Well the race was great! I was on such a high as I finished something that I had worked so hard for but really didn't know if I could do. Just 11 months ago, I had about 20% use of my right side after suffering a stroke. During my recovery I also suffered a set back that threw my back quite a ways. But here I am writing about a 14 minute PR! Mile 1 - 6:17 had planned to run with Clyde Behunin and Logan Fielding for a split somewhere around 1:18, but they took off and I new I wanted to sit back a little. 2 - 6:18 wanted to go faster but kept it cool. 3 - 6:02 at this point I knew I need to move toward 6 minutes and I saw Logan's lime green shorts glowing in the dark so I worked up to him. He thought I was up ahead, so I think this was a relief to him. 4 - 5:52 moving well and loving the fact that it is still dark (it made the first 6 miles fly by) 5 - 6:01 and I am feeling like a machine. Splits are great and I am not even working for them. 6 - 5:46 everything still moving great and Logan seems to be getting into the flow well. 7 - 5:43 my body wanted to fly down into Veyo but my mind (and Logan) said keep it cool for the hill. We discussed out tactic for Veyo and decided to just go smooth and save some for the rest. 8 - 6:32 my dad popped out of nowhere in Veyo and it was fun to see him. Logan and I move up the hill smooth. We pass many runners and catch Devra. 9 - 6:20 I'm thinking, "Man this couldn't be better," as we recover from Veyo and move through Dameron. 10 - 6:12 Devra is still going with Logan and I. Ocassionally see some friends and some of my runners at aide stations. 11 - 6:22 The last of the Dameron hills. Devra said she didn't remember these last year. 12 - 6:03 ready to get moving again. Logan and I had seen Clyde for about 4 miles now and we were right up on him. We thought he might need a little help. Devra dropped back a little. 13 - 5:48 caught Clyde and he came right with us. He was excitecd to have us back. hit the half 1:20.07 14 - 5:53 going smooth again. 15 - 5:34 feeling great moving down toward Snow Canyon. Thought my dad would be here, but he wasn't. Instead I imagined all the cheers for Logan were for me! 16 - 5:33 still feeling great. Clyde is moving us along and I think that he has a great shot at getting Jose. 17 - 5:47 Anticipating my ward's aide station at 19. 18 - 5:46 felt something hitting my leg. It was my left lace. In all my racing I had never had a shoe come untied and now here in a marathon when I am running great... ahhh. I quickly tie it and realize that if I stop again I am in trouble the cramping has started. 19 - 6:09 had to really work to catch Logan after the shoe and this might have cost me, but I knew if I let him go I was in trouble. Didn't get the cheers I had hoped from friends. I caught them off guard. 20 - 6:04 this is where I really fell apart in '04 and I wasn't going to let it happen again. I had a chance for a great time so I tried to keep pushing. Devra came by Logan and I and said, "Let's go guys." Logan and I looked at each other and said let's just keep it here. 21 - 5:49 I felt the pounding coming down the hill and tried to keep a positive mind set. 22 - 6:41 Really falling apart. Logan is really helping me. 23 - 6:33 I'm not going to let this all fall apart on me now. 24 - 6:52 Logan is sitting back with me now. Without him I don't have a chance. 25 - 6:42 I'm telling Logan to go. But he wants to cross together. 26 - 7:15 I feel like I am all over the road. Really dizzy and just focusing on all the turns. But I loved the new finish. Logan pulls away during this mile and about 4 guys catch me (costing me an age division place - 11th) 26.2 - 1:45 The finish really got me excited but I just didn't have anything left. 2:42.01 Officially ! I couldn't believe it. Clyde was there and he had done awesome, Logan finished strong (without him I was toast - thanks Logan) Dustin came in soon after. The race was a lot of fun and really boosted my cofidence. I am now ready to go with Clyde and work toward low 2:30's! | 