TODD SMITH: Thursday evening's two-mile run held prior to the Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade was my first taste of the possible conditions I'll face when I participate in the 6.2-mile Abe's Amble at the end of the fair. The heat was almost unbearable, but I was able to eke out the two miles in 20 minutes, 20 seconds.
I began the race near the Main Gate surrounded by a large group of people. When the shout came that it was time to go, I felt I had to get going. I started out faster than my normal pace, which would prove detrimental to my pace and timing. This was a big mistake. Next time I will line up farther back and stay with the group of runners with whom I trained.
I had to let many others pass me, and I was already starting to hurt early as we headed south on Peoria Road toward the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency building near Ninth Street and North Grand Avenue.
This was not a good sign. The sun was beating down on me and my breathing was off. I had started too strong, and I was paying for it.
I began to run at a slower pace, which worked better for me. I was looking forward to the water station at the one-mile marker. I was dragging when I finally came to it. I knew I had to take it down even more and do a run-and-walk combination.
This turned out to be the best fit for me as I headed back to the finish line at the Main Gate.
Luckily there was more water available on the run back up Peoria Road. I grabbed a bottle, slowed down and then splashed some water on my face. This helped supply me with some energy. 
I picked up the pace. I used the Main Gate as my goal. I did a short walking stint before running through the finish line.
This race was a great practice and taught me to ignore other runners and focus on keeping a manageable stride. If I don't, it could be an uphill battle to finish the Abe's Amble.
Top photo by David Kaplan: Todd Smith cooling down after a tiring and hot race.
Right photo by David Kaplan: The runners take off at the starting line.
Where to go to comment and keep up on my training?
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My earlier columns:
Abe's Army training -- Canadian style
Making it past the five-mile hump, sore leg and all
Still many miles to go before the race
The hills are alive with runners
The halfway point on the way to Abe's Amble
My training hits a rough patch
My debut in the Abe's Army training program
Preparing myself for the Abe's Army
