Thanks so much ladies. There is a speed walker that competes in all the local 5k's. He has passed me in my last two races (so demoralizing) and was catching me today and I was determined that he wasn't passing me again. When he would get close, I'd pick up the pace and pull ahead and then I'd slow down and there he would be again. His pushing me is what kept me from slowing down. When I could see the clock at the finish line and realized how much time I'd shaved off, I was so happy. I guess I should've thanked him after the race.