Got a little w/u since the start was down the road. New course, not canal roads, unfortunate but it turned out ok. We rewarded latecomers but the 5K split-off group left 100 yds in and I followed the blue/gray leader. We went thru the first mile slow in 6:49 and after the water stop a bigger blue guy passed and I latched onto him. We sped up a little and went 6:41 but we were going uphill. I had some doubts about hanging with him but bided my time. We were on long uphills all the way through 3 miles, which went by in 6:55, 20:25 for 3. I waited until we were well on the home stretch, examining the beautiful mts and enjoying no sun and overcast gorgeous weather for the run, trying to stay relaxed for my move and the pain that was coming. Around 4 miles I made my move. Ran 6:31 for that mile, a little more downhill. I knew he'd hit the turn hard, he was slingshotting the turns and then I'd have to creep back in, and I figured I'd catch up and go by. I did, but he stayed with me for a little bit, I refused to look back and pushed it down til we were close to Midvalley. By then I had 30 yards on him, nothing a hard push couldn't overcome. I seemed to slow down before the final homestretch left turn, I was feeling the pain but knew I'd have a downhill and finish close. I was so focused didn't look at my watch but I ran the last 2 miles at about 6:33 pace. Had a sprint and Matt took pictures, he had even seen me following the guy midrace and wasn't sure I'd beat him.
Afterwards bugged out early, got my trophy and drove with Dad & Mom to Holladay to see Nate. We didn't see him finish but got to see some real runners. He was 5th, faster than last year but a lower place. | 