am--12.5 Headed out this morning w/ my sweetheart to Page, AZ to run Ultra Endurance's first event of the year. I checked in and, just to get the full experience, used the Eco Comode. Lovely.
The race started w/ about 30 of us gathered in a bunch around the campfire, and George said, "Go." So I went. The first mile was a slow trudge through dunish sand, ending up a steep incline. Subsequently, the Page Rim Trail was heavenly. I would recommend it to anyone looking to kill an hour or two in Page, AZ. There's nothing else to do near there. By the time I came out of the sand, I fell in w/ runners that were rocking a kind pace. So I trail stalked a few folks, trying to initiate awkward conversation and actually made a few trail buddies.
At the halfway mark, Bobby, a Dakota from Minnesota, and I ran together for a few miles. It was his first race longer than a 5k. What a stud. He started to fall back about 8 miles in.
I was feeling ok at this point, working hard to keep a good pace. The elevation profile for the course was something like a v, so the second half was a long, slow climb.
I could see the guy I thought was 3rd--I had lost the lead pack, bottlenecking through the sand, so I had no clue my place throughout the race--and kept sneaking up on him. I got to within 15 yards or so before he saw me and really started to push. I didn't drop off pace but couldn't match what he was doing. It stayed that way for the remainder. I ended up 5th.
I haven't raced in a long time and went into this with a mindset to take what the day offered and have a good time. Accomplished both. I loved the distance and the atmosphere. Matt and his homies put on a great race. I hope they keep doing some of these shorter trail races. Much Grass, Mr. Matt.
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