4 miles @ 7:15/mi Earn Your Turkey Run - Orem, Utah
1 mile warm up and cool down
I was looking forward to just trying to run fast, and I wasn't disappointed. I was definitely hoping to break 32 minutes (8:00/mi), and hopefully 30 minutes (7:30/mi). My chip time was 28:49.5 (7:12/mi). My watch only showed 3.97 miles in 28:51.22 (7:16/mi). I'll just call it 7:15/mi.
Mile splits: 7:01, 7:16, 7:40, 7:05
The course basically loops the block twice, 1/2 mile per side. The sides heading north and east were slight uphill, south and west slight downhill. The 7:40 mile was two uphill sides. The others were a mix. I felt like I held a strong, consistent pace.
The only slight disappointment I had was when Rod Riggs passed me on the last stretch though the park to the finish line. When he passed me I recognized him. I know him from work and figured he was probably in my age division. I had already been pushing the last mile and was pushing for the finish. I didn't have enough left to hold him off or overtake him. I talked to him right after the race. Yep, we're the same age, both 54. He ended up taking 3rd in our age division by 15 seconds. Honestly, I'm okay with it. Averaging 7:15/mi was faster than my best hope for today. I've recovered quickly and feel ready to run again. I think I need to continue to work on speed...and on my mental toughness during the final kick.
I got tired of waiting around for awards and the drawing. I decided I'd rather be with my family so I left my number with my coworker Justin. I hope he won a turkey or pie or something.
The weather was sunny and upper 30's or 40. It was a beautiful morning and a great way to start Thanksgiving Day.
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