  I ran the race.  I walked back to the hotel.  I went to the airport.  No frills.  Race time. 1:46:11  Not too bad considering I was still healing from my hammy injury.

Best part of the race:  The pace car escort at the start on the test track
Best part of the trip:  running to the hotel while face timing Valerie

Sept. 2018, Santa Fe, NM

Santa Fe Thunder  Ohmagosh!!! This race was terrible.  I mean, the race was fine.  It was terrible for me, personally.  The first couple miles were uphill at altitude.  I could not handle it.  I had to stop and walk twice in the first couple miles because I was dizzy and nearly blacked out.  It was ugly.  I even lost several miles in the middle of the race.  I don't remember any part of them.  I was able to find a pace I could sustain, albeit fairly slow.  race time 2:01:55

Best part of the race: That moment when I realized I was three miles farther than I thought
Best part of the trip:  flapjacks at iHop



Also Sept 2018 OCNJ


OCNJ Half Marathon  Valerie went with me and we met up with a friend.  The weather was super nice and the boardwalk was a lot of fun.  We played tourist and had a nice time.  This was the 50 states half marathon club annual meet up.  Valerie and I did not do a whole lot of socializing, but we did go to the dinner and awards banquet.  We even went to the Friday night cocktail party... but we did not even speak to anyone.  Anyway, the race was nice.  Running on the boardwalk was fun and allowed Valerie to basically stay in the same spot and catch me running by a few times.  In all it was a fun race.  I was running quite well for the first 8 miles, then fell off a little, but finished with a decent time -- another sub 1:40 -- 1:39:52.

Best part of the race: running on the boardwalk as Valerie ran along side of me (for a minute)
Best part of the trip: touring The Shore with my wife

Oct. 2018, Newport, RI

Amica Newport Marathon  Keeley joined me on this one.  She loves to travel.  It almost does not matter where she is going or with whom... just so she goes.  I am not certain if it is because she hates home or not, but she sure loves to be "away".  We made a bit of a mini vacation out of it.  We played tourist and took a helicopter ride, toured the mansions, walked the cliffs, etc.  Oh and there was also a race happening that weekend.  RI was/is very pretty.  Newport was super nice and posh.  We had a great time.  There were a few hills in this race, but I still raced pretty well.  Another PR.  That is PR #4 this year.  Race time 1:38:47

Best part of the race: The downhill section at the end -- I felt like I was flying and another PR
Best part of the trip: Vacationing with Keeley

Also October 2018, Des Moines, IA

IMT Des Moines Marathon  Super cold, this one.  My fingers were frozen until I took a shower after the race.  I did not have a great race.  I could not seem to keep my heart rate under control, so I kept having to slow up.  The after race food was awesome.  The best of all of the races so far.  I made a meal of it and got my belly full.  That always makes me happy.  Lack luster race time 1:49:11

Best part of the race: running over the fun light bridge
Best part of the trip:  the post race food

Nov 2019, St. Louis, MO

St. Louis Half Marathon  Once again, a race on the way home from a trip to Seattle.  It was a relatively small race, but pretty well organized.  The thing that made this race unique and challenging, was the wind and the rain.  It rained the entire walk to the start.  It was not raining at the beginning of the race, but the wind was blowing us over.  Then about 3/4 through the race, it started raining pretty hard and gusting winds.  I got passed by some lady and a fairly old guy toward the end.  BUT... I think because I just wanted the race to be over... I got a 5th PR this year.  Race time 1:36:56

Best part of the race:  walking back after the race being encouraged by all of the runners still running
Best part of the trip: the walk back and another PR

Also Nov 2019, Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend  I went out to this one alone again.  It was still pretty cold, and the weather was not great, that is, overcast and a bit windy.  I wore my Lululemon pants and a jacket the entire race, with a long-sleeved shirt under.  Like in New York, my Garmin had a hard time keeping an accurate time, presumably because the GPS was not working properly around all of the buildings and high tech equipment.  Anyway, this messed with my ability to pace myself according to plan.  However, they did have multiple timers around the course which helped me.  At one point I figured out I could get a PR, so.... I did.  PR #6 for the year.  The course was nice, through historic Philly.  If I had all of my wits about me, or maybe if any of my family had been there with me to help me remember, I would have run up the Capitol steps like Rocky... but I didn't.  All I was concerned about was getting some food, which was a little lacking.  I mentioned I got a PR, but I had to hustle at the end to get it.  Race time 1:36:38

Best part of the race:  the entertainment playing inspirational music
Best part of the trip:  Getting a PR

Dec 2019, Memphis, TN

St. Jude Memphis Marathon  Noble went with me on this one.  We were able to take some time and visit The University of Memphis, the football practice facility, The University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, my old house, several of my old haunts and restaurants, etc...  I was able to see Noble 3 or 4 times on the course and at the finish.  There was a super nice post race celebration.  I did not really participate in it too much, but I was able to see how it was organized and thought it would be fun to enjoy.  In the end, I decided to spend the time with Noble and skip all of the other stuff.  The race was nice.  I did not like that I knew where I was the whole time because I knew how far I had been and how far I still had to go.

The evening after the race, we went down to the Peabody Hotel and had desert with a friend from dental school.  It was nice to catch up.... and nice to spend time with Noble.

Best part of the race: running through the crowd of St. Jude's kids cheering us on
Best part of the trip: spending time with Noble

17 half marathons
365 days of at least a mile
1600 miles run.... phew

My goals for 2019 are still being formulated.  To date, I have continued to run every day, but have stepped up the cycling and added in some swimming.  Valerie bought me a Tri bike or a TT bike, so now I am flying.  I am averaging 22 mph on my long rides and I would like to get to 25 mph.  112 miles is a long way to ride.  We will see if I can get myself to that.  I will update you when I solidify my 2019 goals.  For now, I am still running... I ran two halfs in Jan 2019 and I have two in March.  We also will hit Hawaii this year in May, and although I do not have a race in Greece, Keeley and I will vacation in Greece for a week.  ...  Good times.  I'll be 49 years old in less than a month.  Dang that sounds old.  Next race is in Virginia.

Oregon and Alabama

Oregon and Alabama

States #33 and #34

Both of these races were on the smaller side.  Some of the races have had 20,000 or 30,000 runners.  The race in Oregon had 185 finishers and the Alabama race had 601 finishers.  Both races had other runners for the 5k and 10k or the marathon, but the numbers I quoted are for the half only.

There are some benefits to having a smaller number of racers.  I was happy to place 2nd in my age group in Oregon and 3rd in my age group in Alabama.  It is good for the ego.

Oregon -- Uberthon's Oregon Winter Half Marathon Saturday 1/19/19.  I had a trip scheduled to teach in Seattle for the week of Jan 21-25th, so a little stop in Oregon seemed like a good idea.  I looked for any race that weekend so I could minimize my travel time, and Oregon was the only one of the states that I still needed that met my time frame.  I was scheduled to work Friday 1/18, but I got an afternoon flight through Atlanta that got me in to Oregon at 10:30pm PST which was 1:30am to my body.  I rented a car and drove to the Aloha/Beaverton area.  I had a room booked at the Quality Inn in Beaverton.  It was actually a decent room.  It was clean and the bed and pillows were all comfortable.  The race did not start until 8:00am, so I got some sleep and had plenty of time to get to the race start and pick up my race packet.  All of the stores were closed when I drove in, so I did not have any good opportunities to get anything to eat or drink.  My "pre-race meal" was at the Atlanta airport.  I had Chinese lo mein and General Tso's chicken.  I drank water from the bathroom sink in my room to remain hydrated, but I did not have any breakfast.  I figured my airport Chinese would be plenty of "nutrition" for the race.

The race venue was at the Reserve Vinyards and Golf Club.  I had never run a race at a golf course before, so I did not know exactly what to expect, but they stated that the course was entirely pavement... and it was.  The race was run on the cart path of the golf course.  It was a windy path in and around the golf course with two loops.  It had rained all day the day before the race, so there were a few puddles, but otherwise it was a fine course.  Oh yeah... note to self:  Always stay on the cart path.  There are two reasons I say this.  One was while avoiding a large puddle in the path I went into the grass and squished into the mud and soaked my sock.  The bad part is.. I did it both times.  The second reason is while cutting the corner of a sharp turn I stepped into the mud and slipped and went down to a knee.  I was not injured, but this method will slow you down.  

Race day temp was about 40ºF.  There were propane powered space heaters in a tent where the packet pickup was located and I hung out there until the start of the race.  I had no gloves, pants, or jacket.  

Anyway, I was doing very well for the first 8 miles.  I was running 7:12, 7:05, 7:06, 7:21, 7:15, 7:31, 7:28.. then started to struggle a bit.  I could not maintain that pace for the rest of the race.  I finished with 1:39:23 an avg pace of 7:35 per mile.  Not too bad.  Still sub 1:40, but I was doing so well and just petered out.  

After the race there was a soup line and an awards ceremony in a tent with three space heaters.  It was cold, but not terrible.  As I mentioned, I placed 2nd in my age group -- 2nd of 14.  So, I got my 2nd place pin and left.  I had to get back to the room to get warm and cleaned up and head back to the airport.

I enjoy Seattle.   The weather was fairly cold and cloudy and a little bit of rain... pretty well normal for this time of year.  When I am there, I run every morning.  Often I run around Lake Union as it is 6.22 miles.  So, I got my miles in each morning.  It was raining one morning, so I just ran on the dreadmill.  I made an effort to stay on East Coast time because I knew I would be racing in Alabama right after.  What I did not know is Gulf Shores Alabama is on Central time.  No big deal.  I would go to bed about 9:00pm and wake at 4:00am the entire week... so, I did not have to adjust when I got to Alabama.

Gulf Shores, Alabama  The Big Beach Half Marathon

I arrived in Alabama on Saturday evening Jan 26th.  I had plenty of time to get to the Expo and get my race packet, and then go get some dinner.  There were lots of places around, like fish restaurant/bars and fast food places.  I was really looking for some flapjacks, but ended up settling for Waffle House.  I don't really think that was the best choice, but I got a nice waffle and a biscuit and grits and a bonus side of fried eggs and bacon.  I wasn't amazing, but it was not terrible.  I realized after dinner that I had not yet run my mile for the day due to all the traveling.  So, I set out for a nice, easy and chilly mile.  It was not so bad.  I was able to wear my jacket that I got in Oregon the week before.

The ho/motel that I stayed in was super cheap and it super showed it.  It had a funky smell, kinda like sour milk and or puke covered up by a fresh coat of paint.  There were stains on the ceilings and hairs in the shower.  There were three beds and a full sized refrigerator in the room.  It was a bit strange and "sketchy", although the bed linens were clean and the bed was fairly comfortable and I got a great night's sleep.  

The next morning at 7:30am I walked to the race start.  It was about 3/4 of a mile.  The race started at 8:00am.  I had enough to time stretch a little, hear the national anthem and get lined up for the start.  One minute... 30 seconds... 3... 2... 1....GO!.  I was right in the front and headed out behind the first pacer who was a 1:45 pacer.  He took off and ran the first half of a mile at about a 6:20 pace.  Then he checked his watch and realized he had bolted out at the start way too fast.  I decided to pass him and keep my own pace.  My intent for this race was to run right at 7:20 for each mile.  Steady, steady, steady.  I ended up running 7:23, 7:15, 7:16, 7:21, 7:19, 7:21, 7:27 7:26, 7:26, 7:20, 7:21, 7:33, 7:26... then 6:40 for the final .1.  Not too far off my goal.  average 7:22.

The race was on a paved trail. There were a couple of confusing places where there was a short out and back part and also where the marathon split off from the half.  At one of the turn around portions, the first one, I was able to see the few people that were ahead of me come around the turn.  One of them was a child, a child... like 7 or 8 years old... HE WAS AHEAD OF ME at the turn around which was somewhere between mile 3 and 4... .a child!!!  Anyway, he was not wearing a bid, so I am thinking that he was not even in the race.  No one under the age of 20 beat me... so there is that... but I was floored when I first saw him.  A few portions of the race were run on boardwalks, with wood planks.  There were a few times in there where I got a little dizzy because of the wood planks, something like highway hypnosis where watching the dotted lines on the highway puts you 

"in a trance" and you run off the road.  I had to force myself to look up and look away from the boardwalk.  

Most of the race I spent running alone.  The first three miles were kind of congested with people hanging on to your pace, kind of getting in your way, passing you, cutting you off a bit, and then slowing down.  You know, the same thing happens to you while driving to work.  After those few miles it thinned out pretty good.  I had to let two guys go.  I was trying to maintain a 7:20 pace and they were fast, slow, fast, slow, but net faster than my 7:20.  About mile a guy passed me and was struggling a bit, but pushed through for about 4 miles that way, then I passed him, but he was none to happy about it.  He started huffing and puffing and stayed on my hip for 2.5 miles before he could not keep pace anymore, then I did not see him again until after the finish.  He stopped me and said, "Sir!  Thank you for dragging me along for those few miles.  I just did not have it today and you really helped me."  Perception is a funny animal.  

About mile 10.5 a guy came up behind me and had some music playing on his phone that was strapped to his arm.  He announced, "I brought the music!"  It was not GOOD music, but I responded, "GREAT, Thanks".  He said something about his race goal about what he was trying to do.  I said, "Yeah, I am just trying to finish."  He said, "Well you are keeping a great pace."  Then we hit mile 11 and my watch beeped and showed me my split time 7:20.  I told him "7:20" because I did not think he had a watch that showed him his split times, so I wanted him to know how he was doing.  About that time HIS watch beeped and he announced, "7:02!"  Jerk!, I thought.  I SAID, "Yeah, that is because you came flying up from behind me."  He said he was running with the 1:45 pacer for a while and then left him.  Then he started to pull away a bit, but before getting out of earshot, he turned and said, "I am four months onto IRONMAN training... so....."  Jerk!.  Then he pulled away.  Truth is, he only finished 1 minute ahead of me, and he is only 31 years old.  Jerk!  :)  I am just kidding.  He was just being friendly.

I ended up just 5 seconds shy of my PR and placed 3rd in my age group.  I was pretty happy with my race.   I was happy to maintain a nice even pace.  I went back to the roach motel, got a shower and headed back to the airport.  Post race meal was Red Robin... YUMMMMMM...

In all it was a good week, or 10 days.  I am pleased with my performances... for the most part and felt pretty good... mostly.  I do not have another race until March.  One in Virginia on the 18th and one in Kansas on the 30th.

Valerie and I started Orange Theory Fitness, which can be a butt kicker.  I am hoping it makes me fitter and faster.  I also got my Christmas present from Valerie.  A Trek Speed Concept 2019.  I have ridden a few times and am remarkably faster on that than my old mountain bike.  This should be fun.  We shall see what happens.