Run fast

Ran around Liberty Park and back on 9th East.  Average 6:05 (final 5:23).  Today I was grateful for the road construction on 9th because I had to use their port-a-potty.

Ran to the gym and then 5 on the treadmill.  Took awhile to warm up.

Ran up to East and back on 15th.  Would have died 5 times if the I didn't go behind cars taking right turns.  Felt better and better over the course of the run.  Last mile in 5:18.  Averaged 6:30.

Ran through Sugar House and then a couple of miles on the treadmill.

Ran my old Holladay route.  Things over there look more dreary by the day.  When/if Eat-A-Burger goes out of business it is all over.  Averaged 6:35, last mile in 5:30.  Fairly sluggish today.

Passed my physical fitness test! Am I up for a double? That would be weird.

Pre race warm up.  Breaking out the trails shoes!

This is my kind of race.  Leisurely 30 minute drive to start line, plenty of parking, warm lodge and ritzy bathrooms with no lines for pre-race, great scenery, rolling terrain, good competition, and great post race festivities.   And it was nice not having to stare at a 14k foot mountain at the start.

All of that made for a great experience and the only downer was that my legs felt terrible after mile 10.  Even the slightest incline hammered my quads and I never really felt quick on the downhills.  Despite the struggle I suppose my time was respectable because it broke the uncofirmed course record.  Of course that means that the three guys ahead of me broke it as well and the winner, Cody Moat, finished in a ridiculous time of 2:45.  If you have run the course you will know how fast that really is.  #2 was 2:54 and 3 was about 2:56.  What's even crazier about the winner's time is that it was his first marathon ever and he was able to do it in fairly baggy gym shorts.  Usually the guys in gym shorts fade fast but not this guy.  After the race I chatted with him a bit and offered to be his agent.   Apparently he ran for SUU, he is 31, and he hasn't raced much since finishing college.  Hopefully the pacer on the bike, who almost died trying to stay ahead, and I convinced him to race more often.  Everyone watch out if this guy gets more motivated.

I cannot pin point my problem exactly but it really felt like my quads were still suffering from Pikes Peak.  Somehow between now and St. George I have find a way to inject some life and speed back into my wussy legs.  If anyone has any quick fixes please let me know. :)

Overall it was still a great day and I am looking forward to running this race again.  Although I picked a bad day to run it, the terrain was a lot fun and along with the scenery and avoiding the roots and rocks, there is no way you can get bored.   Right now I don't even want to look at my splits but I may post them later.  Oh, maybe for the best, I was one place out of winning a gigantic apple pie but I do get to add another set of trail shoes to the collection. 

Easy ride up immigration.  I am proud of myself because I let myself get dropped on the way down by a guy in his 50s.   I hope I made his day.

Ran on the treadmill after warming up on elliptical.  Surprisingly felt good but sort of tweaked my hamstring towards the end.  I think I should stay away from treadmills after races.

6:30 pace 

Road up Millcreek.  ~37 miles, 2:15.  Perfect day to ride a bike.

I was a little worried about this run since I haven't run on the road since last Saturday (9.12) and I tweaked my hamstring on the treadmill last Thursday.  Considering all of that I am just glad that I was able to maintain a decent pace (6:44) and not get injured.

Started on elliptical and ended with 6.2 on treadmill.  I felt better with each mile.

8 miles in Vegas.  No hills in sight.

Ran around Sugar House.  Perfect weather.

~6:40ish pace 

Ran to Rice Eccles because I felt bad for missing the game last night.  Go Utes!