Leg 3 of the WBR from Hyrum to Paradise. Took the handoff from Nathan who came flying into the exchange, and started heading south up a small hill. I felt like I was holding back a bit so that I could get somewhat acclimated to the heat (it was upper 90's at that time). As I made it up the hill and headed east, my mouth felt unusually dry and I could feel myself heating up. Finished the first mile in 7:40 and was happy to see my vanmates waiting with water. I stopped and gulped some down and then poured a cup on my head before taking off again. I was surprised that my mouth was dry again after about a quarter of a mile, as was my shirt and hat. It was HOT! Finished the second mile in 8:00, feeling somewhat nauseated. Heading out of Hyrum there is a long, straight open stretch with open fields on both sides. It seemed to go on forever. Fortunately, my teammates were waiting with water every mile or so which would give me an immediate burst of energy, but I'd dry out and heat up again in about a quarter of a mile. I got slower and slower as the leg progressed, averaging about 8:11 over all. I knew that one would be rough and I was very glad to get it out of the way. It took a while for me to cool down afterwards walking around under the big shade trees at the exchange. | 