Wasn't sure what to expect today. I knew even if we started on time (7:15 but that rarely happens with this race but we actually did start about 7:20 hooray!) it would be pretty warm the last 4 miles or so. I typically wilt big time in the heat and sometimes cramp up. But today things went relatively well and I'm happy with the time. Looks like I haven't been able to break 1:30 in a HM since clear back in 2009 (Provo River). Didn't realize it was that long ago so I'm pleased. I've had some massive crash-and-burn at this race in the past and I knew that could likely happen once the temps got above 70 and the trail rollers started around mile 9. Turns out I did crash-and-burn a bit the last 3-4 miles, but I had enough cushion I was still able to barely squeak in under 1:30. I was measuring all the miles short and only clocked the race at 12.95 miles on the garmin, but it seemed to be the identical route as the last few years so I suppose it's close to accurate. Kim also did well even though she stopped for a while to help a runner on the verge of heat exhaustion/stroke. Good for her. Mile-by-mile breakdown: 1 - 6:44 It was a madhouse as usual at the start having to weave in-and-out of runners. This year there seemed to be a LOT of slower runners crowding the front of the starting line. I was surprised I came in at 6:44 and that the mile marker measured nearly .1 miles short. 2 - 6:49 Still pretty cool temps and nice downhill the next few miles. Wishing it would stay this way the entire race. 3 - 6:42 4 - 6:35 Feeling good and hoping it will last for a while yet... 5 - 6:37 6 - 6:48 7 - 6:57 The uphill coming out of the south/right fork is always unwelcome, but didn't seem as bad as other years. Just hoping I can hold the sub-7 pace for a few more miles then hang on for dear life to the finish. 8 - 6:50 Sun is now bearing down on us and temps starting to rise. This was the last 'fun' mile of the race. 9 - 6:59 I always seem to start hating life in this race once you hit the trail and the rolling hills. Still net downhill but the rollers and the heat start to mess with your head. Starting to really want to be done and dreading that I still have 4 miles+ left to go. 10 - 7:12 Starting to have thoughts of quitting, but just try to take 1 mile at a time and not think any further than that. Nice to get off the trail and back on the roads but there is still one more very annoying hill during either this mile or the next. 11 - 7:16 Ugh. Not having fun. Death march time. 12 - 7:28 Double Ugh. Really not having fun. 13 - 6:52 (actual garmin pace says 7:14) So nice to get DONE! I was feeling pretty hammered and dizzy for a while after I finished and had a hard time eating/drinking anything. Thankfully the feeling went away after a while and I'm actually feeling pretty dandy right now. Thankful for all downhill training the last month or so. So in theory this predicts around a 3:10 St George. Hopefully that will be the case and I can get me a lifetime marathon PR in October!
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