I was one of the few people not at AF half this morning. I stayed local because of price and it is Baby Fartlek's birthday tomorrow so we are celebrating today. Plus, it has been a long time since I've done a Herriman town days race. I love the new trail races they are doing, so I felt good supporting them.
Lowell and his nephew Dana met me at the park. I ran 1.2 over there and my legs sure were feeling heavy and certainly not ready to race! But, it was a trail run which means I can walk uphill, right? :) The race director had us walk over about 1/2 mile to where the trail started, I thought we'd run this as part of the course, but I was pleased we didn't.
Before I knew it the race was on. Just a small group of maybe 50-70 people and I was near the front, but quickly quite a few women passed me on the initial uphill. I wasn't surprised, but just thought "well, you know you suck at this running thing, so just do the best you can. That is all you can ask." I tried to stay strong and run even when I felt like I couldn't or didn't want to. I did eventually start passing a few women before the top of the peak, but then on the downhill I started taking even more.
The course went up to the top of the knoll, over to the reservoir and then back up and over. An out and back which makes seeing where you are in a race pretty easy. I started counting the women after the first one I saw. I was in 3rd place and the 4th place lady was about .1-.2 behind me. I knew she'd catch me again on the uphill, but I figured if I could keep her close I knew I'd blow by her on the downhill. Plan worked! It was hard and she really pushed/dragged me up that second climb, but I was grateful for it. I knew I probably wouldn't catch the 2 ladies out front, but at least I could take top 3. With crappy unrested legs I felt okay with that.
The dowhill flew by and I did catch a guy or two, but no women. There is one little uphill on the downhill stretch and I was determined to run it all. It wasn't easy, but I mentally overcame the push and didn't stop running. My finishing time seemed really slow, but I swear I was pushing myself! Lots of falls on the trail and I was just glad I didn't have those to contend with.
Lowell, Dana and I and many others chatted away until the awards ceremony and I thought they were doing top 3 overall, but only did first place :/ So, I got second in my AG. Oh well. Still a good placing for 3rd overall. I just need a few more miles to take down the other ladies!
Afterward my family came and we all enjoyed the hot parade and kids got lots of candy. I then went out for a little more heat training and ran to Kristy's house to let Ryker out. He'd literally dug into her scriptures. He was awfully bored! I hope he didn't ruin anything else. I then ran home, went to flag football games and finally got a shower! Then to dinner, the movies and fun for Adam's birthday!
AP: 9:23 splits: 11:07, 10:27, 7:36, 11:02, 9:16, 7:11, 5:58 (last .2)
1.20 to the park: 8:10 AP
3.2 to Kristy's and home: 8:46 AP - it was hot at 12:30...and windy.
| 
