The first mile is steep downhill. I wanted to be conservative on it so that I don't blow up like in Basalt a year and a half ago, but I took off pretty fast. There was a volunteer at the 1st mile marker who yelled the splits at people as they ran by. As I approached her and heard "6:44 ... 6:45 ... 6:46..." I was like "Sh!t, that's too fast" My effort level was high, but it wasn't out of control, I just let my legs roll and used the gravity to my advantage. Second mile was a slight uphill, so my pace evened out.

I kept running at this high effort level as I the mile markers went by and kept thinking when am I going to blow up. I never felt really strong and confident like I did in NY. I clocked a 42:46 10K, which is better than my flat out 10K PR by over a minute. I though "That's kinda scary.. Well, at least I got one PR under my belt today, so even if I bonk, and crawl to finish, it's not all wasted" Then I hit 10 miles at 1:09:42, which is 4.5 minutes faster than the fastest 10 miler I'd ran before. "Wow, 2 PR's for today - awesome!"

I was really worried about my finish time then. I kept doing math in my head and how slow could I afford to go to still PR in the 1/2 mary as well. I knew we were about to run out of the canyon and that runners tend to bonk in town because it's hotter, windier and slightly uphill. Plus, I felt I didn't have that much left in me. My pace was slowing down - not much, but a few people passed me during mile 10, and more during mile 11.

I just tried to hang tough and mentally did not allow my body to fall apart and really slow down. Usually I don't have to do that in half marathon. It felt more like last few miles of a full marathon. I kept my focus on short-increment goals. I knew that we were supposed to make a right turn off the main street to the neighborhood, then after about 5 blocks turn left and go another 5 blocks, so I just kept counting those blocks.

Finally, I saw the finish line. It was still a few blocks away. I knew that I had PR in the bag even if I jogged to the finish, so I just wanted to finish strong. A couple people sprinted to the finish past me. I usually like sprinting to the finish, but this time I didn't have the energy for that. I was stoked when I crossed that finish line! Richard was waiting there for me :) He saw me finished and cheered for me (I didn't hear it - too spent I guess)

Mmm... Maybe if I didn't go all out in the first few miles I'd finish a little stronger, but I doubt my average pace could be any higher than it was. I am glad I pushed it when I could!

If I had better training in the last couple months and better sleep in the last couple weeks, I know I could have done better, but as it is I am really happy with my performance and my time!

Drank a bunch of water, ate a few bananas and oranges, waited for Drew and Brett to finish, watched the awards. Then went to Pasta Jay's and pigged out as if we finished a half ironman and were working out for 6 hours or something instead of 1.5. Then went to the condo and partied in the hot tub, drank beers and watched the stars.


Inconsistent training


Definitely would come back! Moab "rocks"! I wish we could stay there for a few more days, rent some mountain bikes and bike, rent a jeep and go rock climbing... The race is very well organized and fun!