Ridgewood Run 5K - 22:01, 3rd in F35-39. Today was way too hot to expect good results, so I'm happy with my time. It seems it's either I'm not 100%, or conditions are less than perfect with my races lately. It was 80F at the start and the sun beating down from clear skies. I was drenched in sweat after very easy 1.5mi warmup. Found water and drank two full cups about 20 min. before the start and then tried to stay in the shade. When the gun went off, it took me about 9 seconds to cross the starting line mat, so I started my watch when I actually crossed it. First mile was 6:55 and I felt pretty good. Soon, however, there was a tiny hill, and after it, the pain set in and I felt my pace dropping significantly. From that point on I tried to hang in and not to slow down more. Second mile in 7:16. Not too good, but I'll take it in this weather. Third mile, I tried to set my focus on some people to pass and take my mind off the pain, but it wasn't easy. My last split for 1.1mi was 7:50 for a total of 22:01 on my watch. Official time was 22:10. I feel like this was a better effort than my 5K a month ago where I ran 22:15. I started a bit faster today and felt better longer. I need to work on my second mile. HR recorded higher numbers than ever before, both due to effort and the heat, the max hit 186 and average was 182 I think. When I got back into the car to go home, the car thermometer read 90F. | 