Well, I guess i have to write this up sometime. This is my first race on my racing schedule. I was thinking I'd like to break 38, since that's about where I was in my last marathon training cycle. Sure, the 10k was hilly, I could see that from the elevation chart, but holy cow, it was hard. I had my alarm set for 5:05 but woke up at 4:40 with no more ability to sleep. So got to Ogden 70 min before the race. Got my number then sat in the car and read a book. I am reading Firefly Summer, it's about a small Irish town in the early 60's. The weather was still fair, and pretty warm, about 44F with some wind. I decided to change into shorts and my singlet, I did this after a 3 mile warm up. I ran the course for 1.5 then turned around. I realized the hills were big, but I was still sticking to my time plan. What is it with me and my inflexibility? I thought that Sariah Long (who won the series 5k) and Stephanie Talley would be there. I actually thought it was someone else who won the 5k, and their times were not impressive, so I thought I had a good shot at taking the race. I found out after the race that the 5k is a beast and NET uphill, which explains their times. Mile 1 - 6:08, Hard uphill then gradual downhill Mile 2 - 5:37, steep downhill first half then slight downhill or flat second half Mile 3 - 6:07, rolling, but more flat Mile 4 - 6:37, rolling, just slight net uphill, in retrospect this is the beginning of the end, I should have been able to hold 6:15 on this one, was in first place, but Sariah challenged during an uphill here, I responded and she fell back Mile 5 - 7:17, uphill, then steeper uphill, my legs are dead so I am pumping my arms, telling myself if I can hold off Sariah through the 5 mile mark, I could make it to the end, she didn't catch me in this mile Mile 6 - 7:34 (that is just embarrassing) - steep hill at the beginning, then gradual uphill, Sariah catches me at about 5.3, I don't hang on like I should. I had a hard time keeping strong and shifting gears at the top, net gain of about 100ft .24 5:39 pace - some downhill to the finish, I didn't want to get passed at the bitter end. I see the clock at 40:40something, not happy with that! I introduce myself to Sariah, change my clothes, then find her again and ask her to show me the end of the 10 mile race. She was nice enough to do that, even though it reduces her home town advantage a bit. She beat me fair and square today, was stronger and smarter. I felt a lot better when I learned she is (at least) a two time all american in the steeple chase and even got 12th place in OTQ race for steeple chase. I feel a bit better. But that doesn't change the clock. She said you just can't go by time on these races, and I am inclined to agree. The 10 mile race is apparently the 10k course with a 4 mile loop added to the end. So I will be facing these same hills on March 12th. I will be stronger and smarter! I need to get serious about my diet, I know I will race better with just 2-5 pounds lighter.
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