It started pretty early - getting the finish line stuff downtown - once the finish line organizers appeared - I went home quickly to get ready and come back if I needed to help. They had a small group - but very effective. Virtually the entire finish line was set up in just 20 minutes...

So I walked up to the Brewer Auditorium - along the way, one guy waiting for the parade said - "you better run back!" - yes, I said - that's the plan. Had a few minutes to spare before the race, so I talked to Ty Davis and others. Ty gave me the low down about Austin winning the 7.2 Perry to Eastport Race a couple of days ago.

At the line, I positioned myself in the second row - next to Tim and behind JC - as the race started, I knew I was going out fast - about a half mile into the race or so, Cassie would pass me - and a few others that I should have remembered to stay behind :). Ed Rice at the 1 mile marker yelled out 5:08 for my mile time - later my watch said 5:15 - The mark seemed to have been moved up - so I don't quite understand what happened.

Kept it strong over the bridge. I didn't notice any wind - pretty focused on Tim's yellow shoes up ahead and watching a potential lead battle between Cassie and Dana Parrot (who was surging ahead at a pretty good clip along the bridge, and them seemed to slow down on Main Street).

Right at *Lodge Corner* (where Pete passed me last year) near the Greyhound Bus Station - came along Brian Hubbell - same exact scenario - out of nowhere he ran by me and spend down Main Street. Having only the courage now to hang on, I tried to keep it strong. Up by the last turn - I heard the footfalls of other runners - picking it up at the last moment was Lexi Wakling who passed at the very last second.

Last year I ran 10:45, this year was 32 seconds faster. I was 3rd in the 35-39 age group and also was on the Sub5 Men's Team that won the Team Award... Along with Chris Jones and Brian Hubbell.

Sprint puts frosting on Cake's win, Bangor Daily News

and it was great. First the rain to cool everything off. Yet it was very muggy. Then I was busy talking with someone standing next to me about DeFeet socks when off we went. I went along well and was 6:59 at the mile callout on the bridge. The sun came out for a moment and it was hot and steamy. I didn't like that running as I was as fast as I could.

We came up the rise by the bus station...Then I really didn't know where we were headed nor how much longer I would have to run so hard. I eased up a bit down main street hoping not to run out of all energy before the end. Then we zoomed around a corner and up onto the sidewalk...this was strange...and down the walk way into the gates. I didn't have any sense of the end. I'm very happy with my time and look forward to doing this again next year. It was smashing to see all the Edenistas out there. We also made quite the scene running back up to the cars with our 'team' singlets and three pies. Thanks for all the good fellowship everyone.

What a fun race...with nearly 500 people lined up to run just under two miles. I know that there is so much that happens, even in such a short race, but what I remember is limited to the following:

1/4 mile- boxed in behind Cassie and some kid running stride for stride. Had to do some serious weaving to get free.

3/4 mile- felt good, almost too good. Should I be pushing harder?

Bridge- did I push too hard coming out? I feel like I'm stalling.

Main Street- crowd was cheering for Cassie (1st female). I can catch some of these people in front of me.

Approaching the side walk- that has got to be the chute. KICK!

Through the sidewalk- That wasn't the chute! Shoot!

The finish- now I can see it. Kick again. And done.

Whew. Great time. Congrats to all.