Dam to Dam 20k
Des Moines, IA
Conditions: Mild (65°F), Light South Wind

Big year for Dam to Dam as attendance in the 20k was about 7,000 people. They made a big improvement over years past and added chip timing (which didn't help me but took 7 minutes of my dads time.)  The competition was even stronger than last year.   I went out at a 5:20 mile and thought I was dragging because I was in the third group!  I slowed down pretty quickly but never settled into a comfortable pace.  I felt pretty good at the start but my legs felt pretty heavy right away.  By mile 8 I had dropped below my goal pace of 5:45 mile averages and it wasn't any easier.  I finished about 90 seconds slower than last year, but wasn't too disappointed because it's a training run.  My upcoming Ironman 70.3 is the real goal.

The whole family ran at this race.  My Dad ran the 20k with me and Tanya ran the 5k with my Mom (Tanya ran legally this year.)  Everyone did well, the weather was perfect.  Free Coors Light and pulled pork sandwiches at the finsh party, can't do much better than that!

Average Mile Pace: 5:59

Total 1:14:23 (official)

44th Place, 12th Age Group