Top Of Utah Half Marathon
Warmed 2.6 miles with Riley.
Headed to the start and did some strides. Talked to the guys that were running the race and we headed on our way.
My goal for the race was to hit around 5-5:04 pace for the race. So as the gun went off I jumped out to a quick start, which also might've been to quick and maybe it cost me in the later miles, but maybe it didnt either. Anyway hit mile 1 around 5:01 and Riley was right there. I continued to run with Riley for the next couple miles, then around miles 4 and 5 he gained a slight gap on me and it pretty much maintained the same gap til about mile 9. He took a look back and just increased the lead from there and went on to win the race. I started feeling a little fatigued around mile 10 though I still hit a 5:11 split. At this point I thought I was solo, though I knew I still needed to finish strong. I saw Bryants wife and she yelled nice job Ben, also nice job Bryant! I was like WHAT!?! Bryant! I looked back and he was tucked right on my shoulder! I had no clue he was even there. He pushed and gapped me on the hill and managed to get me by 10 seconds.
I was super frustrated at the end of the race, not by how I ran but, how did I not know that Bryant was right there? Guess that's what running up front does sometimes, if you arent aware of your surroundings then it can be taken away quick if you get to comfortable. But also I way happy because this was over a minute PR for me on the course, so that tells me that I am sitting in a good spot and have the potential to nail a solid fall marathon.
Hats off to Bryant. He ran a great race, started conservative, and finished strong.
Congrats to my buddy Riley for taking the title again this year. I know he was frustrated with his time. But its like our crazy Irish Coach said, He would've been frustrated with us if we were happy with our times and ran well. Riley and I are both funneling from half marathon training to marathon training. Best way to describe the race was that we were able to push the pace, but felt like that extra gear, or something was missing. So now that this race is over, I hope that the next couple of weeks of training will bring some good vibes. STG is getting close.
Congrats to Nate and Fritz for rounding out the top 5. Two great guys that should live up in the Ogden area and join the crew!
Cooled a little over 4 miles at a snails pace to get over 20 for the day.
Splits- 501;504;506;510;456;458;457;500;511;512;522;541;517.
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