We did our traditional "week before the marathon" 10 mile run down Provo Canyon from Trefoil to the mouth. The mostly downhill course gives us a good feel for the marathon (quad pounding, leg turnover, feel what marathon pace feels like, test run of race day shoes/socks/clothes) but only 38% of the distance. Larry, Wayne, Kevin, Michael, Colin and I started together. Colin hasn't been running much and only ran down to Vivian where his car was parked.
The weather was cool. I hit the portapotty just before we started. The only stop I made during the run was for a quick drink at Vivian Park. I warmed up briefly. When we started I just released the brakes and let gravity pull me down the road. I hoped to average around 6:30/mi for the first 4 miles down South Fork, then try to stay sub-7:00 for the remaining six miles down to the mouth. Mile splits: 6:10, 6:31, 6:41, 6:32 (6:29 avg for first 4 miles), 6:49, 7:01, 6:39, 6:42, 6:57, 6:47 (6:49 avg for last 6 miles). Total time 1:06:51 (avg 6:41/mi). I finished first and jogged back the 3/4 of a mile to the drinking fountain at Timpanogos Park. I passed Wayne then Michael and then Larry just before the fountain. Kevin had stopped at a bathroom and was farther back. I took a quick drink then headed back. I could see Larry ahead and decided to close the gap. I noticed Wayne had also doubled back after finishing and was now running with Larry. I pushed my pace to 6:47 and closed some of the gap but Larry finished very strongly and I wasn't able to catch him. I'm encouraged because I feel like I ran well today and my legs felt pretty good, during and after. I was disappointed that I got a little blister and a little chafing, but I think I know what to do to address those issues so I'm not too concerned. Averaging 6:52/mi for 26.2 miles is quite a bit bigger challenge than 6:41/mi for 10 miles, but I haven't given up hope. With the lower altitude, a good taper this week, carbo loading, and race day magic, you never know.
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