A decent race for me. Thought I had a faster time in me today, but I'll take it. This course is deceptively tough. Although it definitely has a net elevation drop, it has rolling uphills the entire way, which can be a momentum killer. I was quite apprehensive about this race. My stomach has not felt right the whole week. The last time it felt this way was the week of Utah Valley 1/2 last year. That race was a disaster, I had to take a major pit stop, and I was vomiting and had diarrhea all day after the race (sorry -- TMI.) So, I was nervous about this one. I registered for the race 3 days ago. My stomach worsened yesterday, and I even took Pepto Bismol several times yesterday. If I hadn't already registered for the race, I likely wouldn't have done it. I'm sure glad I did it, though. Although my stomach was right on the edge for the whole race, it was never really a factor. This helped build my confidence in racing when you don't feel 100% physically. I was surprised to see the rolling uphills, but I actually enjoyed it today. The reason is because the jarring of the downhills really put my stomach right on the edge, but my stomach felt great going uphill (probably because of less jarring). I couldn't wait for the next uphill because of this (and there were a lot of hills). Initally, the lead pack included Justin, Mike, myself, and a very fit SUU runner (who apparently can run a 5k in 13:50 and recently ran a 10k in 29:xx). At about 4.5 miles, the SUU runner (can't remember his name) made a very strong, calculated move. This strung the lead pack out. I went with him for almost a mile, but then he pushed harder to break me. At that point, I realized he had an extra gear that I didn't have today. He extended his lead and ran a 1:08:3x. I had the honor of running with Mike and Justin. Mike started to fall back at about mile 5 (he had stomach issues today). Justin and I worked together. There were a couple times I had a bit of a lead on Justin, only to hear his footsteps quickly approaching. He is such a strong, talented runner. Talk about an endurance fiend! Not to mention a great guy and a class act, through and through. He really helped me during the last 5k. All in all, it was a great morning. And a lot of fun. Had a blast traveling with Mike to and from the race, catching the same bus, and warming up together. What a top notch guy. He didn't have it physically today, but we all know he could have run many minutes faster today had he been firing on all cylinders. Spencer was kind enough to bring gatorade for Justin, Mike, and I at miles 9 & 11 (and to cheer loudly with his kids). Thanks, Spencer! My splits: 5:22, 5:18, 5:18, 5:15, 5:10, 5:16, 5:18, 5:22, 5:26, 5:25, 5:27, 5:29, 5:50 (mostly uphill), :31 (.11) Here's some pictures, courtesy of my wife, Elaina. I had to include the one that looks like Justin is about to hurl, and I'm reacting with a weird look :) Justin actually just had a swig of gatorade in his mouth. You can see Spencer cheering on Mike. And look at the ultimately-ripped Tongan Tornado, Toni. Didn't have any pictures of you running, Justin. Sorry -- next time. My guess is that, while I'm writing this, Justin is out on at least a 50-mile bike ride!
    
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