I run therefore, I am!

Bryce Canyon Half Marathon

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Location:

South Jordan,UT,United States

Member Since:

Feb 04, 2008

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Local Elite

Running Accomplishments:

2010 Ogden Half Marathon 1st overall

2010 Bryce Canyon Half 2nd overall 1:12

2010 St. George Marathon 10th overall

2011 American Fork Half marathon 1st overall New PR 1:10:37

2012-Mt. Nebo Half 1:08:00

2009 St. George Marathon 11th overall 2:31:43

2009 Ogden Marathon 4th place overall

2008 St. George Marathon 2:40:46 18th overall

2008 Tou Half 1:14:35 7th overall

2008 Bear Lake Half marathon 1st place Win. Set Course record.

2008 Provo river Half PR 1:13:28

2008 Boston Marathon 2:49--Beat Lance Armstrong by 2 minutes.

2008 Ogden Marathon 10th overall.

Ragnar Relay Del Sol 2008--1st Place Team Overall. Set new course record! 17 hours 4 minutes 5.38 average pace per mile!

Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back 2008--2nd Place Team overall. 17 hours 54 minutes.

2007 Top of Utah 1/2 Marathon 1:14 4th overall

2007 Wasatch Back Relay 3rd team overall---Very Fun!

Boston, Rock & Roll Arizona, Carlsbad are my favorite marathons.

2007 St. George Marathon 2:40 with puking!39th overall

Short-Term Running Goals:

My short term goals are to stick to a good regime.

~~To bring my marathon pr down in mid 2:30's~~

World Championship Maters Marathon July 17, 2011

USATFLDR Competition Series: Stiders Half, Salt Lake Half, Hobblecreek Half, Heart of Holiday 5k, Running with Leopards 5k, Draper Days 5k, Minuteman 5k, Top of Utah Half.

Great Potato Half marathon--Boise

Running with Ed 41 mile relay. Team Probar

St. George Marathon 2011

Get Sponsors and make money in Masters.

Sponsors so far:

Probar, St. George Running Center

Long-Term Running Goals:

~~My long term goals are to beat sasha~~.

To get my marathon time to 2:20's

Personal:

I have three girls-Sarah, Brooke, and Bailey and a baby boy born in Jan. 2010 named Boston. I own a Concrete Construction company called Quality Footings and Foundations. If any of my fellow bloggers are in need of concrete work just drop me a line or call 801-381-7089 I'll give you the friendly runner discount. Its hard work thats why between work and running I maintain my girlish figure! I own the American Flyers Race Pacers which is on Facebook to join. www.americanflyersracepacers.com

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	0.00

Sat, Jul 18, 2009

Race: Bryce Canyon Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:14:50, Place overall: 12, Place in age division: 2

Running Miles	Swimming Yards	Bike Miles
13.10	0.00	0.00

Ok here goes! At the start of the race I saw a lot of bloggers if I missed your name forgive me. I saw Josh and his wife, Ruth, Maryanne, Steve Hooper, Dave Holt, Mark and christy, Peggys husband ad peggy during the race. There were so many ive forgot who else but the start of the race sucked! There was a thick haze of smoke from a forest fire thats going on down here. The first mile was a gut check for me. I felt like there was no way I could hang with the main pack for even a mile. There was seven of them and then Dave and me. after a half mile or so Dave took off and caught the pack leaving me by myself 100 feet behind the pack. They were pushing the pace so I let them go. At mile 2 we had a severe drop for several miles which helped me get my legs back. Mile 1 was 5:40, 2 was 6:00 with a bit of up hill. Mile 3 was 4:49, 4 was 5:00, 5 was 5:01. I just pr'd a 5k time here! lol 3 miles in 15 minutes! Around miles 6.5 it started to level out and i passed 2 people putting me into 8th overall. At this point I could see Dave Holt about 200 meters ahead and every mile I gained on him to within 100 meters. My legs felt heavy once i had the real test of running and not falling. mile 6 was 5:15. Miles 7 was 5:19, mile 8 was 5:38. I started feeling a bit sick here and actually stopped to drink my water. No one passed me though. It was heating up and I had to make sure I got enough at that station. mile 9 and 10 seemed to go by slow and when I hit mile 10 I had to go #2 so I stopped and fell from 8th to 14th place. Crap! literally! Ok so I immediately passed a guy and then reeled myself to #12 position. There was 4 runners ahead of me all within 200 yards so I thought I could get them in the last mile. At mile 12 I tried pouring it on and when I got close the the #11 guy, he took off. It psyched me out and I didnt push it. I ended up in 12th overall and was a bit upset because I thought Id get a 1:11 time which is what I was set on but didnt happen. I talked to Dave Holt after and his time was upper 1:11's so I really was upset because I knew I shouldve pr'd. Next time, another day. I got to talk to a lot of runners and actually bumped into a friend (Esther Udall) at the finish literally backed right into her. lol I would rank that course as a good race to pr. If I had more miles in this year, I honestly feel like I couldve hit a 1:10. The winner of the race was in my age group go figure and did a 1:06! Crap the bed that is fast! That is only 1 minute off an Olympic qualifying time! Too bad they dont use Utah races. By the way I saw an article in Running times magazine in the Sept. 2009 issue on pg. 24 with my mug shot on it. They were doing an article on running flats and who better to model them then me? lol Bye yall!

Night Sleep Time: 0.00	Nap Time: 0.00	Total Sleep Time: 0.00

Comments

From Huans32 on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 18:15:15 from 24.2.68.35

Awesome job at the race there Walter. Was good to see you before and after the race. It really is a good course to PR on that is for sure. Since all 3 yrs I have ran it I have. Those are some smokin fast miles at first I must say. 5k PR in a half got to love it.LOL

From Maurine/Tarzan on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 18:16:05 from 63.255.172.2

Walter - amazing job! Congrats on a 5K PR in the middle of a half marathon. Would you recommend this race for others?

I will try and check your Running Times picture if I ever get to quit working this weekend.

From Smooth on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 18:31:35 from 71.32.239.100

CONGRATS on a great race. Not your expected PR; but your SUPER SONIC TIME (even w/ a pit stop) is nothing to sneeze at. You're an amazing runner. Do you have a room built just for all your hardwares? :)

From Burt on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 18:50:07 from 98.167.151.26

Great job. That wasn't very nice of Holt to leave you all alone.

From Sasha Pachev on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 19:02:25 from 192.168.1.1

Walter - the overall winner has run a 2:15 and was featured as a dark horse in the press before the 2000 Trials. In fact, had he done that 2:15 again, he would have beat Rod DeHaven and gone to the Olympics. But it was not a good day for running fast, thus 2:15 won. He has not done much in the marathon since then, but he has some serious speed, it takes serious speed to run 2:15. But if 1:06 is all you can do on the Bryce Canyon course, you are not going to run 2:15. In fact, it is doubtful you'll be at the Trials at all.

There is a good reason they do not allow Bryce Canyon and Hobble Creek to be used for an OTQ. The elevation drop is big enough to compensate too much for the altitude. To give you an idea. Paul put 2 minutes on Josh Stephen in the Freedom Run 15 K. So about 3 minutes in the half. Paul ran Seattle Half in 1:08. Josh ran 1:08 in Bryce Canyon. So it would probably be a fair comparison to say that Bryce Canyon is 2-3 minutes faster than an honest sea-level course. At least for some runners.

With Provo River Half, Salt Lake Half, and TOU Half you could possibly make an argument that the elevation drop is fair enough to equal out the altitude. But USATF does not want to mess with evaluating each individual course. I wonder if St. George 2007 was the straw that broke the camel's back, and now we cannot even use Top of Utah to qualify.

From Maurine/Tarzan on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 19:04:43 from 63.255.172.2

What was special about St. George 2007?

From Burt on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 19:10:14 from 98.167.151.26

I think because so many people qualified that year. Am I right?

From Sasha Pachev on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 19:20:05 from 192.168.1.1

Maurine:

Top 7 qualified, one was Canadian, so he did not go, the rest went. Only Paul was able to vindicate his St. George time. Part of the problem was that the Trials were only a month after, but it just broke the camel's back. USATF finally said no more freebie, you have to run a loop course, and you have to do it in 2:19:00 or faster. Then they relaxed a bit, and said you can have 449.9 feet of elevation drop in the marathon. But that still excludes every major Utah marathon.

From Maurine/Tarzan on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 19:26:27 from 63.255.172.2

Is a loop course considered harder than a point to point? And how do they rate compared to an out and back course?

From Teena on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 19:27:53 from 67.177.20.13

Check out that mile in the 4s again!!! You are so wickedly fast ...

Okay ... so I was totally upset this morning when I couldn't call and see how you did! My phone broke yesterday and I lost ALL of my numbers. STINK!!!

So if you would be so kind as to PM or text me your number I would really appreciate it Walter James.

What an awesome race!!! Can't believe you can make a pitstop and still come up with that amazing time!! Then again ... you are Walter James!!!

Congrats my friend!!

From Sasha Pachev on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 20:15:21 from 192.168.1.1

Maurine:

First, a correction. Nick Schuetze, the 2007 St. George winner, ran a decent time in the Trials as well. And James Lander, who qualified in 2006 in St. George, ran well too. However, even from Paul's, Nick's, and James's performances it was apparent that St. George was quite a bit faster than an honest sea-level course.

Point to point course (start and finish separation more than 50%) is considered record-eligible only when you can prove there was no illegal tail wind. Any certified course that starts and finishes in the same place is record-eligible.

From MrsFIT on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 21:16:09 from 24.2.68.35

Congratulations again on another great performance!!!

From Bec on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 21:25:18 from 67.177.35.60

Great speed. WOW fast. Too bad not a PR. Guess a lame 1:15 will have to do. Seesh, most runners can only dream of that!

From RAD on Sat, Jul 18, 2009 at 21:49:29 from 67.166.99.8

I'm in the presence of greatness! Nice job Walter!! Sorry about the pit stop that ruined the day, but despite that I think you did AMAZING! Even with it you took some killer paces and splits, you really are a ROCKSTAR! oh, I mean magazine star :)

From Walter on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 11:26:36 from 216.241.207.3

Mark, what a great canyon to run down huh? Such great scenery.

Maurine, you should try this one some time. they even have a 5k.

Smooth, im not complaining about my time, just my pit stop. Ive got to get through a race without one and I could finish better.

Burt, Dave is a phenomenal runner. He didnt leave me. I just didnt want to do a 5 minute mile at the starting 2 miles. lol

Sasha, it definitely has a lot of downhill. My calves are screaming this morning. That guy, I cant think of his name from Arizona is a phenomenal runner. Seth thought he could shake him and told me he was going to hard to catch him. Nick ran this in 1:06 before and told me yesterday was difficult. I think it heated up really fast. It sucked it out of me once the sun was up and I was at a level ground.

Teena, get healed up and try this one. My legs however and hips are thrashed!

Christy, great to see you hammer it out yesterday.

Becca, im not complaining about my time. I just want to pr this year. And run without stopping for a break. lol

Rachel, thanks for stroking my ego! haha I need to contact Running Times magazine for royalties. haha

From Mike Warren on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 12:09:23 from 208.117.124.133

What a Stud! Hey, very awesome time. Hope the quads are feeling ok today. Without the #2, it would of been a #1 for 1/2 PR, lol. Great job!

From Stewmyster on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 12:18:08 from 64.255.94.159

Nice race. I was number 11 in the race. Great job!! It sounds like you're quite the distance runner. Nice running with you.

From Ruthio on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 18:22:49 from 75.169.245.137

Way to go Walter! It was fun to talk to you after the race, and congrats on a fast run, PR or no. Keep it rolling!

From marion on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 18:26:56 from 71.213.106.139

WOW Walter! Fast-Man! Ba na na na na na na na, Ba na na na na na na na, FAST MAN!!! (Sing to the Batman theme music from the early 70's)

Nice race. You are so speedy :)

From Walter on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 18:31:08 from 76.27.15.208

Mike, my legs are thrashed. Arent yours? I broke the golden rule of sitting in the hottub after the race and woke up in pain today.

From Walter on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 18:37:19 from 76.27.15.208

stewmyster, I was grueling it out after my potty break to catch you and you did a great job the last few miles of picking up the pace and finishing strong. Great job!

Ruth, thanks. I think they should award the money to your team at least. That is a bummer to go all the way down there and have a money prize and not bea able to collect. You totally rocked! Great Job!

Marion, only you! Are you Robin?

From Dustin on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 18:40:33 from 209.33.192.10

Great job Walter, glad you had a good race. I missed doing it this year, hopefully next year I can make it work with my schedule.

From Walter on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 18:51:21 from 76.27.15.208

Dustin, It was a great race and a very fast first 7 miles! Ill probably do it again next year. There was a good showing of FRB runners!

From James on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 19:04:01 from 76.27.11.191

That race kicked my butt last year and I crawled in. You ran about the same time as I did. I was sore for a week after that race. Next year I plan on doing it in 1:10 if you care to join me.

From marion on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 19:23:50 from 71.213.106.139

That's RobYn, to you Fast-Man!!!

From Superfly on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 22:08:58 from 74.211.95.149

Nice job Walter. Bryce trashes me more than STG... it's a beast on the legs the week after.

From Mike Warren on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 22:15:32 from 208.117.124.133

Walter, no leg trashing for me, did not run Bryce. I am sure after Des News next week, we will be in the same boat. You doing anything at Des news?

From Cody on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 22:38:04 from 67.161.250.22

Nice race Walter. That is some serious leg turnover there running sub 5 stuff. How very Alta Peruvian-like (a highly recommended quad-calf buster). Very solid race.

From Walter on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 23:15:28 from 76.27.15.208

James, heck yea! lets do it next year. Ill run with you.

Robyn, riddle me this, riddle me that?

Clyde, a week? are you kidding me? Yeah im damaged right now. Even my ankles hurt.

Mike, im going to Lake Powell by Wahweap on thursday night for some much needed boat time. Good luck at Des News.

Cody, Running times magazine did an article on marathons with lots of hill and im on it pg 24 wailing my arms up in the air. Im now an official downhill runner. But I cant take anything away from Jon just yet! lol I still have much to learn. haha

From marion on Sun, Jul 19, 2009 at 23:19:15 from 71.213.106.139

Golly Jeepers, Fast-Man, what ever shall we do???

From jtshad on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 09:51:15 from 204.134.132.225

Nice running! Great time...sounds like the air quality sucked but you marshalled through to another great performance!

From Merri on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 09:54:31 from 67.104.0.92

Nice race walter!

From Holt on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 12:38:24 from 75.169.57.203

Great job Walter! and fun seeing you... as always.

From argentinerocket on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 14:25:02 from 74.9.147.114

Congratulations on another great race Wall-e!

From Walter on Mon, Jul 20, 2009 at 22:30:56 from 76.27.15.208

Jeff, I wanted to get a pr. I will run a race this year without having to stop, youll see!

Merri, Thanks for that. I looked at your profile and you are a speedy gal! Keep up the good work.

Dave, your lucky I stopped. lol just kidding. Did you get passed by a guy in a dark grey tshirt. He passed me on at mile 8 like I was standing still. I was at a 5:45 pace at the time. I dont know if he was in the race or not.

Lucia, I really love Bryce Canyon! I cant believe I havnt ever been there before. Thats like you telling me you havnt visited the smithsonian. Is it possible? lol

From Matt on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 14:06:07 from 65.121.71.253

Great race Walter!

From Sasha Pachev on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 15:23:30 from 64.81.245.109

Walter - was he short (5'8-5'7), did he have red hair, and small feet? This must have been Mike Vick. He ate something bad at Subway the night before and took three not very efficient bathroom stops. He should have run a 1:07, in fact he has a few times on that course, and he was in shape to do it this year. He has been having bad luck this year with the halves - he started Provo City Half late.

From Walter on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 23:19:47 from 76.27.15.208

Matt, Thanks a lot.

Sasha, It was Michael Vick. If it wasnt then it was someone that just ran it for fun. I think if I trained hard I could break the 1:10 mark on that course. Do you think there is another course thats faster in Utah?

From Sasha Pachev on Tue, Jul 21, 2009 at 23:40:41 from 192.168.1.1

Walter - yes, there is. Hobble Creek.

If you trained properly without lapses for a year I think you could run Hobble Creek around 1:08, Bryce around 1:09. Honest flat at sea-level around 1:11. St. George in 2:25. Boston in 2:31. Very possibly faster. But at least that.

Here is what I would do to get there. Run six days a week, no skipping, no exceptions, no excuses. Never a day less than 10 miles total unless sick or injured. Fix the diet and the sleep to reduce the chances of being sick or injured. Do not do speed until you are sure you can handle the mileage without injuries. Once you have run for 2 months with no less than 70 a week, and no injuries or overtraining, add a little bit of speed.

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