Day 1 of the Gasparilla Race Weekend in Tampa Florida went well. I bought a pair of Skins compression socks on Friday and wore them in both races on Saturday. I dont think they had any influence on my performance, but I am hoping they will help with my recovery.

I ran hard in the 15K and finished 77th in 59:22. This was two minutes faster than last year and only 16 minutes behind winner Ryan Hall. I placed 6th in the 45-49 age class.

I also went out hard in the 5K and ran one minute faster than last year. My time of 19:34 placed me 3rd in the 45-49 age class.

In past years I had run more conservative on Day 1, saving my energy for the Marathon on Day 2. My multiple marathons in 2008 gave me the confidence to take more risk in Tampa this year. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

My next event is the Michelob Ultra Challenge on Saturday and Sunday Feb. 28th and March 1st at the Gasparillia Race weekend in Tampa Florida. I'll be racing the 15K at 7:30 AM on Saturday, the 5K two hours later at 9:30 AM and the Marathon at 6:00 AM on Sunday. This will be my fourth consecutive challenge and I am hoping to improve on last year's result.