First marathon I ever won! What a great first year race. 2 years ago on this day I did basically this same exact run in prep for SG only instead of turning North at Wasatch Blvd, I turned South but still ended up about the same mileage. I thought the race was exceptionally well organized for any race but especially a first year. Got boarded on the buses & up the canyon with about 10 minutes to spare. As the clock counted down, the 3:05 pacer who was nearest the front commented that no one seemed to be exactly crowding the start line. The gun went off and I was in the lead thinking someone or more than just one someone should be coming along any minute but no one did. I ran whatever the grade gave me without really pushing or pounding. Was hitting 5:xx one after another and no one was around except the police motorcycle. It was a little more enjoyable running alongside all the half runners after about 6 miles - it was kind of fun to watch them as they would notice the police motorcycle pass by then hear what they would say as I passed. Not really much to report after leaving the canyon - turned onto Wasatch, made one bathroom break at 17 and kept pushing as steady as I could down 45th, through Millcreek & down to Holladay blvd. Once I was on Holladay, however, I really wanted to win so I was really pushing each mile as hard as I could. The final mile was the only real incline of the race & my only 7+min/mile. I never looked over my shoulder until the light @ Tuscany & when I didn't see anyone I finally realized I was really going to win. Excellent race, beautiful course - destroyed calves! Need to get rested for SG to see if I can do this again. Special thanks to Walter B for dropping from the full to the half :)
| 