We did this race because my mom was running it and because it was on the same course as one we did in November. I was looking forward to being a little faster than last time (just because I've been being more consistent; I don't really do any speedwork). Eric wasn't feeling like running fast so he and Elliott ran along with me. Running with Eric is one of my favorite things ever, and it's fun that now Elliott gets to come too. The biggest difference for me from November was that the race just felt easier. In November I wanted to run the first mile in under 7 minutes and it felt like almost all I could do. That was my goal again today, but it felt almost comfortable and definitely manageable. And after the first mile I didn't stop trying (like I pretty much did in November) - I slowed down a lot, but physically I felt fine and mentally I still felt like trying a little bit. About half through I was pretty winded (after about the first slightly downhill mile the course is a slight uphill until near the end), but even then I didn't *really* feel like quitting or anything. Overall I think I gave around 80% (physically; I still hold back a lot mentally because I'm afraid of something (but I'm not sure what)), and it was comfortably uncomfortable. Splits: 6:51, 7:34, 8:01, 7:00 (for 0.1) (Splits in November: 6:59, 8:29, 8:45, 8:24 (for 0.1)) After Eric and I finished we ran back up the course to find my mom. She looked great! It was fun to see her finish. Then we went to see my brother kick some trash at the state swim meet (and I met his super cute girlfriend for the first time), and after we came home I slept for a couple of hours (thanks Eric) to try to catch up from the week. Then I had some awesome salad (spinach, strawberries, light raspberry vinaigrette, feta, and glazed pecans ("recipe" from the glazed pecan package)) and went to the Orem gym for 5.3 more miles to get to 9 for the day.
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