NB's Comments:

This was my first race of 2011. I felt pretty good going into it...I've been running quite a bit.

I only raced three races last year...then I hurt my head in the gym, so I sat out the majority of 2010...which sucked...c'est la vie...

It was pretty cold when the race started...here I am chatting it up with old friends waiting for the race to start...

Once the race started, it took me about 2-3 miles to loosen up and warm up. I ended up passing about 6 people. I kept checking back on them, but they were not gaining on me, and eventually I lost site of them...I felt pretty strong...

At some point, I got hot and stripped off the gloves and outer layer...
...my average heart rate was 178 bpm over the entire race, but I frequently saw 182 bpm when I glanced at my watch.

I crossed the finish line at 1:10.29. It turns out it wasn't quite a 15K...at least according to my watch. My recorded data shows the following:

Time: 1:10:30
Distance: 8.51 miles
Calories: 815 Calories
Avg Pace: 08:16 min/mile
Best Pace: 06:03 min/mi
Avg HR: 178 bpm
Max HR: 188 bpm

Here's a map of the course...

...and here's a link to all of the data, elevation and HR graphs, etc.:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/71695715

In the end, I'm pleased with the result...

Next race is April 10. Another 15K at the same place. I'll be there! Hope you will too!