My only goal for this race was to run the right pace – whatever that might be. The downhill nature of this course was extreme and I wasn’t sure if it would help or hurt. The average grade was similar to my weekly hill run so I was familiar with how it would feel, I just wasn’t sure how long my legs would hold up. I feared that my legs would get chewed up and I would struggle the last few miles like I did at the Timp half. Took one of the earlier buses to the starting line and it was a little chilly. Perfect weather for a race. I have always thought that if you are not shivering at the start line then it is going to be too hot. I only ran a half mile to warm up but it felt like it was enough.
Before I start listing splits I need to reiterate that the downhill was extreme. Take the pace with a grain of salt. The past few races I have started way too fast so I made a conscious effort to start out conservatively. First mile was 6:27 and as I approached the mile marker I started playing with my turnover, trying to find a comfortable rhythm. The pace quickened and I decided to just go with it. Settled in at 6:00/mile-6:15/mile which was a little faster than I wanted but it felt better than hitting the brakes. I ran the next few miles with Rachelle. After the 5 mile marker, I felt like my legs were not going to be able to sustain the pounding so I backed off a little to the 6:20’s. Rachelle pulled away but I tried to keep her within sight for the rest of the race. I’m sure she was happy to no longer have to endure the sound of my slappy feet. I don’t know if it is because of the long legs, not enough leg strength, not running enough speed workouts or just plain old age but I could not get my legs to turnover fast enough to run comfortably. I was moving at the pace I wanted but I could tell it was taking its toll. Hit the halfway point in 40:50 and started doing calculations to get an idea of where I could possibly finish. 1:22 was obviously not going to happen but I felt good enough that 1:26 seemed like the worst case scenario. After 8 miles I thought the course was going to flatten out but it never really did. From mile 10 to the finish there were a few small rollers. I felt good and was able to maintain a good solid effort. The gap between me and the runners ahead started to close. It was closing very slowly and I was unsure if I could catch them by the end. At the 12 mile marker I started to push the pace hoping to close in on the last 2 runners ahead (Rachelle and another guy). Finally caught up with half a mile to go and I was exhausted. Started to feel pukey and I seriously considered backing off and letting them pass me. I thought maybe I made an error in pushing too early. Turned my focus to just moving my legs and not worrying about anything else. Finished a couple of seconds ahead of them in 1:22:02.
I was very happy with the race. Since it was extremely aided I’m not sure I will count this as my PR. I am guessing that it is 3-4 minutes faster than the other aided Utah courses (Hobble Creek, Provo). Regardless of what the time was, I felt good about the effort that I was able to put in. I held a relatively consistent pace throughout the race and based on my HR it was the correct effort throughout the race. My calves are hammered more now than they have ever been. Other than that, everything else feels good. I need to use this as a good starting point to getting back training for real and getting into racing shape.
|
Mile
|
Split
|
HR
|
|
1
|
0:06:27
|
148
|
|
2
|
0:06:05
|
164
|
|
3
|
0:06:15
|
158
|
|
4
|
0:06:01
|
157
|
|
5
|
0:06:15
|
158
|
|
6
|
0:06:21
|
156
|
|
7
|
0:06:17
|
158
|
|
8
|
0:06:27
|
162
|
|
9
|
0:06:16
|
163
|
|
10
|
0:06:23
|
167
|
|
11
|
0:06:32
|
168
|
|
12
|
0:06:29
|
171
|
|
13
|
0:06:08
|
175
|
| 