Another great race with a much different outcome this year then last year, last year I had developed a huge blister by mile 4 and it busted open by mile 6 and very painful but made it to the finish line with the 2nd slowest finish time every. This year the course was down the hill 4 miles and they added an out and back section on it also and the outcome was much better but still a course you need to respect as I seen alot of runners with the same issues I had last year. I was on the first bus up the hill and I like it that way as I am able to use the POP with out a line and to find a spot to sit and just relax but it was cold up there (30's) and hard to stay warm. Race was suppost to start at 7:00 so I went over to the drop back bus at 6:45 and started to get ready for the start and just as I tossed my bag in the drop bag bus they came over the P.A. and said that the race was going to start 15 or 20 min late. Dang it now I am cold so I found a group of runners and tried to stand in the middle of them all, oh well. Race got started and made this loop around the ski resort and down the hill we go, this time I was not going to hold back and just ran what was given but not out of control. 6:55 to 7:05 for the first 10 and around 7:08 to 7:10 from 11 to 15 and felt good but could tell there was alot of new runner or first time marathoners in this race because at the aid staions they would just stop or walk in line to get there drink instead of moving to the side and out of the way of other runner coming in but I am sure I was like that my first few races also. Was now on the out and back section and started to run up hill and was a nice change but man it was hard also and could now feel my quads big time but the biggest thing that I liked about this was I was able to see the leader and to size up my AG. Seen alot of runner that I know and have meet and the biggest thing that I noticed was that even the leaders were having a hard time as we all had a look of discomfort on our faces. Got to the top of the hill at 19.75 miles and to the turn around and now back down the hill we go with some flats in it and I liked the flats alot better. Got back out to the main section of the course and down the hill some more but now my quads were on fire and it was about survival at this point, I felt good except the quads and the spectators gave me alot of boost as I got closer to the finish line and finished strong at the end and was happy with my time as I was wanting to go under a 3:20 and ended with a 3:19:16 and 2nd fastest run this year. A good race and will be back next year for sure!!! I have a dilemma and not to sure I am going to run STG marathon or not, you see I am running Rio Del Lago 100 miler on Nov 8th and if I run STG it cuts into my miles due to taper and recovery and I am not sure I want to do that with only 4 weeks to go, + I have to got to San Jose to a Spec. bike training classes the week before the race but I love running STG so we will see what happens.
| 