Trails!

Top Of Utah Marathon -

This was the first year in 5 years that I have not been a part of the marathon either doing the 5K or the marathon.  This year, I was recovering from my trail race from last week and looking forward to about 55 tough miles next week in 2 days in the mountians.  So, needless to say, I wasn't running it today.  I didn't let that stop me from running much of the course and even getting some pacing miles in.

I met Michelle L. at mile 21.5 and we chatted as we ran the course backwards until mile 15.  She was doing a long run and was pacing a friend (from mile 15 to the finish).  It was nice to catch up with her and I wish her well in her marathon next month.  I wanted to run with Joe for a bit and hopefully not get dropped.  He came flying down Hollow Road in 6th place and looking great.  I jumped on and we cruised down hollow road in 5:44 and 5:42 before I said my goodbyes and wished him well.  I was barely hanging on for dear life.  That was the 2 fastest miles I have done in a long time.  This put me at mile 17 and already tired and well over the miles I wanted to run today.  I guess I didn't think this through too well.  I was far from done, but enjoying my spectators view of the race.  I decided to start walking down the road and take a little breather.  Before too long I saw Allie killing it in first place (again).  Not far behind was Dave N with TOU defending champ Paul P. pacing.  I jumped in and chatted for a minute before waiting 20 seconds for Scott (redrooster).  Last year, he did a great job motivating me to a "better than it would have been" finish and today it was my turn to return the favor.  He was only 20 seconds behind his nemesis but slowly dropping back.  He could still get him.  Lots of racing left.  Scott held strong and didn't fall off the pace more than is normal for that course.  Too bad his nemesis picked up the pace and pulled away.  I think Scott did a great job pushing the hills and surging to try and hang strong.  He even passed two guys over the final 10K.  He went on to PR and narrowly miss the sub 2:55 with a 2:55:20 (clock time).  Congrats Scott.  Dave went on to kill his sub 3 hour goal and was close to 2:50 (not sure exactly).  Joe fought some cramping over the final bit to finish with a HUGE PR of 2:38 something.  Awesome!  Good job guys!

After the finish line festivities I jogged VERY slowly back to my car 2 miles away in Providence taking all the shortcuts.  20 exhausting miles, but the knee felt great.  Only minor soreness at this point.  More than I should have run, but well worth it.  Now to rest up for next weeks awesome activities.  I am getting pretty excited!

T-2:26 (7:18) *250' vertical

*Weekly summary 41.5 miles with 2000' vert.  Things were rough with recovery being stalled by a sore knee.  All that downhill at Mid Mountain Marathon did me in. Things improved over Friday/Saturday and I am optimistic things are better now.