I run therefore, I am!

I got to the busses to get my pacers their gear and realized I forgot two of my pacers bibs and chips. I had my wife drive back to the condo and get them. Then I had a runner forget her shoes and I gave her an extra pair that I had. Crazy morning. We got to the start and it was probably low 40's and nippy. The race started and I was off. I wanted to race this like I did Bryce half so I took off as hard as I could to see who the fast guys were to challenge me and I had one on my heals to mile 1. It was 5:07. We hadn't hit the steep yet. He then pushed the pace and I held back to mile 2 5:23 was my mile 2 time and then the steep drop came which for me was go time. Mile 3 was 5:21, 4 was 4:58, 5 was 4:50, 6 was 5:00 and 7 was 5:23. At this point my stomach had issues and I was behind 37 seconds from 1st place. I stopped at the portapotti and spent 1minute and 30 seconds in it. Very long! When I came out I felt a lot better but #3 guy, Steve Hooper was right there. He asked me if I was alright and I told him my issues and tried to get my leg speed back to where it was. Mile 8 was 6:45 due to the stop. Then mile 9 was 5:40. 10 was 5:37. I knew trying to push away from Steve would be hard because I made myself a huge target for him to push his pace. Everytime I had a turn to see he was right there! No mercy! No slacking! Mile 11 was 6:05 with some hill that got me pretty good. Mile 12 was 5:58, and mile 13 was 5:49. I finished 2nd over all just ahead of Steve and felt good for my mishap. No more Costa Vida the night before a race! Bad! lol The race was very well organized and had a great volunteer help working it. I Absofreakinlutely loved the course and scenery! A must race for all those thinking about a late fall half marathon. My pacers had a blast helping those around them out! A very great day!

A great run Walter, sounds like it was just a blast also.

Excellent race Walter! Sorry about the pop stop, losing time on those is never fun. You can have yummy Costa Vida, just take two immodium 30ish min before you start the race :)

Steve, it will be on my to do list for a fall half. Rachel, we got Jorge's discount and couldn't resist.

yes avoid cafe rio!! great speed!! i can't believe how many of these fast runs you can hammer out!! Congrats on a top finish!!

Thanks Julie.