This is my kind of race. Leisurely 30 minute drive to start line, plenty of parking, warm lodge and ritzy bathrooms with no lines for pre-race, great scenery, rolling terrain, good competition, and great post race festivities. And it was nice not having to stare at a 14k foot mountain at the start.
All of that made for a great experience and the only downer was that my legs felt terrible after mile 10. Even the slightest incline hammered my quads and I never really felt quick on the downhills. Despite the struggle I suppose my time was respectable because it broke the uncofirmed course record. Of course that means that the three guys ahead of me broke it as well and the winner, Cody Moat, finished in a ridiculous time of 2:45. If you have run the course you will know how fast that really is. #2 was 2:54 and 3 was about 2:56. What's even crazier about the winner's time is that it was his first marathon ever and he was able to do it in fairly baggy gym shorts. Usually the guys in gym shorts fade fast but not this guy. After the race I chatted with him a bit and offered to be his agent. Apparently he ran for SUU, he is 31, and he hasn't raced much since finishing college. Hopefully the pacer on the bike, who almost died trying to stay ahead, and I convinced him to race more often. Everyone watch out if this guy gets more motivated.
I cannot pin point my problem exactly but it really felt like my quads were still suffering from Pikes Peak. Somehow between now and St. George I have find a way to inject some life and speed back into my wussy legs. If anyone has any quick fixes please let me know. :) Overall it was still a great day and I am looking forward to running this race again. Although I picked a bad day to run it, the terrain was a lot fun and along with the scenery and avoiding the roots and rocks, there is no way you can get bored. Right now I don't even want to look at my splits but I may post them later. Oh, maybe for the best, I was one place out of winning a gigantic apple pie but I do get to add another set of trail shoes to the collection.
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