Philippians 4:13

Short report, more later.  2nd OA in 1:20:33 for 13.5 miles (missed an unmarked turn, had to turn around and pass 3 runners).  In 1st until nearly 11 miles, ITB really started to act up, lost first to a guy young enough to be my kid.  Beautiful day, ok course (unscenic greenbelt the whole way).  Slower than I wanted, but 2nd is ok for a race with 720+ runners.  Great weekend overall except for a few things. 

The day started off good, easy wake up and breakfast at the hotel before heading downtown to the race.  Got there in time to see the marathon start (sigh!) then I did a 2 mile warmup...stomach was sour during the warm up.  Got in a few drills, striders and some stretches before the half started.  

From the beginning I was running in the lead.  First mile in an easy 5:46, then I started to just run easy on flat/rolly greenbelt course.  Second mile around 5:50.  At the 2.5 mile mark, there is a turn followed by another quick turn at a "multiple Y" split than was not marked...I went the wrong way.  A guy from across the river yelled that I was heading the wrong way so I turned around and got back to the right turn in time to see the next three guys finally heading down the path...so I had to catch and pass them again.  From here to the turnaround the greenbelt is rolly and exposed and not very scenic.  At the turnaround I was up about 20 seconds on 2 and 3.  I was slowing a bit on the ups and downs but still running ok.

By the mile 9 mark my ITB was starting to ache and at the 10 mile point it was getting painful.  Erik ran with me a bit at 10, and told me a couple of guys were moving up.  Garrett passed my around 10.5 miles and we ran together a spell before I had to back it down as my leg was locking up.  I kept him in sight until mile 12 when he started to push and pull away. I was working hard to keep 3rd place behind me.  Justin picked me up at the bridge for the final 0.25M and was telling me he was coming.  I held him off by 20 seconds but was behind 1st by 45 seconds...what a crappy finish.  Still, ok for a 47 year old to run in the lead for nearly 11 miles and run strong against 2 guys in their 20's (and strong triathletes!).  

Thanks Jeff U. for putting on a good race!  (Fastwitch 6)

Back to the hotel after the awards to clean up. Tried to meet up with my brother but they had to run "errands" instead of seeing us...oh well, old ways don't go away easy.  

Long painful drive home but good to be back at home.   Would still love to retire in Boise...what a great downtown and place to live.