I started out not really thinking that anything would come from this 'race' - I guess now I just feel like I shouldn't underestimate myself.
I didn't really taper, but didn't push like I normally do through a week with cross-training...just regular running with Friday off. I haven't really done much, if any, real speed work. But, I just wasn't feeling the love of racing or even running today. I figured if all went well I could hit a 1:40-1:45.
When the gun went off I was between the 1:35 and 1:40 pacers...so I figured I'd just try to stay there and not let Christy pass me :) The 1:35 pacers quickly disappeared and I was running scared of those 1:40 pacers the whole time. After mile 3ish I paced out and besides passing a few women, the same group of people stuck right with me the whole time. My 'pacer' was about 10-20ft in front of me the whole race. I passed her once at an aid station, but she quickly regained her 10ish feet.
I felt stronger on the hills than I expected and the quick glance at the splits showed I stayed at a good pace - 7:45 I think is the slowest, but I've got to get home and dump it to see. My laps did fill (I forgot to delete!) so, I only have up to split 9. Oh well. No worries. Except I am kind of bummed that I missed my last .1 push to the finish. I dug deep on that one! Anyway, the group around me didn't pull away on the hills - I was able to keep up with the 'group' on the tons of uphills. Made me feel like I haven't lost too much over my easy hiatus this winter.
I felt like I had a good push on the race and was happy with my finish time, but now I keep thinking I should've gone harder :) But, I think we always do that. The good news is that I was really nervous and trained pretty hard to hit a 1:36:40 at SLC half in April and I pulled just one minute slower today on a tough/honest course. So, that has to be a good sign that my legs still remember how to run fast and long? right?
After the race I hung out and chatted with the tons of peeps there. Then, I ran the mile back to the hotel. Made the kids lunch, ate a bit myself and rejoiced over my 2 year old going #2 in the potty by himself. Almost ready to call this a success. Then the kids wanted me gone, because dad said they could go swimming after I left for my bike ride.
Met Brent, Di, Sue, Polly and Heather by the fishing pond on the way to Snow Canyon. Did a loop around Ivins and Kayente then headed up Snow Canyon. Thanks to the SL County Library we had an annual State Parks Pass and got all of us in free (Brent did have his own pass too). Rode to the top of the canyon - a good push! Then down the marathon course back to Snow Canyon Blvd and then the fishing pond. Wow! That downhill was awesome. I like riding it more than running it :) I added a few more miles on by biking back to the hotel (mostly all downhill), Bluff is a nasty street to ride on! So, I jumped over to Main Street and took it down to Abbey Inn. I didn't feel like I was going to die on that road :) 33 miles total with a ton of climbing.
Then I took the kids swimming...yes, they went again. I spent most of the time in the hot tub and just relaxed, and sweat some more :) What a wonderful day! I wish every Saturday was so easy with kids and that I could just play all day like this!!
My legs are tired now, I can tell. I get winded and they burn by the top of the third floor :) Can't wait for a big breakfast tomorrow!! | 
