Having not raced since August (a triathlon), having not really trained since September 2008, and coming off of a series of knee injuries -- I think it is safe to say that I had pretty low expectations going into this race. But I am glad I was motivated enough at least to get to the starting line. It's easy to decide every week that racing is a bad idea when you feel injured and/or undertrained. This race seemed like a good way to at least check in with the racing world. The course is absolutely beautiful -- 2 big loops around Wheeler Farm, primarily on dirt roads and wide trails. The race was also a big event for walkers and their dogs, being a fundraiser for Therapy Animals of Utah. I headed over with Josh Steffen and my brother, JD. Weather was great, absolutely ideal, in fact. We did a warm up over the course for a few miles -- around and over various farm animals, tractors, ponds, bridges, etc. The course has a few short climbs, but nothing significant. The real obstacle would prove to be navigating around walkers and their dogs. At the starting line, I checked in with Bill Cobbler and a few other folks. I saw Fiddy up there as well. I knew he had been running well and I thought it would be a fun to watch him race Josh. From the start, I did have a chance to watch that for a few minutes, but it wasn't long before they dropped me -- out of sight. With those guys firmly ahead, the only person nearby was Craig Green, and I ran behind him 20-30 meters most of the race. He looked strong and I doubted if I would be able to muster enough to catch him. The first mile was 5:35, which covered 2/3 of the first loop around the farm's perimiter. The second mile was 5:39. At some point in this second mile I started to overtake some of the walkers and their dogs. Since it's a charity event, I am glad so many people are out to support the worthy cause. I do wish that the race directors did a better job of making sure that racers would not have to do a slalom around people and pets. It was sort of silly at a few points. Anyway, I was still having fun and that was the important part. Mile 3 was 5:49, and I think this reflected my fancy footwork around humans and canines. I was still in fourth place right up until I could see the finish line. I was feeling pretty spent but at that point I decided that maybe, just maybe, I could kick and pass Craig. I kicked, and did. It was a nice way to move into 3rd overall, but sort of a weak tactic as well. I should have made it more of a race during the race itself. All things considered, I'm very satisfied with my performance today. I averaged sub 5:40 on a dirt path route and my knee felt very good. No complaints. The field was about 200 people. Josh won in 16 minutes and change. Fiddy was second in about 16:30, I believe (but will need to check). JD had a great race, running a 40 second PR notwithstanding all of the obstacles this race presented that didn't favor fast times. I saw him at the finish and he looked great. | 