Did the week before the big race tune-up 5K this morning up in Layton. This is a good race - well-organized, started on time, accurate course, no waiting around for awards, etc. I'd highly recommend it. Warmed up 2.5 miles w/ Andrea, then changed into my flats, did some strides, etc. I didn't have anybody go with me off the start - so it was a solo effort. Came through the first mile a little quick (4:37), but it was gradually downhill to that point. The second mile has a hill with a sharp incline at the end of it that is a bit of a burner, but then you get a little downhill afterwards to recover. I split 5:11 for mile 2, then 4:55 for the 3rd mile, and 32 for the last tenth... finished in 15:17. The ever-so-gradual uphill over the last half-mile really made me wish I was running on a flat track :-) 
I'm happy with the results... last October I ran 15:09 on the track a week before running 1:05:45 at Long Beach. Today's time was a little slower, but on a course with a few hills so I'd say the performance was just as good, if not a bit better. I'm not in peak 5K shape by any means (simply haven't done the workouts for shorter races) - but it would be interesting to see what I could do right now with someone to race against all the way. Its just so hard (impossible for me) to run to my max in a 5K/10K when I don't have someone to push me (or chase). In any case, its all about the marathon right now, and I'm feeling pretty confident about next weekend.
Cooled down by running the course again w/ Andrea, Allie, James, and Andrew. Fun morning... I won a one-year membership to Gold's Gym for my efforts... haha, don't think I'll be using that anytime soon (or ever)! I should also note that Andrea ran over 5 miles today, Allie won the 5K, and James didn't die - so overall it was a great day for the JAJA crew! :-) Andrea was the photographer again (Layton Classic Photo Album)... 
PM - 3 miles up at Alta. MarkP was kind enough to give us his hotel voucher for the Peruvian Dash since he was out pacing the Wasatch 100 and couldn't make it up here. We went for a hike up to Cecret Lake while everyone was running the 8K, then came back for the BBQ and a long time in the hot tubs. I went for a short run up to Grizzly Gulch to shake out my legs after the hike. I just love running up here. Definitely owe Mark big time for hooking us up!
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