Going into this race I wasn't planning on setting any records. My running had been fine, but in every other way my training was pretty crappy. So I went into it with low expectations, just looking to do my best and feel good about the effort in the end.
I decided to just keep my pace comfortable going down the canyon. I think this really helped. I usually go out too fast with grand illusions of magic happenning at the end of the course. That never happens, but that's what I always hope for. I think the easier approach helped me later on in the race.
I stayed at between 7:50 and 8 the whole way down the canyon and held on to it until after mile 20. Then things got rougher, but I was able to hold on pretty good.
I hydrated more than usual too. Drank quite a bit of water and Gatorade the day before and drank a half of a bottle of Gatorade on the way up. That was good, except I stopped to pee 4 times before I got out of the canyon. I probably lost 2 minutes total peeing, but I would have lost a lot more had I dehydrated during the last few miles.
I took 4 gels total during the race and had no gut issues. That was also a positive.
Saw something I'd never seen before. At a porta-potty along the highway, a husband and wife (I hope it was a husband and wife) both got into the can together. Clever idea, butI bet that took some acrobatics.
Finished under 3:42, my second-best TOU. Had a good time. Went down to Provo after the race and watched my Cougars lose to the Utes again. At least the day started out good.
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