AP: 8:14 7:43, 8:21, 8:37, 7:57, 8:04, 7:47, 7:49, 8:08, 8:22, 8:32, 8:17, 8:11 (splits were totally messed up due to satelite in the canyon) I've purposely been keeping my mileage low lately in hopes that it would help my tendonitis. It's been refreshing to keep running low key this summer. I haven't had any stress out incidences. BUT I had very low expectations for this race today. Collette suggested we do this race. I was a bit nervous about doing a race so close after racing Ogden....since I have a horrible recovery track record. I was semi-regretting signing up for it until this past week. Then I was excited. I've only run 3-4 miles/day and one 8 mile run, so I knew I wasn't going to make a PR today. My main goal was to run under 2:00. My alarm went off at 3:50am this morning and I gave the standard, "WHY do I do this craziness" groan. But I quickly got ready and Collette picked me up. I lost Collette and Kellie at the busses, but ended up riding with Karen (yeah!!!! I didn't know she was running today) and Emily. We hit the POPS and the drop bag vans. I still didn't find Collette or Kellie at the start and felt bad that I lost them so soon. Finally the gun went off and the reality of my ability to get down the mountain was made manifest!! I hung with Karen for a few miles and then we ran into Larissa (Smooth's daughter). Shortly thereafter, Collette came zooming by. One of the things I really like about this race was that hometown feeling. I knew so many people along the course and never felt like I was running alone. I saw neighbors, friends, people from church....so fun to know so many people. I took water at all the stops and took a GU at mile 6.5. My Garmin was going crazy and kept losing satellite so I was unsure of my time/mileage. When I would look at my current pace and I saw 7MM, I became nervous. I was just waiting to BLOW UP!! We finally came out of the mountain and I saw Smooth...love her! Collette had to make a potty stop (and I lost her) and I had finally caught up to Karen/Larissa and passed them. I was running alone, but was able to hang on. When I realized that I only had 5 miles left, I was definitely feeling better about life. My mile 10, I was starting to grow weary. I tried to hang on and eventually ran into Kelli/Rachelle pacing the 1:50. I NEVER expected in my wildest dreams to ever run a 1:50 today. I hollered to them that I needed help and was struggling. Those were the only words that I could mutter. Kelli kept pacing and Rachelle transformed into my life saver. I appreciate her yelling at me and putting those thoughts into my head that I could finish. She fought those "final few mile" demons for me. I had no kick and shuffled across the finish line, but she saved me today. THANK YOU RACHELLE!!!! Shortly thereafter, I caught up with all my friends. Again, I loved that hometown feel and seeing so many familiar faces. Collette and I chowed our french toast and chocolate milk and reflected on the great morning. I love to talk running with people who understand. I had to get home, shower and get my ankle/lower leg scrapped. YIKES!!!! That was painful, but so vey helpful. I learned a lot in the short amount of time I was there and have a renewed hope that I can run to my full potential. All in all....it was a super morning and I was just grateful to run.
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