One Month Ago... Or So.

About a month ago I ran the Top of Utah Half Marathon. It was my third year running this race and my 7th half over all and fastest time. I came in at 1:37:48. I was very satisfied with that time. My goal was to finish between 1 hour 30 mins. and 1 hour 40 mins. I'd say I made it. That morning you have to be to the start line really early and so we decided to stay at the Quality Inn hotel in Logan. We stayed there last year too. Sundee stayed home with 3 of the kids and my dad and I took Bree with us this year. We ate at Sizzler the night before and it was a lot of fun because Bree was so excited to be with just us that she was giddy the entire time.

Bree and my Dad made the Top of Utah photo shoot this year, front and center, not looking at the camera of course. I made it on last year, this year I was not so lucky. :)

The next morning the race offers a shuttle service, yellow school bus, from the hotel to the start line. They said you had to be outside by 4:45 a.m. to catch a ride. Well i was out there by that time and waited until 5:50 a.m. and never a bus showed up. There was about 11 or so of us waiting. I was a little upset to say the least. I was now stuck with having to knock on the hotel door, wake my dad and Bree up and have them take me to the race. As I walked to the door a couple of gals yelled, "Sir. want a ride?" I quickly agreed and as I walked toward them realized, they just called me Sir! I'm not sure how I feel about that, made me feel old.

Anyway I got to the start line on time, and felt really good. I wasn't hurting or worried about the race. I had been training and knew even if I didn't get my time I would be able to finish no prob. So the race started and one thing I like to do if there is a timed start that records when I cross the line, is to start off the start line. I don't like being up front with everyone because then I feel too much pressure. The race started and I was off.

I was running in my New Balance Minimus shoes. Which if I can suggest a pair of minimalist or flat shoes, I would definitely recommend these shoes. I've done two half's in them, Ragnar and a few 5K's in them. They are great for how I like to run and provide just a little bit more protection than the Vibrams, because rocks hurt in Vibrams.

Finishing!

Anyway,

Throughout the first 8 or 9 miles I felt great averaging a very fast pace for me. As I hit mile 10 my calf was feeling like it was going to cramp on me so I slowed a little and actually stopped to take in a little extra water. I think I took in too much and the next two miles were a bit slower than I wanted. I had to pick up the pace a little on the last mile but by then I was already playing mental games with myself and was frustrated with how I was running.

Then I crossed the finish line and as I came close I could see they let Bree stand in the path and wait for me to cross. They asked her if she wanted to run the last little bit with me but she was too shy to do it, so she just waited. It's nice to have people at the end waiting for you, it makes it all worth it and the high you get is what makes you come back for more.

And there it is, another half marathon down. I'm glad I did it and this was the first one that I didn't hurt afterwards. My muscles were a little tight but overall I felt great, and that to me is a huge victory. I like being able to run and not hurt. Now I'm not sure which race will be next but there will be a next and when I do run, you can be sure you'll hear about it.