The first 2 miles of the race were relatively flat and I let the field shuffle around me. I ignored the race and just focused on getting a good sense of how I felt. After the first mile I was very pleased to see my HR in the low 160's. I knew that would be a challenge to hold for the entire race but I felt really good so I stuck with it. The next 2 miles were a a lot of climbing. The footing was fair, a little rocky, so I had to pay close attention. The field was pretty spread out at this point with the fastest guy way up ahead followed by a small second group. I was behind them in a bit of no-mans land with a lone runner about 20 yards ahaead.

Coming through mile 4 I still felt great, HR was still nice and high and I just focused on watching my footing and holding effort. The guy ahead was not getting too much further away and I could also now see the lead female runner. At mile 6 I took my one and only gel and a quick sip of water at an aid station and made the final climb. The view was amazing at the top as I started to head back east and descend. Coming around a bend, i suddenly came up ont he guy who was ahead of me. He had apparently fallen and was sorting himself out. I asked if he was ok and he said he was and I ran by.

Miles 7-10 were pretty much all downhill and I was flying but not taking any chances. I caught the lead gal but she was moving great and I stayed behind her. She asked how far ahead she was and I told her I hadn't even seen another woman since the start. I heard footsteps behind me and the guy who had fallen had caught up to us and we both let him pass. Then the lead woman said she wanted to really go easy on the switchbacks and I went around her as well. The last part of the descent was brutal on my legs. My heel felt fine but my legs were taking a beating.

When I hit the bottom with 2 miles to go, I was done. Aerobicly I felt fine but I was right up against my current run fitness and I was moving pretty slow. The lead gal passed me with about a mile to go and I knew i had pushed it as much as I could and just needed to bring it home easy, even though "easy" felt "hard". About 50 yards from the finsih, this guy caught me and said let's sprint! I had nothing and he blew by me, finished 1 second ahead and promptly threw up! It was pretty impressive.

Although it's tough to not be more in contention for this race, I was very happy with my effort and result. I feel confident I can get my run legs back in time for IMSG.