2022 Roy Days 5K Race Recap - Roy, Utah

Official Time: 25:11
Placement: 59th overall, 3rd in my age group
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 60's, slight breeze from the north
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2021] [2019]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:38	Fast first mile with a bit of downhill
2	8:03	Still holding on
3	8:42	Forgot how long / steep the final hill was. Was on target for a decent race.
3.11	0:45	Not much left but pushed it.
	Total Miles: 3.11 - 25:11

Introduction

The last few months I've been really looking forward to the Roy Days 5K.  It harkens back to the days when I first started racing: a community event to support a local community and a fairly low frills event.  

The race is located about 40 minutes north of my house in Roy -- just south of Ogden.  The local athletic director (and I think he doubles as the track coach) puts on the race.  A lot of high school kids show up as well as past Roy alumni.

It is a quaint event and they definitely know what they are doing.  It is just an easy race to do and affordable.  With nothing else on the calendar, I figured why and take down the Roy Days Challenge 5K.

The Race

I arrived at the race site early enough to be one of the first one's there.  The packet pickup was a snap and I got a stuffed goodie bag and a t-shirt and bib in short order.

For about 300 runners they had a whopping two bathrooms.  Not a very good situation and I managed to get in twice before the race.  Unfortunately, when it came time to race, I had to go again and there was absolutely no place to go.  Kind of rough to run a 5K with a full bladder.

Either way, I got a mile of warm-ups in and I felt ready to race by the time 7 AM came up.

The race is chip timed, but when you cross the starting line is not recorded.  So I lined up fairly close to the starting line.  A lot of high school aged runners took the lead ahead of me. I remarked to the guy next to me, who I figured might be in my age group, that I suddenly felt very old.

I took off and was immediately passed by dozens of runners. This race was attended by many high school kids who clearly were faster than I was.

The race is primarily a residential run through the neighborhood of Roy.  There are some rolling hills at the start but the first 2 miles are largely flat or downhill.  

I was tempted to really push the pace as the speed demons flew by my.  I had eyeballed some of my supposed competitors in the race and one darted ahead of me and the other was within grasp.  

I aimed to run a quick first mile, hang on for the second and then hope for the best on the final mile.  I felt comfortable as I sped to a 7:38 first mile.  In fact, I was kind of surprised I managed to hammer that pace out, but I was aided by about 50 feet of decline.

The second mile is flat and we parted ways with the 2 mile walkers (maybe they are allowed to run).  I had retaken my position ahead of some of the runners that had flown by me at the start.  The other guy I was working against I had managed to drop.  I figured I was in 2nd place for my age group.

I wasn't aided by any hills as we ran the perimeter of some of the parks and made the final turn to the finish.  I actually was pretty happy with an 8:03 second mile -- but I knew the hardest mile was yet to come.

After making the final turn you can make out the finish line in the distance: at the top of a hill.  You can see the traffic lights and flashing police lights.  It appears so close, but looking at your watch, you know you have more than a mile to go.

My form was ragged at this point and I was doing some math.  My goal on this race was to go sub 25 minutes.  It would show some progress at least as I recover from my back injury and illness.  I haven't done much hill training in the past few months on account it usually irritated my back.

I really dug down deep but I was saddened to see my age group competitor fly by me.  Had my pace dropped off that badly?  I would have to settle for 3rd place.

The final half mile is really tough. The hill gets steeper and my pace dropped.  I was constantly checking behind me -- was anyone closing in on me?  I had definitely put a gap amongst everyone else and I didn't see anyone who resembled a middle-aged adult behind me.  Still, I gave it all I had.

Finally I crested the hill and saw the finish line.  My watch was showing 24:45 and I still had at least .1 of a mile to go.  I smashed the final tenth of a mile but it wasn't enough -- crossing the finish line in 25:11.  Still pretty decent for a tough course but I missed out on my goal.

Conclusion

So -- I felt a LOT better about my time and effort on this race versus the race I did 2 weeks ago.  The course profile is similar (I think handcart has a faster first mile and the final hill is more drawn out, where as Roy Day's is steeper).  

I didn't give up on myself and at no point during the race did I feel like throwing in the towel.  

I did wind up getting third place in my age group.  I never saw the first place winner and I suspect I had correctly identified the 2nd place and the guy who I was working with was in a completely different age group.

They were very quick to dole out age group awards.  I love it when races are organized.  The race had started a few minutes late but the awards were being called out at 8 AM.  I managed to snag a medal and a t-shirt from a previous year.  They had hats and water bottles as well.  The medal isn't anything fancy and it reminds me of the medals I used to earn 15 years ago when I first started to race.

Post race refreshments included bananas, granola bars, Powerade in a bottle, and fruit chews.  They also had bottled water.  All things considered a pretty nice race for $25.

I am fairly happy with my race performance.  It wasn't what I was hoping for, but given my current state and where I am at with my training, I was happy.  I am slowly making progress every few weeks and I am hoping once the weather cools off and I rebuild more of my endurance, I can take more time off of my 5K.

Looking forward to smashing this one next year!

Upcoming Races

08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K - Bluffdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)

10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)

10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2022 Handcart Races 5K Race Recap - Bountiful, UT

Official Time: 25:20
Placement: 1st in age group (50-54)
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather:  upper 70's slight breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years:  [2020] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2015] [2012]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:40	Off to a decent start.  Slight downhill so it felt easy
2	8:20	Definitely feeling it here. I pretty much knew the race wasn't gonna go well
3	8:51	Just totally out of gas
3.08	0:30	Managed to muster up some sort of okay finish
	Total Miles: 3.08 - 25:20

Introduction

One of my summer traditions over the past few years has been the Handcart Races held on Pioneer Days Weekend here in the state of Utah.  We don't actually race with handcarts, but the local recreation center up in Bountiful, hold a 5K and half marathon race.

When I first moved here in 2012, I ran the half marathon.  Periodically I'd show up for the half marathon, but over time I've shied away from the half marathon.  Mostly because it is just too hot and it usually winds up being a "sufferfest."

This year was no different.  I marked it on my calendar and opted in for the 5K.  If you sign up early enough it is a nice bargain: offering a nicely run 5K race with a medal, t-shirt and even a breakfast at the end.  I really do like this race series.

The Race

I got to the race at about 6 AM.  The race starts at 7 AM so I was just in time to see the half marathon running head on out.  It was already 70 degrees and I was thankful I wasn't running the longer race.

One of the nice things about this race is that you do have the comfort of a recreation center to stay warm and have clean bathrooms.  The packet pickup was held in the gym and I was able to quickly get my bib, shirt and some giveaways.

I cycled through the bathroom and then did a quick 1.5 mile shake out.  I noticed right away it was warm and even though I'd describe my warm-up as "less than strenuous" I had worked up a nice sweat.

I assembled with a few other hundred runners at the start line just shy of 7 AM and waited for the start.  

However, I think there were some timing issues and it took about 10 - 15 minutes before the race started.  And those first 50 yards I actually felt really stiff.  It was a jolt to my system.  Also, a lot of people were lined up fairly close to the start that probably shouldn't have, so it was fairly congested for a while.

The race is basically a large square starting and ending at the recreation center.  It is a residential run for the most part.

The first mile is a slight downhill and leads you to believe you are going to have a fantastic race.  After my initial slowdown, I finally got some room to run.  I was working with another guy (who was ahead of me) in order to pace myself. 

In the past, I've been able to beat him in races but since I was injured / ill, he's been able to finish ahead of me.  Could I keep up and possibly retake my "crown?"

I was keeping up with him and he was within reach as I clicked off a 7:40 first mile.  A fantastic first mile, but I knew I'd have tough times ahead.  After about 1.35 miles, you have to ascend back up to the recreation center. 

I was gaining some ground on my target and once we hit the first corner (at about mile 1.25) I just simply ran out of gas.  I felt my pace drop and it seemed incredibly warm.  My target gained ground and I told myself to just hang in there, maybe I could gain ground.

But this race is very hard to negative split.  After the smashing first mile, most of the rest of the race is a grind uphill.

By the time I hit the return stretch I was wishing the race was over.  My next mile was an 8:20.  My watch kept flashing upper 8's.  I really became upset with myself.  

My competitor sped ahead of me as I lost ground, and hope of a decent race.

The final mile is always the worst.  The hill gets progressively harder and finally when it lets up, you have less than a quarter mile to make up the time to the finish line.

Once I did get to the top, I managed to find a bit of an extra gear, but at this point there was no one behind me and no one I was likely to catch.  But I did look at my watch and realize I had a shot at sub 25 (somehow).

Conclusion

Well, I never did catch up with my competitor and I didn't crush a 25 minute 5K like I had hoped.  It was warm and I just couldn't get anything going today. 

There were parts of the race where I just wanted to start walking.  

All things considered though my time was in line with what I've been running recently.  In fact, my time wasn't too far off from the 2020 edition.

I went back to my car and reclaimed my gear and went back for the free breakfast.  I knew the results were online but to be honest, I just didn't care that much.  If I placed so be it, if I didn't, I was okay with that too.

Breakfast was muffins, eggs, hash browns, pancakes, chocolate milk / Sunny D, and orange slices.  It wasn't my favorite post race breakfast but it was good enough.

I finally did check the results and was shocked to learn I had taken first in my age division.  Unfortunately there weren't any awards due to supply chain issues.  They are planning on mailing them out.

Overall, this race didn't sit that well for me.  I was really hoping for a better time but I have to remember this is a bit of process of getting back my fitness.  I am dealing with injury, post-illness issues and the related weight gain form not being able to run as much.  Definitely an uphill battle.  

I also think I gave up on myself.  While my pace was slowing, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was.  And ultimately that affected my overall time.

Either way, I am glad I went and I managed to snag a nice shirt and finisher's medal to add to my collection.

Upcoming Races

07/30: 2022 Alien Run - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

07/03: 2022 Timp 5K - American Fork, UT (Maybe)

08/06: 2022 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Confirmed)

08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K / 10K - Bluffdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)

10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)

10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2022 Draper Days 5K Race Recap - Draper UT

Official Time: 25:11
Placement: 1st in the 50 - 54 age division, 70th overall out of 337
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 70's,  no wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2015]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:58	Slight uphill here but off to a decent start
2	7:48	A bit of a downhill but hanging tough
3	8:32	Slow grind back to the starting line
3.13	0:57	Gave it all I had in the final push.
	Total Miles: 3.13 - 25:16

Introduction

It's been a while since I've participated in the Draper Days 5K.  It was 7 years ago I toed the line for this very competitive 5K.  I ran pretty well (24:12 or so) but found myself buried by the competition.

In the years since, the course has changed a bit but the event remains the same.  With not a lot on the docket and looking for a 5K, I opted in for this year's event.  It was cheap, fairly close by and I knew I could count on a good event.

The Race

I had had a friend pick up my bib before the race, so I didn't have to wait in line for anything.  It was very convenient and I just found some parking, used the bathrooms and started to get in a warm-up.  I actually felt pretty good as I did some drills and ran for about a mile.

The race started promptly at 7 AM at the Draper City Library.  Definitely different from the previous edition.

I felt pretty good and my goal was to ease into the race and try to run as consistently as possible.  I am still coming back from an injury / illness so I knew my speed was questionable and my endurance is not what it used to be.

So I went out strong but not all out on the first mile.  As we made our way out of the Draper City Park, I didn't even look at my watch. I felt comfortable, was moving pretty well and I was watching for my competition.  A guy who looked to be about my age was in front of me and got off to a good start and was leaving me in the dust.  I had chatted  up with another guy before the start of the race, figuring he was in my age group too.  Up ahead, were bunches of high school kids and young adults.  I had a shot at an age group win!

The first mile is deceptively uphill.  It doesn't look like much but it is a slow grind about half way through it.  I had expected this as I had studied the course profile a bit and I remembered running the same course 7 years ago.

As we made our way down residential street my watch flashed that I had run a mile in 7:58.  Despite the hill that was a really good time for me and I was still feeling strong.

Shortly after we hung a right and headed west.  This mile was downhill a bit and I bumped my pace up.  I was closing the gap on one of the guys in my age group  and the other was well ahead of me.  I dug into my competitive roots and held on.  I was hurting -- as I should at this point of the race -- but could I hang on?

Near the end of mile 2 I figured this mile was going to be slower than the first -- probably an 8:15.  But again, I surprised myself -- 7:47.  Wow -- could I reclaim my fitness and go sub 25 minutes?  Would this be a significant hurdle I've managed to jump over?

I keep willing myself forward as we ducked onto the local bike trail.  I vaguely remember in 2015 suffering / hurting on this section of the course.  Also, with the sun rising I was blinded.  

One of the runners who appeared to be in my age group suddenly stopped running and began to walk / run/  I am not sure what happened but he had been running so well and clearly had me beat.  The other guy also suddenly stopped and started walking.  You could tell he didn't have the endurance.

My pace had dropped quite a bit and I kept looking over my shoulder to see where the competition was.  I was running pretty much solo.

I finally got a sense of how much longer I had to run.  With a new course, I am never quite sure how much longer I needed to go.  With 2.75 miles to go, do I have .35 miles or .45?  I turned up the jets just to cover as much ground as possible.

I was sad to see an 8:30 pop up on my watch with the finish line hiding behind a corner. 

I had a pretty good idea that I had less than a minute of running to go, so I dug deep and pushed to the finish line.

Conclusion

So while my time of 25:16 isn't that much of an improvement over last week's race, I felt like this race was a big moral victory.  This course was less challenging than last week's: flatter and cooler weather without much wind but it was a bit longer -- and I ran it faster.  I just felt a lot stronger and I've been doing some physical therapy to address some of my weaknesses, so I felt like my core was a bit stronger.

I was pleasantly surprised to see I had won my age group.  One of the guys I was racing against definitely was in my age group, the other was not. 

There were no finishing medals on this race (hence the $20 price tag) but I came home with a medal and I love the t-shirt design.  It is also polyester and one that I'll wear.

Post race refreshments were simply water and bananas.  Again, a low frills race and all that I really ask for given the price.

Upcoming Races

07/23: 2022 Handcart 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

07/30: 2022 Alien Run - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

08/06: 2022 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Maybe)

08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K / 10K - Bluffdale, UT (Maybe)

08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)

10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)

10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2022 Farmington Festival Days 5K Race Recap - Farmington, UT

Official Time: 25:22
Placement: 3rd in the 50 - 59 age division 
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Upper 70's,  breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2021] [2019] [2018] [2012]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:13	Initial climb on this race. Surprised that this wasn't slower
2	7:51	Cruising downhill a bit.  Solid effort.
3	8:56	Wow, I died on this mile. Glad to be done
3.06	0:24	Sprint to the finish -- gentle downhill
	Total Miles: 3.06 - 25:26

Introduction

I really look forward to the Farmington Festival Days 5K / 10K race.  I first discovered the race when I moved to the Salt Lake area in 2012.  Back then, they had a half marathon which I did (in 1:41).  But for some reason I took a hiatus from the race and resumed attending in 2019.

They had dropped the half marathon and simply had a 5K / 10K. I ran the 10K and really enjoyed the challenging course.  It was never boring and best of all -- they had a really nice breakfast at the end that was included with your race entry.

So this year, I couldn't wait to sign up.  But with lingering injury issues, I was hesitant to sign up for anything other than the 5K.  So this was my first attempt at the competitive 5K race.

The Race

I got to the race early and snagged my shirt and bib and used the toilet.  With a 7 AM start time looming -- it was already getting warm.  The hot stifling air just seemed to make you not want to run hard.  I did some drills and got the heart rate going.  

I have had a lingering back injury for the last 2 - 3 months and during my warm-up I could feel it.  Definitely not happy.  There was a stabbing sensation in my lower back right above my hip.  I began to have some serious doubts as to whether this would be doable or not.  When this injury flairs up, it can stop you in your tracks.

So I kept my warm-up fairly brief, assembled just beyond the start line and got ready to run what might result in a walking finish 5K.

The race start was pretty crowded.  The race is well attended by young folks.  So the first quarter mile required a bit of finesse to get through.  I didn't mind though. The first half mile or so is a gentle uphill and it is best to go out a little easy on it so as not to burn out.

I felt like I was breathing pretty hard by the time I got to the top of the hill.  Fortunately, you get a downhill stretch and I was able to coast a while.  I was trying to gauge the competition, but the lead back had already gotten some ground on me.  Also, I was running with the 10K runners, so until the split off occurred, it was hard to tell who was running what.

As I ran down 200 E I was greeted with an 8:13 for the first mile.  I was expecting something more in the 8:30's, especially after the initial hill.  

Finally the sign appeared for the split. My heart was a little saddened that I wasn't continuing onward with the 10K but it was the best decision.

Mile 1 to 2 was a nice downhill.  It was nice to let off the gas a bit and just float down the hill. There was the occasional neighbor sitting on the corner watching us fly down the hill.   I finally got back to the Frontage Road -- one that I had suffered along for many of the previous year's 10Ks.

It was flat here and while I did have some crowd support, I clearly was running out of gas.  I was running with a few people that clearly weren't in my age group.  Mile 2's time of 7:51 offered a glimmer of hope of a decent race, but I knew that the rest of the race was flat or a slight uphill.

The crowds lining the street for the upcoming parade couldn't really save me.  I was really working hard here and just wanted the race to be over. I kept looking at my watch as I breezed within earshot of the finish line -- still over half a mile to go.

My form had gone by the time I got behind city hall.  There wasn't really anyone chasing me and one guy who I thought might be in my age group was pulling ahead of me.

I really had nothing left.  The heat, lack of training and I think eating a bit too much prerace had caught up to me.

Finally the final turn hit and the last .15 of a mile or so is fast and downhill.  All that was left was running for pride as I cruised down the hill and crossed under the finish line.

Conclusion

I was absolutely stunned that my back / hip held up.  I had very few problems with it during the race.  My fitness though, has definitely taken a hit.  

I was stunned to learn I had taken 3rd place in the 50 to 59 age division.  I kept refreshing the results half expecting my result to be removed.  But fortunately it held up.

There are no finisher's medals in this event.  With a race price of just over $20 I really don't expect one -- especially after the race provides a breakfast.

Post race refreshments were water.  They may have had bananas but I didn't see any by the time I was interested in one.

So naturally, I wish my time had been better but given where I am at, I was pretty happy with my time.  The course came in a little short but my time considering the course profile and heat weren't too bad.  I did manage to get a medal.

I'll definitely be there next year and this is one race I really enjoy.

Upcoming Races

07/16: 2022 Draper Days 5K - Draper, UT (Confirmed)

07/23: 2022 Handcart 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

07/30: 2022 Alien Run - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

08/06: 2022 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Maybe)

08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K / 10K - Bluffdale, UT (Maybe)

08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)

10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)

10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

2022 Riverton Country Mile 5K Race Recap - Riverton, UT

Official Time: 26:09
Placement: 80th overall, 3rd in the 50 - 54 age group
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 70's, 8 mph wind from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2021] 

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:08	Off to a decent start. Headwind though
2	8:31	Really fatigued here. A bit of running on dirt road with rolling hills.
3	8:48	The last half mile I was really pushing it, but there were some hills here
3.09	0:38	Not a bad pace for finishing up.
	Total Miles: 3.09 - 26:09

Introduction

Several months ago, I signed up for the Riverton Country Races 10K race.  Riverton hosts a number of races each year and this is their summer race, which is tied to their city's celebration.  They are primary noted for their March half marathon (and 5K).  

I discovered this race a year ago and it is a bargain -- but super competitive and only the first in each age group wins something.  I managed to nab a great bargain of about $10 to register for the 10K race.

The Race

I showed up to the race well in advance and managed to snag my bib pretty quickly.  I also got there early to switch race distances.  I had signed up for the 10K but I knew I wasn't really capable of racing a 10K.  After being injured / sick the last few months, my endurance and volume of running is at an all time low.  So I made the wise decision of doing the 5K.

The 10K started off at 7 AM and the 5K started at 7:15.  I managed to use the (plentiful) bathrooms before the race and get in a solid warm-up.  I was a little apprehensive standing at the starting line -- it was a big crowd, breezy and I had already worked up a decent sweat.  Summer racing in July is usually challenging.

The race was off and I certainly remember the race starting off in a different pattern than last year's addition.  Seemed a little weird to go charging over the lawn, jumping into the parking lot and then heading out into the street -- but it was follow the leader.

My goal on the first mile was to go out solid but not all out.  There was a stiff headwind and I wanted to run behind someone who was a little bigger than me and running at the same pace.  I was semi-successful at this.

The first mile was also a gentle incline.  Nothing too crazy but it definitely took some extra effect.  It was warm and the hilly part was coming up.  The race was along a residential street lined with some older homes.  I recognized the route as it is the home stretch of the March half marathon and part of the 5K course as well.

I hit the first mile at 8:09.  Not too bad but I felt like I had already used a ton of energy just to run that.  We hung a left onto another street and sprinted down a long hill. I had the painful realization that I was going to have to run back up that hill (being that the course was an out-and-back).

After another short distance, we hung a right and headed down Lover's Lane.  Lover's Lane is a rolling hills road lined with well-to-do houses and a pretty nice view of the Wasatch Range to your left. Normally I'd love running along here but I was suffering.

I finally hit the turn around and glanced at my watch. Exactly 1.55 miles.  This was going to be a legitimate 5K race.  I always love it when race organizers get the distance correct.

Also the turn around was a welcome sign of relief.  I now had a bit of a tailwind as I sped northward along Lover's Lane.  

Finally Mile 2 dinged on my Garmin:   8:31.  Disappointing but not unexpected.  The hills and heat and wind were taking it out of me.  I just hoped I could rebound a bit but I also knew I had a solid quarter mile of "uphill" before I'd finish.

I made it up the hill and finally made the right turn to make the final .75 of a mile back to the finish line.  With a gentle decline, the wind at my back, I still had hopes of at least a little redemption.  There were times along here that I was running well, but I was spent.

I pushed the final .10 and was hoping to crack 26 miles but I didn't quite make it -- turning in a disappointing 26:09.

Conclusion

So this was definitely NOT the race I wanted.  After a nice run last weekend, this one was a flop.

A couple of reasons for this:

1) It was warm

2) I had a really lousy week of training due to my injury

3) This course was significantly harder than last week's.

The smart thing I did do was drop to the 10K and make the most of it.

This race cost $10 -- I signed up very early for it and it was a bargain.  The race was well organized.  No r-shirt for this one, which was fine but I did get a finisher's medal and post race refreshments.  The finisher's medal (I think) appears to be recycled from last year.

I did have a good time and I was happy to get some "hard" miles in.  I am still acclimating to the heat, so there's been a lot of adjustment.  Also, my training has been more miss than hit.

Upcoming Races

07/09: 2022 Farmington Days 5K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)

07/16: 2022 Draper Days 5K - Draper, UT (Confirmed)

07/23: 2022 Handcart 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

07/30: 2022 Alien Run - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

08/06: 2022 Roy Days 5K - Roy, UT (Maybe)

08/13: 2022 Bluffdale Badlands 5K / 10K - Bluffdale, UT (Maybe)

08/20: 2022 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Maybe)

10/01: 2022 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/22: 2022 Haunted Emigration Canyon 5K - Salt Lake City (Confirmed)

10/29: 2022 Haunted Half Provo 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

01/14: 2023 St George Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/26: 2023 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/22: 2023 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

08/19: 2023 Rock 'N Roll Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)