I had no right to expect to run well today, but I did.
I registered for this race months ago back when I planned to make a serious run at the masters division on the USATF Circuit. Before I failed to properly register on time for the Murray 5k and before I stupidly decided to do the Des News Marathon instead of the 10k.
So, even though my training has been spotty and my mileage low, the family and I trucked up to Logan last night and stayed at the posh Weston Inn which was free due to out massive accumulation of Best Western rewards points over the past decade. Had a nice dinner and walked around the downtown area amongst all the newly returned USU students. Watched a band who's lead singer reminded the kids of Shel Silverstein from the back to their book, The Giving Tree.
I slept awesomely without any mistakes for a full 5.5 hours which might be a pre-race record and might account for my decent time.
Got to the starting line, milled around, hung out in the POP's for a while and ran two miles for a warm-up. More than usual.
The race went well from the start. Ran around 5:45 pace for most of the first 10 miles including one 5:31. Struggled a bit the last couple with a 6:31 mile between 11 and 12. Regrouped for a 5:57 for the last one. I ran alone after I left by buddy Steve Anderson a little after mile six. I could at least see Sasha for most of the race and I was hoping maybe he would roll his ankle or something in his Crocs so I could catch him. No such luck.
I stopped my watch when it said 13.1 even though I wasn't yet at the finish line which is my new policy. I believe the race time said 1:16 45. I like my 1:16:31 better so I will go with that. Either way, it's my fastest half marathon in the last two years.
They doubled the announced prize money so I picked up $50.00. It lasted about two hours before Ann and I went to the new flatbread pizza restaurant in Downtown Sugarhouse for lunch where I had a delicious pizza and a couple BEvERages. Then I went home and napped.
I have to say that my award for winning the 45-49 age group might be the best ever. It's a big rock-trophy that weighs about 20 pounds. I got tired carrying it to the car.
Up next, the Fabulous Alta Peruvian Downhill Dash and BBQ Bash 8k. Many people refuse to run the APDD&BBQB citing the quad punishing nature of the decent. That means more food and beverages for me after.
Oh yeah, I've learned how to insert links.
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