Not as much fun as I had hoped. I found out Saturday they were giving out some Altras and thought that might attract some runners. I was right when I got my packet and saw Walter signing up. The next morning Steve was there as well. The course is technically 1100 feet up but that's really a net elevation climb. It is a series of steep rollers for 9.5 of the miles starting at about mile 1.5. Garmin has it at 2,017 and my eyeballing of the hills puts it at least 1700 ft up. It was a very tough course.
I also didn't have a strong effort in me. I don't really want to list excuses but foremost would be a lack of competitive fire. I don't mean to take anything away from Walter or Steve. They are both still faster than me and had run a half on Saturday/long run on Sunday respectively. I am not disappointed in my time or place, but my effort. Steve pointed out the altitute and that's the first time I think I've ever felt it and knew that what I was feeling was the altitude. I couldn't seem to get a satisfying breath - like there wasn't enough oxygen to breathe! Highest point was 6,917.
It was a nice overcast morning but it was a bit humid which made it feel warmer in my warm up. When we started, my watch was locked so I had to wait a bit for it to unlock and missed perhaps the first .05. Even with that, my Garmin measured it at 13.23 total in 1:34:10. Stayed within contact of the leaders for most of the time, but fell back when they started busting out sub 5s on the steep downhill. Not sure what the official time is yet. I am counting the three GAP miles sub 6:20 as marathon pace effort. I was going to use my HR strap but simply forgot. Hopefully this week will be better than the last.
This tells the story best: http://www.strava.com/activities/79611816
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