Top of Utah Half Marathon Goals for the race - #1 See where I am fitness-wise compared to last year #2 Break previous PR of 1:16 set on same course last year #3 Go sub 1:15 (as this is a stepping stone to breaking 2:30 at St. George (eventually)) PR by 4 seconds officially, but missed goal #3. The day started with a 2 mile jog to the finish line to catch a bus to the start. Felt good and ready. Weather was a tad warm, but nothing to complain about. This race has notoriously perfect weather. Did some more warmup at the start. Lined up with Paul, Jon, Sasha, and Walter. I joined Jon, Paul and Walter for the first mile but let them go when they really got going. Mile 1: 5:34 - HR 174 Felt good, right where I wanted to be, but I would have blown up if I stayed with the guys. Mile 2: 5:42 - HR 176 All on my own now for the remainder of the race. The guys take off like bandits Mile 3: 5:45 - 175 Just plugging away- Lost some time getting a drink
Mile 4: 5:46 - 176 Working hard to hold this pace Mile 5: 5:35 - 175 Good downhill to work with here Mile 6: 5:36 - 174 Last year, this section was super windy (tailwind), this year not as much
Mile 7: 5:38 - 174 Out of the canyon and onto hollow road. I can see the guys start to spread out. They are far out of reach and increasing the gap. Mile 8: 5:49 - 174 No favorable wind anymore. I always struggle this section of hollow road. Mile 9: 5:51 - 175 Gas pedal floored, but no go Mile 10: 5:55 - 175 (57:12 at 10) We had a headwind through here. Tough section. Mile 11: 6:06 - 175 Last 1/2 mile was all climbing. Am I dead yet? I can see Walter ahead, but still out of reach, but coming back to me.
Mile 12: 6:22 - 174 Yep, now I am dead. Toughest uphill mile of the race. I have to run 6:15 or less for the 1.1 to PR. Its going to be close.... Mile 13: 5:39 - 178 Mile 13.1: 30 - 183 (184 max) So glad to be done. I was happy to finish and barely PR, rather than barely not PR. Effort was worth more this year as the wind was less favorable (30 seconds maybe?). Now I know I can PR at St. George if I can stay healthy and continue to train strong. Cooled down and went home to shower/change/eat then return for the awards. I won 3rd in my age group (behind Jon and Paul). Good showing by bloggers today. 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. Oh, and I must mention the chick score was 0 this time. I won't get my mug in the paper now though like last year.... T-1:15:56 (5:47) 175 ave 184 max
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