The intent of this race was to be a gauge of my fitness. If I couldn't come in under 1:30 I was going to have to do a serious assessment of what I am doing. I can't believe that I have gotten to the point where breaking 1:30 is a stretch goal. Really didn't give the race too much thought until 10 last night when I got home from my girl's soccer game. Rummaged through my drawers to find something to wear. I usually give considerable thought to my race attire. After a restless night of sleeping due to a bird trapped in my chimney, I got up and headed to the Ogden. Temps in the valley were perfect but it was freezing at the starting line. Ideal for a race. At the starting line I began to relace my shoe and suddenly heard the countdown for the start. Wasn't expecting it so soon.
| Mile |
Split |
Note |
| 1 |
6:52 |
Started out fast (6:10) but overall split was slow because of the hill during the second half of the mile. |
| 2 |
6:48 |
Settled into a comfortable pace. |
| 3 |
6:49 |
Locked in. Holding it here so I don't blow up. |
| 4 |
6:50 |
|
| 5 |
6:30 |
Really steep section right after the dam. Got passed by a few people but I am opting to maintain a consistent effort. |
| 6 |
6:50 |
Feeling a little light headed. Took a GU at 5.5. |
| 7 |
6:47 |
|
| 8 |
6:46 |
GU kicked in and my head is a little more clear. |
| 9 |
6:40 |
A little steeper section at the bottom of the canyon. Effort has not changed. |
| 10 |
6:36 |
Calculate that 7 minute miles will give me sub 1:30. Don't give in yet. |
| 11 |
6:42 |
|
| 12 |
6:49 |
|
| 13 |
6:41 |
A couple of runners that I have followed for several miles start to come back to me. As I am on the long boring stretch to the finish line I see another heavier runner. I decide that I cannot be beat by him. Push the pace a little and move by him. |
| 13.1 |
1:30 |
My Garmin measured 0.25 so the pace is a little quicker. Felt really good. |
Satisfied with the results but would not consider it a complete success. I was able to maintain a very consistent effort throughout the race and am happy with running a smart race. I chose a time that was very realistic. It's unfortunate that it is 5 minutes slower than I would like but considering that I was expecting a colossal failure today, I can live with it. I am a little disappointed that I did not push harder. I never pushed beyond comfortably hard. I believe I did this because I was afraid of another terrible race. Also, not doing any speedwork in a long time has made me forget what my true limits feel like. Ended up placing 3rd in my age group which was a bit of a surprise. | 