Dennilynne convinced me to run the AF Canyon Run Against Cancer half marathon because there was Kneaders French toast at the finish. Also the fact that I grew up in AF helped. I ran on “Heidi’s Team”.
Mike and Dennilynne picked me up at 3:30AM. Way to early. Then we picked up Heidi and drove to AF. We met up with Scott Johnson, his brother and Bother-in-law just before we got on the buses to take us to the start.
The race is 8 miles down hill in the canyon then 5 miles of near flat running to AF. A nice part of the run is that the sun is only up for about 5% of the race. As it starts at 6:00AM.
Miles 1-3, (6:29, 6:28, 6:35) The race started and I figured I’d have to hold back to not run a sub 6, because I like to run down hill and I’m in a race, but my body wasn’t ready to go yet, so I just ran how I felt. I was thinking that this wouldn’t be to good of a race If my body didn’t start feeling better.
Miles 4-6, (6:10, 6:10, 6:01) My body finally decided it was warmed up and I felt like a runner! These miles felt good because I felt like I was hold back a little to not go sub 6.
Miles 7-9, (6:22, 6:30, 7:10) on mile 8 my leg started tightening up in preparation for cramping latter on. I wasn’t happy because this is a problem that I can’t ignore with 4-5 miles to go. I had to let off the gas.
Miles 10-13, (7:27, 7:16, 7:21, 6:30) My leg was still a little tight on mile 10 and then it kind of lightened up for 11 and 12. For the last mile I decided I could pick it up and run faster. My leg did start tightening back up but it usually takes a few faster miles before my leg would cramp up all the way. I passed a few people on the last mile which felt a lot better than being passed on slower miles.
I ended up winning my 50-54 age division by 6 minutes which included 40 runners. I was surprised. I guess old people have a hard time running fast. Nobody 50 and over beat me.
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