New Bedford Half Marathon (USATF NE Champs)

I have been in denial since a mediocre workout Wednesday, that I have been fighting a cold. I took as much time off as I could all week, and thought I could just tough it out Sunday. Not true. I am hopelessly mortal and can't be 100% all of the time. I headed out at my goal pace and felt pretty good through 3 miles. It was the climb at mile three that seemed to be a game changer for me. I couldn't maintain my effort up the hill and lost contact with the lead pack. I just could not turn my dogs over. I couldn't break 5:10 pace thereafter either. I knew very early on that I was in big trouble. My splits just kept on creeping closer and closer to 6 minute pace. I got caught by a viscous pack of CMSers at around mile 10 or 11 and tried to root them on, salvage a scoring race for myself, and help as much as I can. Jim Johnson had a huge race and closed very well. I could see him put the burners on and kill the last three miles. Greg and Bob pulled each other along with Bob just edging out Greg in the final mile. Greg looked good and PR'ed through 10 miles but faded just a bit in the final stretch. An awesome effort and a huge PR. It was another fun day, despite the disappointing race, with a great team and great weather. I look forward to licking my wounds, regrouping, and coming back stronger and faster.