This is an old family favorite. I haven't run it in 9 years. I had to go a little early to help the Harpers set up. Met up with Matt, Zak, Brandon, Reed, and Karl for a 3 mile warm up on the course.
Weather was really nice, 35 degrees or so and a slight breeze. It was great to line up with Danny Moody once again. He used to thoroughly whip me in our college cross country races. I forgot my watch today, I felt naked and blind. Probably good to run without it for once.
Derick took the race out pretty fast, <4:50 pace. I eased into it. Zak pulled me along to the lead goup (8 guys or so) by the end of the first mile. It strung out a bit through mile 2. I took the lead coming into the 3rd mile and held it for 1/4 mile or so. Michael passed me right as we turned into the wind. I was content to sit on his heels and let him break the wind. I think he realized he was working harder than I was and backed off and we ran together through mile 3. I was feeling really strong at this point, I think our 3rd mile was significantly slower than the first 2 so I decided to hammer the last one. I've no idea what the split was, probably something south of 5.
I was really pleased with this one. Felt solid the whole time. Zak came in 3rd, trailed by Matt in 4th. We took home pies and turkeys. Fun times.
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