my makeup may be flaking

57:25 (6:10 per mile) The announcer at the start was asking a couple of people what their goal pace was, I remember thinking mine is 'probably 6:10'. So I stamp this MEETS EXPECTATIONS. This is probably my best race since the Mercer Island Half last March, so it's definitely good.

This race is truly massive. Atlanta has a large running population, apparently, and not enough races so every race is insane. This one had 7500 in the 15k and another 11000+ in the 5k. However, it's clearly not one of the races targeted by the local fast people as it's put on by an out of state company.

I got in my start corral early which was a mistake, took a quick pulse check and found it was about 75, which is the basically my resting heart rate. I REALLY can't go from 75bpm to race mode quickly so I was that doofus jogging in place for ten minutes. I was also wearing neon calf sleeves and a rust-stained singlet, and I cut my own hair.

In the first 800m or so I ran up beside some guy who I'd noticed had a 15K bib on and asked for his goal time, he said 56mins so I stuck next to him for the first bit and we weaved through 5k people that had gone too fast. First two miles are rolling but a net elevation gain: 6:08, 6:14 for the first two. After two miles, we split so I could really see who was ahead of me. I saw 6 guys that were close, 2 guys barely in view. Apparently, there was another guy who was out of sight but I didn't realize that. I figured if I could beat all 6 of the guys ahead of me, then I might be able to get top 3 and win a second medal or ceramic marshmallow. (This isn't so, of course, but I don't know that.)

Next mile was 5:58, which was truly amazing. This was a flat mile other than the first and I broke 6. It may be the last time ever! Hit 5k in 19:01. Here's the leader board at 5k.

Those 6 guys ahead of me are now down to 4 and still within striking distance! Lucas is the guy I ran with for two miles. I pick up another spot in the fourth mile (5:54!, but downhill) after Kyle loses contact. My legs are starting to burn at this point and that's concerning. I'm inching closer and closer to the guys ahead of me. 6:00 for mile 5 (rolling) and then 6:02 for mile 6 (downhill but 6 turns of 90 degrees or more).

In the second 5k, I didn't really pick up much ground but it seemed like maybe I could still pass those guys. However, miles 7 and 8 consist of a big uphill. I really struggled on this hill and the guys ahead of me pulled away. I ran 6:27, 6:37, then a 8:00 (6:03 pace) for the last 1.3 when the damage was done.

I include these because I have really no sense with these courses. Seems like my finish was ok.

Cooldown was the entire course again, then ran home. I did a lot of weaving on the second loop so it's possible that I ran like 25 miles.

Time Comparison for my last 3 races.