An another adventure - first time running the half marathon, knew what to expect having ran the full a few times. A funny thing happened on the way to the race.
Chip checking at the expo - checked my chip, Davey Allison, was the runner before, running buddy from work, ran the Top of Utah Marathon with him, race morning, looking for a fire to keep warm, out of hundreds of runners, stood right behind Davey Allision at the fire, nice chat about old running times.
Bus to the start - out of several buses, me and Sylvie board, who gets on - Devine Miss Miss M, Queen Josse, her sister Ericka and LuzyLew. Was this meant to be, the two expecting runners on board to kick my behind, well they did, 200 negative commando points for me. Very nice chatting with these ladies on the bus and at the fire waiting for the start.
The race, lined up back with the 9 minute milers, where I should be, but, lost precious time trying to get around runners who should have been behind. My watch time said 1:58:21 from start line to finish line, both Devine's and Sylvie's times were messed up. My time was messed up also, we all three started out watches from start line to finish line. It must be something wrong with the new chips on your numbers not reading when going accross the Matts.
Race Hopes - beat SL Half time, missioin accomplished, 90 seconds faster. Really don't know how to compare the courses, more uphill at Ogden, but more downhill also. Post knee surgery PR, really wanted to break nine minute miles, had 23 seconds to the good at the 10 mile mark, faded a bit towards the end, avg. pace. 27 seconds over, 9:02 pace.
Going up the hills towards the dam, could see Sylvie in front of me, almost caught her when she walked for a minute, she then took off and did not see her until we turned down from the dam. Devine Miss M - passed on the dam hills, gave her a high five. I knew her and Sylvie would be after me on the downhill, just cannot run those fast, knee issues. Devine caught me with about a mile to go, made a couple of surges and got back on her heels, made third surge and could not be back to her. If I had this to do over again, would have hung on her heeels as long as possible instead of making surges. On the third surge she was just running too darn fast, I would guess close to 8 minute miles.
The end - came at a good time, out of gas, no kick, hunted for Sylvie, where in the heck was she? After looking for a couple of minutes, here she comes, I must have passed her on the narrow trail at a water stop. I did not stop, drink, take gu - I have no problem running 2 hours without water etc. unless it is super hot.
I did not see the other girls at the end or Davey, hit the pool and hot tub, talked to the lady's (husband) she was on the news for running her 50th marathon today, we had a good chat about all the same marathons we have ran.
All in All - happy with the post-knee PR, running on 15 to 20 miles a week, really can't expect much more. Maybe losing a few pounds will help.
Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out
bike ride 21 miles, parkway, good effort on tired legs, beautiful day, lots of families on the parkway. | 