Idaho Falls Half Marathon Wasn't real sure how this race would go off for me. I was really questioning what type of fitness I have right now. I ended up finishing right about were I thought I was. Got up this morning and my wife's friend picked me up and head up to the start. At the starting line I saw a ton of people I knew. So it was great to talk with them and just enjoy this local race. Start time was 6:30 on the nose. Last year they started late and vowed to start on time this and they lived up to their word whether people were ready or not. I went out much more conservative than last at a 5:30 pace and no one came with me. The first 6 miles were down hill and all were sub 6 so I felt I was doing well. I also knew I had a huge lead at this point in time so I wasn't willing to push too hard in the flat section of the course. miles 7-13 were all in the 6:20-6:35 range. Running alone like that for the whole way really screws with my head and I can't force myself to push to my limits. At one point I figured that I'd be ok with a 1:21 or so but then I picked up the pace and started to focus a bit on my knee drive. Around mile 12 I hit Tauphus Park and saw my family yelling for me and it gave me a good finishing boost. I looked down at my watch and thought if I run decent for the next 5-6 minutes I'll come in under 1:20. With a bout a 1/4 mile to go my 10 year old daughter was waiting for me to bring me in. I was so happy I could share the victory with her. She kicked me back down to a sub 5:30 pace, I just kept telling her to go faster and she stayed just ahead of me, and I finished just under a 1:20. Overall I'm happy with the win. I figured I had a good shot at winning. My time was decent I know I could've run faster with more motivation but I got what I thought I could run if I wasn't pushed. I was really surprised at how non competitive it turned out to be this year, second place came in around 1:32-1:33. My jacked up leg didn't bother me too much and I think wearing the calf sleeve turned out to be a good choice. This is the first time I've worn compression shorts in a race and I liked the support in my hips and thighs. The best part of the run was with my daughter Chloe who continues to amaze me at how fast she is getting. I think she'll be able to throw down with me in a few years. It was special to let her share that feeling. 
Huge Smile the Best Trophy EVER!!! | 