AM: SLC Winter Series 10k. 3rd overall, 33:19. I was very excited to race today. But, admittedly my excitement waned the past few days, because of the very real possibility of significant snow and icy roads. I drove up with Scott and Mike (thanks for driving, Scott). During the drive, we were reassured because of the mild temperature, minimal snow, and almost sunny skies. However, as soon as we passed the airport, we realized we had been falsely reassured. Suddenly, it was foggy, snowy, and the temperature dropped quickly. My uneasiness returned regarding the prospect of icy roads. Warmed-up 3 miles with Scott and Mike. It began to snow hard during our warm-up. We realized it would be very windy and snowy during the 2nd half of this out-and-back course. Blizzard conditions during the race. But, thankfully, the roads were not icy. A few slick spots, but not bad. I started in the lead pack. My 1st mile split was 5:10. My 2nd and 3rd mile splits were 5:18 and 5:18. I felt great. Riley was out in front, and Jake wasn't far behind. A runner named Nathan (I met him for the first time after the race), was in 3rd. I was in 4th, about 10-15 seconds behind Nathan. There was another runner right on my shoulder (I don't know his name). Then came the turn-around. I expected to feel the wind and snow after the turn-around, but it was much more windy and snowy than I expected. I ran most of the 2nd half of the race with my eyes closed because it was so snowy. I felt really good. I decided I didn't want the 5th place guy to benefit from drafting behind me the entire way home, so I decided to try to bury him. I dropped the hammer, and he quickly fell back. Next, I focused on Nathan. I caught him in just over a 1/2 mile. Looking back, it probably wasn't a good idea to catch him that quickly into the wind. I put in a "spurt" when I passed him (I believe in passing with authority), and, to my surprise, he was able to go with me. He drafted behind me for about a mile. My 4th mile split was 5:28 (and the effort felt faster than the previous 3 miles). Knowing I was working twice as hard has he was, I slowed down a bit so he could take his turn leading. He didn't take the bait. Realizing that letting him draft off me the whole way home might cost me the race, and because I was beginning to tire because of the effort into the wind, I pulled to the right and literally almost stopped running -- to force him into the lead. I then proceeded to draft off him for ~ 1/2 mile, after which I regained the lead to again take my turn. My 5th mile split was 5:36 (same effort, brutal conditions). We exchanged leads for awhile, and then with about 3/4 mile to go, he made a bold, strong move. I couldn't quite cover it, so he put 5-10 seconds on me. For a brief moment, I didn't know if I'd be able to catch him. My 6th mile split was 5:28. But, I quickly snapped out of it. I immediately decided he wasn't going to beat me. Not today. Not this way. With about 1/4 mile to go, I made my move, and I rapidly caught him. When I passed him this time, I really put the hammer down. I wanted him to realize there was no way he could stay with me today. He put up a fight, and he did a great job doing so, but I rapidly extended my lead and beat him. I love winning races with a kick. Obviously, I didn't win the race, but I enjoyed the fight for 3rd place. Of course, it's more enjoyable to have broken the competition before the end of a race, but I also enjoy kicking. It hurts, but it's fun. I've won many races with kicks, especially in college. Warmed down 4 miles with many of the guys. My hamstring is not good. I felt it during the entire race, and also the easy running. I sure hope it resolves quickly. I think my mistake is that my combination of tempos and a long run last week was a bit too much for my body to handle at this point. Oh well. You live and learn. What a great group of runners today! Seriously high-caliber human beings. I'm honored to be associated with them. Most fun I've had in a long time. Riley and Jake were very smooth and strong. It was fun to watch them gradually pull away. Fritz and Scott ran well given they were both not at full health. Fritz was VERY cold after the race -- probably had borderline hypothermia. Very glad he warmed up. Mike is getting sick, but still ran well given how he felt. Kevin, Collin, and many others ran great also. Here are some pictures (courtesy of my wife). She was able to take pictures of Riley and Jake running, but for some reason she was distracted after I finished :) Sorry she couldn't take pictures of more of you running. 
 
    
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