Location: Minute Maid Park to Hermann Park
Distance: 5 miles
Chip time: 55:36
Splits: [to be entered later, when I get back to my watch]

• The race started at Minute Maid Park in Downtown, and ended at Hermann Park in the Med Center. All race participants were supposed to get a free token to take the train back to Downtown after the race (tho I never got one in my race packet), but that seemed like a pain in the ass, so I parked my car at Hermann Park instead.
• I jumped on the train with a group of other runners. One was wearing a Terlingua Track Club singlet, and I could tell he was one of those FAST runners. I think I’ve seen him at other races, too. There were also a few couples, including a family with two small kids in a running stroller. Got off the train at Preston and started heading towards the Stadium. Of course, the Terlingua guy sprinted off into the distance.
• I was surprised at the small turnout for the race. It didn’t look like more than 500 people. But, I did see Sarah on camera duty.
• The Race:

• Mile 1: I started off fast, but forced myself to slooooow down. We snaked around the Stadium, and ran past a crowd of people standing in line for Astros tickets (I assume?). They cheered us on, which was a nice boost. I was carrying a bottle with Cytomax in it, and chucked it at the first trashcan I saw.
• Mile 2: Still trying to keep myself at a relaxed pace. Ran past the first water station, with the most solemn looking volunteers ever. Maybe they weren’t happy about waking up on a Saturday morning. Or maybe they wanted to get in line for Astros tickets instead. heh.
• Mile 3: Not very eventful. I did spend some time racing “with” a woman…..when I passed her the first time, she sped up and ran ahead of me, then stopped to walk. Then, I caught up with her again, and she sped forward. Everytime I came up to her, she sprinted forward for about 50 feet, then stopped to walk. Eventually, she stopped running altogether.
• Mile 4: Started speeding up a bit. At this point, we were on Almeda Rd., very close to my house. It felt nice running so close to home in a race. Also ran past a very enthusiastic water station, and Spanish Village Restaurant….mmmm, home cooked Mexican food.
• Mile 5: Started speeding things up. Because of all the construction around the Park, we were routed off of Main/Montrose onto a quiet side street behind the Natural Science museum. As we entered the Park, I met up with the woman from the train with the two kids in a stroller. We exchanged hellos and “good lucks”, while her kids complained about being cold and wanting to get out of the stroller. heh.
• The finish: As we turned the final corner, I really started racing. I heard someone coming up behind me, and I was determined not to let him/her pass me…..especially if it was the annoying run/walk woman from Mile 3. After I crossed the finish line, a woman (not annoying run/walk woman) came up and said ‘good race, thanks’. I guess I somehow paced her at the end….and since I’m generally pretty slow, it was a nice surprise to hear that from someone.
• Post race: It’s all about the free stuff at the post race parties. I grabbed some bottled water, orange juice and apple juice, then walked 50 feet to my car. Yay!