AM... [R] Salt Lake 10-miler (56:45, 5:40 pace). This one could be classified as a lack-luster performance on my part. Just as with Ogden, I didn't feel comfortable starting around 5 miles, and basically starting tracking on 5:40ish pace (give or take). It seems like most everyone else did the same--the time between each of the first four runners and their final finish was essentially the same at mile 6 as it was at the finish (or pretty close anyway). The first two miles are uphill before turning into Emigration Canyon and going down for the last 8. The first mile wasn't too bad as far as inclines in Utah go, but the second mile was definitely a challenge. Mike Kirk and I were hanging around each other for the first two miles and both of us ran around 6:40 for the second mile. Once we turned toward the downhill Mike bolted past me and was hoping I would come along--after the race he said it was a lot faster than he had wanted and didn't realize it until the mile marker... I came through in 5:26 for that mile. The 4th mile was my fastest, and sounded like that was the consensus among others as well. It was also about the point that Chad came tearing by me. He was rolling--I ran a 5:03 and he still went by me like it was nothing. After passing me, Chad put some distance on me, and I essentially ran alone, trying to hold 5:40's for the rest of the race. Although I didn't race that well, Wasatch Running Center was stellar as always... going 1-3-4-5-6 in the race. Just missed the sweep!
Considering I've done absolutely no workouts since Ogden I can't be overly disappointed with my performance. I do think I was in better shape last year at this point, and for some reason just haven't felt very comfortable with faster runs since Boston (both races and workouts)--I need to figure that out. I may need a more extended break--but not until after Wasatch Back Relay. Here's the splits for those interested... Mile #1 - 5:40 Mile #2 - 6:40 Mile #3 - 5:26 Mile #4 - 5:03 Mile #5 - 5:18 Mile #6 - Missed the Marker Mile #7 - 11:30 (for 6 and 7, 5:45avg) Mile #8 - 5:42 Mile #9 - 5:48 Mile #10 - 5:35
Warmed up about 2 miles with Mike and then cooled down with the WRC runners VERY SLOWLY--1 mile max. | 