A smart run for me with building speed on the second half. The key was a slow, controlled start. I vowed not to do anything stupid in the first 5 miles, and kept true to my pledge. Struggling on the run at the LA Tri two weeks ago chastened me, I guess. My mantra throughout today's event was simple: "Don't end up walking this thing." That worked. I started passing folks on the hills after four miles. Nothing really flat, but a few downhill sections allowed for recovery. Kept sliding by more folks on the steeper climbs at a steady, consistent clip that started to feel pretty good on the back half. At one hour in I was feeling strong and felt I had a good shot at breaking 1:20. Better than I knew, it turns out. With no mile markers on the course, I was going on "feel." The finish snuck up on me sooner than I expected. Passed two more in the last half mile, and made a good charge for the tape. Nice long, strides with good cadence all the way through. Passed by ZERO runners.

Could probably have given a bit more in the last two miles, but I wasn't sure how far I had to go. All in all, though, no complaints. Very comfortable, very "life affirming" run. Minimal suffering, even on the HILL THAT WOULD NOT END halfway through.

Streched for a few minutes and drank a bottle of water. Reg fees for this race included a free pancake breakfast! Short stack with coffee while waiting for results to post. Nice drive back down the mountain.


I was determined not to overdo it in the mountains. Had hypoxia flashbacks to a few hikes in the Rockies this summer. A wee bit paranoid, it turns out. I had more to give at the end, though finishing without major pain is a nice way to race, too. All said and done, I'm pleased that I kept the focuse on enjoyment rather than speed. Still managed to beat my target time in the end.


Enjoyed the pancakes, but 15K with no mile markers is a drag.