Where'd all the people go? There were 385 finishers this year, compared with 439 last year, for a difference of 54 runners, or about 12.3%. In a race of this size, that seems like a significant drop in participants. Maybe it's because the course is not forgiving like a bulk of the other Utah marathons, with an overall downhill profile. I must have a lapse in memory because after 6 times at this race, I always forget how difficult the course is! The first 17 or so miles of uphill will chew you up, that's for sure!
I had hoped to impove on my time of 3:21:02 from last year, but it wasn't to be. I guess a difference of 2:06 really isn't too bad though. I think the contributing factor of a slightly slower time was two fold. First off; I ran the Provo River Half last weekend and I really pushed it. My left calf has been tight and sore since, so I only did a couple of short runs this past week in an err of caution to let it recuperate. After only a couple of miles into this race, I could tell that it hadn't entirely healed up. Secondly, I kind of lost my will mentally around mile 18, and figured my finishing time was less important than feeling half decent in the remaining miles.
Overall it was a good race, but I hope to be recovered and in my best condition for Top of Utah next month.
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