Run fast

Standard pre-race tune up at the gym. They gave me bib #1 again which was a jinx last year because I finished 2nd behind Jon Kotter. Kotter isn't racing because he thinks taking the bar exam is more important but another recent BYU grad, Alden Bahr, is. Should be a fun time. Good luck to everyone.

I was more prepared for this race, in terms of gear, than any other.  I had gloves and arm warmers (just in case), GUs, Garmin and even my ipod which I never use packed up the night before.  I set my alarm for 2:19 for good luck (yes, a little optimistic) and I was out the door at 3:10.  Sat with Albert on the bus then listened to a few tunes on the way up. We arrived at the start at 4:30 and the porta potty lines were already packed.  I proceeded up the hill and luckily found the permanent bathrooms, which don’t stink, to be empty. Apparently people who wake up at 3 aren't observant. After the nonstinky PP I laid in the weeds for the next half hour and rested.  At 5 AM I started getting ready and walked over to the tent.  At that moment I couldn’t find my Garmin so I quickly retraced my steps.  I got a phone with a light from a friend and I even got a flashlight from the Forest Service lady; after 15 frantic minutes of searching I had to give up.  Miraculously, Brandon, my new BFF, graciously offered me his basic wrist watch that had a chronograph.  It was now 5:25 so I quickly rushed over to the baggage drop and then to the start line.  I had a watch but where were my GUs???  Oh #%(#@!  I can run without a watch but I can’t run without energy.  John Rosswog and Annie O’Donnell, the eventual women's winner in her first marathon, bailed me out once again and each gave me a GU, with 30 seconds to spare.   Brandon, John and Annie are the BEST!!!

For the 30 minutes leading up to the race I hadn’t thought for a minute about the race but now it was go time.  Gun went off I went off the front.  Alden caught up to me at 1 mile and our 5k split was about 14:40.  We went through the 4 mile split in something like 19:30 so possibly a bit fast.  After we came off Big Mountain we ran at decent unknown clip (no GARMIN!) up Little Mountain, where Amiee was taking pics, and then picked up the pace down the backside.  Alden wasn’t breathing hard and it he looked smooth so I figured he would be there to the end. We stuck together through the halfway point (split 1:09 on the dot) and then at mile 14 he put in a surge, or maybe I slowed down, so he had about 30 seconds on me as we past the zoo. I was hoping I could catch him on Wasatch Drive but he actually widened the gap to around 45 seconds.  We proceeded to Foothill and the gap remained. Finally as we were going down 5^th east I started pulling him in and right as we turned down South Temple (mile 22.5) I passed him.  He didn’t attempt to stick with me and kindly offered up a high five. I was impressed that he held up that long and I think if he hadn’t surged down Emigration we would have been neck and neck to the finish.  His ~2:25 is still a very impressive first marathon.  After I passed him I picked up the pace as much as possible down South Temple. I saw Melody and Josse running up the street and I hope I at least waved.  I am guessing my splits were around 5:20 to 5:25 for that stretch.  At mile 24.5 Rob paced me for a few seconds which is exactly what I needed at that point. Thanks Rob! Amiee and my sister were also great cheer leaders out on the course. The last 1.5 miles were miserable as usual and the last stretch up 8^th south seemed like forever. FINALLY that stretch ended, I turned south and then east onto 9^th and I put in a final push to get under 2:22.  This time I think the clock read 2:22:01 but they said my official time was 2:21:58.  For Ogden the clock read 2:22:58 but my official time was 2:23.  I HOPE I got the :58 this time. J

Overall I was obviously happy with the outcome and I am glad the pre-race debacle didn’t affect the results. I did go back to Black Mountain after the race to find my watch but sadly I couldn’t find it. In hindsight on a course like that maybe it was better that I didn’t follow my splits and the watch I wore weighed less. What would have been disastrous is if I didn’t get the GUs…so I am very very thankful to John and Annie. 

Great job to everyone who ran the controversial 10k and the marathon racers, i.e. James, Allie, John, Steve, Albert…I will add more later.  Off to work but luckily because it isn't Saturday I don't have to mow my lawn (RAD kindly reminded me of that).

stationary bike at the gym to get the legs working again.  Fortunately I an nowhere near as sore as I was after last year's race or the Steeplechase, which is an indication that I ran a smarter race.

1 hour on the bike.  My legs are more sore today than they were yesterday which is odd. Tomorrow they should start feeling better.

If anyone is reading this what GPS watch would you recommend?  

I loved the 305 but they have been discontinued it and it can now only be found on the internet for around $200 (which is more than what I paid 3 years ago).  Since I didn't use the HR much maybe I should just get the 205. Others I am considering are the 310xt and.....?

Stationary bike and some stairmaster.  The legs feel considerably better than yesterday but I am still waiting until Sunday to run.  Bike ride tomorrow.

Nice bike ride with Adam H. up Millcreek Canyon.  The mountain bikers and hikers were out in full force.  Perfect July day.