All in all, I am relatively happy with how the race went. That’s the tough part about this sport. You can win and feel like you could have done more or lose and feel like you’re on top of the world. I’d put myself somewhere in the middle today. 29:50 for 10k (6.2 miles).

Got up at 5:15 after a night full of bathroom breaks (I made the waiter just leave the pitcher of water at the table), too cold temperatures, too hot temperatures, etc. But I felt rested. Was never very nervous for the race, definitely a bit anxious though. Did my usual pre race routine which included a granola bar two hours before the race, some light stretching, 3 mile warm up, 10 x 100 strides with dynamic stretches in between, put racing shes on, last minute sips of water to wet the mouth, few more stride outs at the starting line, the classic “try to stand still but shake the calves and ankles out during the national anthem”, then the gun.

Race started out quick and Tony took the lead. I stayed a few meters back within the first pack but looking back it may have been a little too quick for the first mile. Tried to stick with the first pack but they were not slowing up at all. I stuck with the 5th place guy for a while but he sped up after two downhills and gaped me by about 30 meters. From mile 3 to 5.5 I was in no-man’s land. All by myself which is tough mentally. I tried to close the gap on the next guy but was unsuccessful until two guys came up behind me and passed me. I thought I was done but stuck with the second one. We caught the first guy who passed me with about a mile to go, hit the last turnaround spot and I heard the guy say “let’s do this”, and we started to move. We worked together for about 400 meters switching the lead back and forth and saying little bits of encouragement until he fell off and I extended my stride and picked it up with a half mile to go. I hit the 6 mile marker and knew I had about one minute to go. Some dudes playing bongos on the side of the road forced me to pick my pace up. I saw the clock…29:39, 40, 41, I knew I had to go if I wanted to break 30. So I sprinted it in around 29:50. I could argue that with the massive crowd blocking our path for a few seconds and the hairpin turns that I was probably 10 seconds faster but stuff happens. Good race. Big PR. Legs felt pretty good except for some right side groin soreness. Coach was happy.

Did a 35 minute cool down. 20 at normal cool down pace. 5 at a fresh pace and last 10 at easy pace. Pretty tired by the end but more hungry.

3 warm up. 1 striders. 6.2 race. 6 cool down. 16 + total.

Back in LA and off to the Maddens for Thanksgiving dinner. Their family is awesome and I’m pumped to see all of them. And, of course, eat. Family, food, and football…what could be better?! We Are One 365.

Happy Thanksgiving.

AR. NF. NR.

Nick