St. George Marathon 2:34:16 More later when I grab the watch and put down the splits. For now... Wasn't sure what my plan would be for the race. Decided to just go off the cuff with however the race played out. Ended up that I decided to go big (but in all actuality, not really that big - I hit the half nearly a minute slower than last year at 1:14:25) and shoot for the top 10 (that is what I really wanted more than anything). From mile 1 on, I ran the entire race alone. From 17 on, every step was a battle. I have been sick with a head cold all week, but I kept trying to convince myself it was just allergies - it wasn't, and it drained me. It was the most physically difficult and painful thing I have ever done. In the end, I finally lost the mental battle around mile 20 and the wheels came off big time. Had a nearly 6 minute positive split, and pretty much every second of that came in the last 5 miles; meanwhile, guy after guy came by me. It was very difficult on me when I lost 10th place. I lost it for a bit there. To tell the truth though, even with the horrendous last 10k, I am glad I went for it the way I did. I may have sneaked in the top 10 with Matt, Justin, old guy and crew that passed me at the end, but that is not me. I would have spent forever wondering, "What if?" Now I don't need to wonder - the what if is... Pain and misery! Love all my running buddies; it was great to see everyone that I only see once or twice a year. Thanks for all the memories and awesomeness. Peace out! (Pace Blue 58.25) | 