Terminator

8 easy miles from Scott's home with Mike, Reed, Scott, Spencer, and Toni. Great morning for a run. Nothing like starting a day with a run. Keeps things in perspective.

4 easy miles in Chicago. I'm in Chicago to take my Oral Board Examination for Orthopedic Surgery. It has been brutal preparing for this, and I expect the exam itself to be brutal as well. It will be great to get it over with. Time to move on with life.

I'm staying at the hotel where the exam is administered. I learned there is a $10 fee to use the fitness center. I've never paid money to do a training run! So, I went to the fitness center at 5:30 am, paid my $10, and went to find a treadmill. I soon found out that every treadmill was taken, and there was no sign that anyone would be done any time soon. So, I left (and tactfully demanded my money back on my way out, which I was granted).

I decided to just chance it outside. I'm in downtown Chicago, so the prospect of running outside, without knowing the area, was not overly comforting. After about 3/4 mile, I learned I was right near Lake Michigan, so I headed toward the lake and found a nice trail.

This run was definitely the way to start my day today. While most of the applicants appeared to be stressed out and wandering around the lobby, I was out running. Definitely the best way to prep for my test today. Cleared the mind and calmed the nerves.

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!

10.5 miles easy from my home (Thanksgiving Point loop) with Brandon and Scott.

10 easy miles with Scott from his home. Great conversation -- made the run fly by.

20.5 miles with Mike up and down Provo Canyon. Awesome run. Mike was kind enough to join me crazy early for this one. After running 10 miles, did 8 mile tempo at 5:31 average (5:24, 5:26, 5:27, 5:37, 5:28, 5:34, 5:37, 5:33). Just went by feel on this one. Certainly could have gone faster, but this pace felt right today. I have no desire to break records during a workout. Still feeling the 10k in the legs a bit.