I’ve run this race a handful of times before, when it was called the Salt Lake 10 Miler. The course is essentially the same with some modifications to the start and finish areas. The start is further west on the East Canyon road than it had previously been. It eliminates some uphill grade, probably a good half mile. And to cover this offset; the finish follows a roadway inside the “This is the Place” Park. The finish had been in a parking lot immediately off the roadway at the mouth of the Emigration Canyon. I enjoyed these changes, as it helped for a slightly faster course.
My personal best for this event was a 1:04:35 in 2010. I figured that if I could run somewhere between 6:15-6:20 average splits, I would have a 1:02:30-1:03:20 finish, therefore a new pr. I had to have some strong miles as well to offset the initial climb up Little Mountain.
After a bus ride from the finish area to the start, I had about an hour to burn in wait for the race to begin. This gave me more than ample time to visit the port-o-potties a couple times, view the mountains and the calm, smooth waters of Little Dell Reservoir. I spent about five minutes jogging an out and back to get loosened up.
At the start line, I became acquainted with a 62 year old runner, who called himself “Fast Freddie,” of the Hatu Harriers Running Club from the Park City area. It appeared that he had amassed quite a resume in his 20 years of running. He explained having knee replacement surgery a couple years ago after being told his running days were over. He has since run 8 more marathons, but is now facing the need for a hip replacement. I enjoyed the conversation, but had to find a quick way to close it up so I could advance closer to the starting line. Beginning the race in the act of dodging other runners would cost time and energy.
I felt strong making the ascent up Little Mountain, and knew the best miles were to come. I had to run on feel, rather than splits in these first two miles. Pushing too hard a couple years ago forced me to go way anaerobic, and took time to recover. This time, my legs felt strong and my breathing was in control. I was passing several runners and didn’t question if I had gone out too fast.
Miles 3-4 were spent reeling in a runner in black. It helped having someone to latch onto, while taking advantage of the descent. I eventually pulled ahead of said runner, but I could hear him breathing down my neck over the next mile. I decided to grab a cup of water at the 5 mile aid station, and to let him pass. Being the one to set the pace at this point in the race would be a disadvantage. The latching runner could toe the line, and then sprint pass near the finish.
Another runner that appeared to be Latin, with a blue shirt and compression around his left knee had created a trio. The three of us had a matched pace for about a half mile, until the roadway threw some minor rollers into the mix. I felt our speed was inadequate at this point, but didn’t want to pass and have them follow with a repeat of breathing down my neck. It was time to put in a surge and hope I could drop them for good. I powered ahead, and took advantage of the undulations with as steady a cadence I could muster.
I admit that I ran a little paranoid over the next couple miles, thinking I would be overtaken at any moment, or that I’d be sprinted past near the finish. By mile 8, I had a female runner in my sights. This shifted my focus as I passed her, and she asked how far back the next female runner was. I honestly hadn’t seen another woman after the first couple miles, so I assured her that her position was safe. Shortly thereafter, I had a runner in red in my sights. Great! Someone to latch onto, and reel in! I managed to gain some serious ground, but then he realized I was on to him, and rallied in the last quarter mile. I could no longer close the gap. I thanked him at the finish for giving me something to hang on to.
I really enjoyed the race, and feel good at where I’m at in my conditioning. I don’t feel as hell bent on making drastic improvements with my finishing times as I once had been, but when they do happen, it’s an added bonus. There was a really nice breakfast banquet with a live musician and awards presentation afterwards. James of Sports-AM really knows how to put on a class act event.
Below are my Garmin splits. The course was a little long, and I confirmed that with another runner at the finish. More distance for the money!
1. 6:57
2. 7:07 Climbing Little Mountain
3. 6:04
4. 5:55
5. 6:06
6. 5:48 Surge
7. 5:56
8. 6:03
9: 5:56
10. 5:53
5:18 (.11mi.; :33)
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