2.5 mile warm up
Race
1 mile cool down.
I signed up for this race last year, but then was injured all September 2014 so I couldn't race. Decided to try again this year. A week in Vegas isn't an indeal pre-race activity. But so it goes.... Got home late last night and then got up earlyl this morning to make the drive. The family joined me, which is rare, so that was nice. Arrived at the start with 1 hour to spare. Ran a couple miles to warm up, then headed to the starting line. There were 5-6 others that looked quick and after the gun went off, there were 4 of us leading the race. After the first mile, it was basically me and one other guy (a recent D3 college track/xc runner from Indiana) that lead the race for the next 4 miles. He ran the 1500 and 5k in college, so in my mind I figured I'd need to try and leave him before the final 2-3 miles or else he would dust me for sure.
About mile 6 I picked up the pace and took the lead for good. Ran the final 7 miles in the lead, with miles 9-11 in some heavy-ish rain. It was awesome. A course similar to Grants Pass; country roads, next to a river, fall colors, light rain, flat course, etc. Had an enjoyable race. Frankly, a little surprised with the time. My last half two months ago was my worst ever (1:21) and I haven't done anything to try and get better. In addition, my diet has been HORRIBLE the last month. My lungs and legs felt fine, but my body felt anything but sharp and fit. I suppose I should do something abou that...
Anyway, had a good time and I won a free entry for next years race, so I'll probably return.
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