Have finally been getting back into a pattern and routine since the new job started in January. A lot less stress and am very happy with the direction I am going. Decided to do the Red Mountain 30k today. Love the trails out there and I knew it would be a lot of fun. A lot of the TEAM did the half so it makes for a very fun day.
Started out and just decided to relax the first couple miles and not stress too much. I ended up being in 4th place for the first two loops. I got to the aid station after running Barrel Roll and got passed by the 5th place guy (ended up being Zac Marion). He started to hammer the downhill and so I went with him. He gapped me quite a bit but I could still see him. He started running up Santa Clara Drive and I closed the gap on him quick. He was checking his phone (changing his playlist) and I asked, "Candy Crush?" He got a little chuckle and we talked for a bit. He was hurting so I pushed it on an uphill section. This cost me because he got his second wind and caught me on the downhill section with just over 2 miles to go. He gapped me again and I kept trying to close on him. I was within about 20 seconds of him when we crossed the highway but it was too much. Finished the race in 2:22:55. Not bad all things considered.
I felt pretty good throughout but I think I was a little too conservative at the start. I just need to trust what I am doing and continue to move forward. It was a lot of fun racing today and felt good to pound the quads again. Realized why I had blisters on the inside of my feet. I ripped the inside on both of my Hokas. Lucky they didn't rip more during the race. Time for a new pair now.
Lots of fun seeing James and Cody Draper today. Both good dudes. Talked with Zac Marion after the race and he said he was happy trying to chase me down for the first half marathon of the race. Glad I could help with that. Also, a good dude.
I went over and helped Brooks Barney's 3 mile race for his Eagle Scout Project. Got in another 2 miles. Pretty tired now. Time for a nap.
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