I was really feeling good, I was healthy, my legs were ready, the weather was cool (started raining by the end), it was looking like it was going to be a good race for me.

I started the race hoping for a 62 minute finish, 10 min/mile is respectable at altitude. But as I was running I was noticing that I wasn't getting out of breath, my current pace (low 9s) was pretty comfortable. So I started to think, maybe I can make 60! I stopped for water at mile 4 even though I just wanted to keep going. I'm glad I did, I'm sure I needed it. By mile 5 I started to get winded and tired but I knew I could make another 1.2 at around that same pace. I was really pleased with the 57:20 result. Boulder is a little lower elevation than Colorado Springs so that may have helped me a little. Next year my goal is in the low 50s!

It was cool because there were a lot of bands and people cheering along the side of the road, definitely good for motivation.

Tight hamstring almost the whole time - need to warm up and stretch. Luckily it really wasn't too bad. I probably should have tapered a little too, the 3 hour hike on Saturday followed by a 5 mile trail run on Sunday probably didn't help. Plus next year I need to be in a faster wave so I'm not trying to pass people for the entire race.

Waited for Elissa and Dixie, walked around the Expo, and took the bus back to the car.


I hadn't done any training specifically for this event (speedwork) and I didn't taper at all. I'm also still adjusting to the altitude. And I had to do a lot of passing since I was in a wave that was projected to finish in 62-70.


I really enjoyed this race - despite there being 50,000+ people there it really didn't seem chaotic or overly crowded. Very well organized. I'm planning to do it again next year!