This was my 3rd race of the year and it was fun that it was so competitive. I'm just hoping to sharpen up as I'm still rounding into shape. Hoping to run a college 4 miler in 3 weeks and not take last place! I saw Doug at the beginning and figured it would be perfect to run with him. He did a fantastic job of not starting off too fast and still passing people who do after the first 400. I ran to his side and behind until we started down the big hill on state where he got race form advice from Bill? (sorry don't know ur name). Bill started on the downhill and took off and I tagged behind him. I commented that he likes the downhill and he gave me his standard, "I'm old and slow." He said the same thing to me at the Great Salt Lake Half 2 years ago. After tagging on him we went through the mile in 6:37 and I was a little surprised that it was that slow, I wasn't pushing myself 100% so then I picked it up and started to pick people off. Altogether I figure I passed 20 people between mile 1 and the end. I started to get at a max level, (hold, hard, hurt) and was feeling good. When I saw mile 2 in 11:00 I actually miscalculated and thought that I was running slightly negative split pace, not thinking that two 6:30 miles added up to 13, not 11. That actually means I was running well because I was focused on my running and not my watch, cause I'm not actually bad at math. The last mile with the hill up to the stadium I could see Bill Cobler, another Wasatch veteran, Susannah and Carol's husband? I knew that was good cause that meant I'm not in bad shape. One day I'd love to not just see Bill ahead of me but actually beat him. That might only come cause he's gonna turn 50 some day, and I'll only be 40! Felt good coming into the finish with a sprint. I did pass a few on the hill, but didn't catch any of the aforementioned. Seeing the time of 18:12 I was confused and disappointed. Patrich Rotich, you're a really nice guy, but why did you follow Demetrio and not the motorcycle? As a fast runner you have an obligation to know the course! Actually I talked to Pat and asked him where he went to college but he says he didn't, he's just run all over the world including a 2:15 marathon. Ok, you're forgiven, but not really! Overall though, even with that tough last mile uphill, I ran faster the last mile than the 1st so I can't complain, I do however need to evaluate how hard I push myself, I'd say 85% this race, and be ready to hold my hand over the flame in the next race. Peace to all and to all a good run.
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