Deseret News 10k. I always love this race. Not happy with my time, but it's all I had today. Thought I had another minute in me today, but I was wrong. Felt strong, but I progressively slowed down. Perhaps I started out too fast, but I enjoyed it -- and that's the way this race goes. My splits: 4:41, 4:52, 5:12, 5:08, 5:18, 5:27, 1:07 (.22). Out-kicked an East High kid during the last 1/4 mile (he was the only runner within reach). Results aren't posted yet, but I'm guessing I took about 15th (and 999th in my age group :) actually, I have no idea -- I may have even won my age group). I never like to admit that outside factors may have affected my race, but this may be the case for this one. I've had a very brutal past few weeks and months (but especially the past couple weeks). The reason is that I had to prepare for my Oral Board Examination in Orthopedic Surgery, with I took yesterday in Chicago. The amount of preparation required was unbelievable. Most of the other applicants didn't leave Chicago until today. But not me. I intentionally arranged my flight schedule so I could get home for this race. Others probably thought I was crazy, but I wouldn't have changed a thing. Just knowing I'd be able to race this 10k, as soon as my exam was finished, helped get me through the examination process. Running, if approached in a wise manner, helps everything. So, immediately after the exam (I was in downtown Chicago), I rushed to the airport (via subway), so I could catch my flight. Had a layover in Phoenix. There were some delays. Got 2 hours of sleep last night. I've been nervous for the exam for several days. I've had a hard time sleeping for a few days (which is completely unlike me -- I usually sleep soundly), and I've not had much of an appetite. The prospect of yesterday's exam was daunting. My best analogy: the way this exam made me nervous (in a good way) for a few days prior -- this is the same feeling I would have before a national championship race in college. But, I survived the exam. And it was incredibly brutal (but I expected this). I won't find out results for a month. I think I did well, but you just never know. I stole this picture from Jake. Great pictures, Andrea!
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