I have learned that if I set unrealistic goals, I get the time I want but if I target the time I want, I fall short. So, this race was right on target. I set a goal of 60 minutes so that I would break the needed goal of 6:15 miles, or 62:30. Goal was 5:45, 5:15, 5:50, 6:05, 6:40, 6:40, 6:50, 5:20, 5:40, 5:55. Warmed up 3.35 doing miles 6-9 of the course with the big hill in mile 7. Splits were 5:57, 5:26, 6:06, 6:16, 6:52, 6:47, 7:38, 5:29, 5:51, 5:52. 62:16 total with 931 ft of climb and total elevation change of 1832. The first two were slower than I would have done, but I was right on the heels of the leaders and I had no desire to pass them as they casually chatted and prepared for the grind. The 7:38 was surprisingly slow, but it was a steep climb of 260 ft and I'd just run the first six 19 seconds faster than the 10k three weeks ago. Overall a positive step forward. I am confident I can target 78 minutes for the half coming up and at least break 80. Last year, I ran this as part of Salt Lake Marathon training in 1:11:11 and it felt way worse. The shoes were great but I ended up feeling a seam on the outside middle of my left foot the last two miles and there is a blister there now. So, hopefully its a flaw and I can make another pair work. Right side was fine. 3.2 mile cool down at 11 before I got my day started. Everything feels good.
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