It was ugly and a bit of a disapointment on a perfect day for running. Had a major self-destruction the last few miles of the race and couldn't even PR let alone BQ. I'm not exactly sure what happened but it wasn't pretty.
The huge upside to this potential learning experience was being able to run with a stellar group of guys and enjoy some good company for most of the race. I also got to cross the finish line with MarkO as we helped each other survive the last mile or so.
Overall a great race weekend and it was great to see all my running pals at the fires and also many at the finish. It was also great to meet all the new guys and gals I hadn't met prior to this race.
Meg BQ'd again, bum shoulder and all. Even with her lack of training this summer due to her shoulder she came in this year and just tore it up again.
Here are a few notes on why I think my performance this year was not what I was expecting:
1. Injury during the training cycle this year and as a result fewer quality long runs.
2. Overall weight was up a couple of pounds from last year. I really need to find some self control and lose the extra weight.
3. Possible bug still in my system from a cold that had been trying to get me the whole week before the race. Stomach was not feeling real great from about mile 3 on.
I think the number one reason for my breakdown was my overall fitness and conditioning. My legs were completely trashed by mile 20 and I had nothing left to give on the fastest part of the course. My lack of hill training is probably partly to blame for the way my legs felt near the end of the race. While my overall mileage for the year is up compared to last year my number of long runs is down compared to last year and I was really feeling it. Also, my overall trainig pace is up for the year compared to last year as well but the number of faster tempo runs and moderate paced runs aren't where they need to be. My fueling and pre-race hydration went really well so I don't really think those were factors at all. | 