Isn't it interesting how results that look so similar on the surface and actually be so different? Another 2nd (9 in a row now - not counting marathons). AM - warmup, ran from home over to Sand Hollow 11.5 miles. Took it pretty easy and ave. 7:13 on the way. Got to the race feeling pretty good. The run over was nice and just the distance I wanted. I knew that running over may cost me the overall win, but I didn't care, I wanted to see how I could race after having some miles under me. Ran another mile while waiting near the starting line. Race- Field looked about like usual. Steve, Dustin, and Bill were there as well as Steve Olsen (a solid local runner), Jose Martinez and I suspected one or two others who could probably run pretty decent. The course was different than I thought - it was on the dirt, gravel, sand blow road around Sand Hollow and had minor rises and drops but no total elevation loss or gain. 1- race started off with a few of us passing the starting trucks which was nice because then we got to breath their dust for a little while (thanks!) But I started off in a good groove, but realized later it was too fast. Another fellow (the eventual winner) was a few steps ahead, me, then Steve O. just a few steps behind me. 5:13 2- 5:29 Started to fall back a little. Legs were tired, but MIND was even worse. 3- 5:43 Now I was running like a scared, tired high school kid. 4- 5:44 The leader was looking back and I should have jumped him, but I accepted that I was tired and it was okay to take 2nd because I had already put a few miles in today. 5-5:46 Trying to make sure I held off Steve O. for 2nd. And didn't attack the leader at all. He got me by about 30 seconds. And I just gave up on it. I was pretty upset about my effort today. Not 2nd (I can handle taking 2nd, again, or even the time, which was much slower than it should have been), what I am mad is that despite being tired and running over, I ran like a wimp. I didn't attack. I let my mind win when I felt tired. Overall ave. was 5:35 - I need to get mentally stronger. Hopefully more racing and tough workouts will get me there. RHR- 45 - I could feel it pick up as I woke up during the reading and realized I was racing today.
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