Pretty cool, I came away with the win for first overall in 2:37:22. First half 1:16:15, second half 1:21:08 . First half a bit too fast and paid for it in the second as I was shooting for a even split race but I forgot how fast the first half is and how hard the second half is to get into a good groove. I was 1 minute off of Kory's record from last year so I now how hard he ran last year! I am very happy with the result, good to be under 2:40 again and this was a good test to see how fit I am for Indy in October.
Woke up early (3am) to get prepared and drive down with Lynette. Got our numbers and chips and loaded the bus to the start at around 5:15. Got to the start, hit the porta potty and did a quick warmup (about 0.6M) then met up with Kory to get ready for the race.
The FRB did great grabbing the top four spots (me, Kory, Mark P, Bill M).
Here are the splits:
1 - 5:28 Went out easy with Kory, feeling good but not running too hard. A bit faster than expected
2 - 5:56 Slowed down on purpose to bring the adrenaline back into control. Kory running just off my shoulder
3 - 5:48 Running smoothly on the downhills with Kory. Beginning to see the sunrise...beautiful!
4 - 5:51 Still running well, trying to hold back to not burn out on the hill. Kory a few steps back.
5 - 5:44 Pass another runner out on the road and scary the heck out of him. Kory still a few paces back.
6 - 5:40 Oops, a faster mile but still running easy (the hill must have started getting a bit steeper).
7 - 5:48 There is an out and back in this mile up a hill. Running smooth, see now that Kory is about 0.1M back. I just keep my effort the same and marshall on.
8 - 5:52 I take my first PowerBar Gel around here just to keep the fuel load up. Still running easy trying to just run a good effort.
9 - 5:51 On, on I go...a bit of an upward climb in this mile.
10 - 5:39 This is a good mile, feeling easy just strolling down the hill.
11 - 5:49 Starting to see the valley and coming into Inkom. Running easy.
12 - 5:40 Nice smooth mile coming down the hill. Averaging a 5:45 pace still which is a bit fast for what I wanted but I didn't want to brake too hard.
13 - 6:05 Next PowerBar Gel, course starts to level out (or even uphill a small amount). I take this mile as a breather to get ready for the second half.
Half - 1:16:15 Pass by the buses and see everyone getting ready for the half marathon start. Running alone but I know that Kory is a strong second half runner so I can't relax. Time to push for a strong second half and avoid a big drop off.
14 - 5:44 Good mile, a bit down then flat....feeling good.
15 - 5:52 Still motoring starting to see rolling hills.
16 - 6:13 Hit the first of the uphills that will start to sap the energy. Take a gel to stay on top of my fuel reserves.
17 - 6:22 Got to the top and the rollers continue. Trying to find the pace/effort that matches the terrain. Starting to feel it now.
18 - 6:07 More rollers with a bit more level and down, feeling the groove. Wondering how far back Kory is and still worried about his kick.
19 - 5:59 Ahhh, a good mile as I roll towards the gap.
20 - 6:12 Ok, last bit of flat before the climb.
21 - 6:11 Take a gel and the start of the mile just before the hill to Century High school. Make it up without too much of a drop off.
22 - 6:31 After the big hill, I forgot that the course still climbs for another 1.25M! This starts to hit my left hammy but I try to fight it off. Now really wondering how close to the course record I am and where Kory is. See Rachelle and she indicates that Kory isn't feeling so hot. Nearly step on a small rattlesnake on the side of the road!
23 - 6:18 Get back into a better groove as the course levels out. Ask a traffic control guy if he sees anyone behind me...Noone in sight. Now I know I have the win but wonder if I have the kick for the record.
24 - 6:11 A good mile but the legs are starting to feel really heavy and trying to manage my energy for a solid kick at the end.
25 - 6:14 Coming up on Upper Ross Park and just trying to keep consistent effort.
26 - 6:24 Ok, feel that the record is a bit out of reach, on track for my 2:37 and noone behind me leads to slower mile.
0.2 (0.3 on GPS) 1:50 Push to the finish win a 6:01 pace and can see the clock time over 2:37...come in praising God for the ability to run this hard and come away with a good race.
Very happy with the result. Stick around for to see Kory, Mark, Bill M (Master's winner) and Lynette (Master's winner, 2nd OA) finish the full and Andrea finish the half (2nd OA). Do the interview with the paper, jump in a shower at the pool facility and hang around for the awards talking to friends.
Nice plaque, a goodie back from Shu's Running Store in Boise (Nike watch, gift cert., etc.).
Drive home after the awards and take off for camping for the rest of the weekend with friends above Kelly Canyon. Great campsite, good friends, good food, kids have a great time (built and amazing fort!!!). Just a relaxing weekend...no running just easy and fun (and good BEER!). | 