Official Time: 51:16
Placement: 8th overall, 2nd in the 50-54 age group
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 60's, cool / slight rain breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2021] [2020] [2019]
| Mile | Time | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:21 | Uphill to start. Ran conservatively for the first half mile |
| 2 | 8:15 | Picking up the pace |
| 3 | 8:31 | Running solo for the most part. |
| 4 | 8:30 | Chasing down some half marathon runners but again, mostly running solo |
| 5 | 8:38 | Pretty gassed. |
| 6 | 8.23 | Quite a bit of downhill on this part. I didn't have the final kick I wanted to but I ran this mile pretty well. |
| 6.08 | 0.34 | |
| Total Miles: 6:08 - 51:16 | ||
Introduction
This past fall I got an offer to run the PC2PG (Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove) race in Utah County -- about 30 minutes south of where I live. I initially had thought about running the half marathon (I've run the 10K for each of the year's existence) but summer running in northern Utah is so iffy in regards to the heat. The last year or two I've really shied away from running half marathons in the summer.
Either way, since I registered on a black Friday sale offer, I got into the race for somewhere around $30. How could I not refuse?
The Race
I rolled into the race around 7:30 for the 8:15 start. I was expecting a bit of a line-up for packet pickup, but it was a snap. I wound up doing a very short warm-up, some dynamic drills and decided I was ready to race.
As the clouds were gathering off the starting line, I had made some small chat with another runner. I remarked that it certainly would be nice if it rained a little. The woman replied that the forecast said it was start around 8:15. Sure enough, just as we were getting last minute instructions on the race, it started to rain. Perfect weather conditions!
The race started and I knew from previous times I've done the race that we had a pretty decent hill almost from the get go. I eased into the race knowing that I'd have ample time to make up some of the time and I certainly didn't want to spike my heart rate.
It wasn't too long before I jumped on the Murdock Bike Trail for about 2.75 miles of running. The smell of the rain amongst the brush along the trail was really pleasant.
I settled into a nice tempo pace. I was running hard but definitely not all out.
It was hard to judge where my spot was but I was working with what would eventually be the 2nd place woman for the first 2 miles. 3 other men were ahead of me. It was pretty lonely running but I got some inspiration from the returning half marathoners who had started a point to point course an hour earlier.
Around mile 2 another male runner -- presumably in my age group from the looks of it (he was) -- flew by me. And I had put on the gas to pass the woman I was working with.
The bike path was busy with morning runners and cyclists so I had to really watch where I was running at times. The cyclists at times weren't the friendliest but I think they understood there was a race going on.
The race each year winds up being a tiny bit short (the 5K is also significantly short). Last year it was 6.04 miles but I reach the 10K turn around at 3.05 miles.
I had been holding back just a tiny bit as my endurance -- let alone speed endurance -- hasn't been great but I had visions I was going to really crush the final 3 miles. After all, the first 3 had been uphill.
I had been holding back just a tiny bit as my endurance -- let alone speed endurance -- hasn't been great but I had visions I was going to really crush the final 3 miles. After all, the first 3 had been uphill.
I was still running solo. At the turn around there was some competition that I figured could gain on me but they never showed up again. I was also tracking down some of the half marathon runners who were running quite a bit slower than I was at this point.
The rain, at times, had picked up as did the wind but it didn't really slow me down.
The dreams of running a negatively split. I seemed to be running in spurts: I'd pick up the pace for 30 seconds and then drop back to a bit more of a shuffle. I think it was my mind telling my body I had more to give but the body didn't like the pain.
Finally the final half mile came upon me and here is where I had told myself I was going to crush it. I had a nice downhill portion and once the downhill portion was finished I had about .15 of a mile until the finish line.
The final mile was pretty meaningless but I was running for pride. I kept looking behind me to see if anyone in the 10K was closing in on me and at times I wasn't sure if it was a half marathon runner or someone was closing in on me.
As I made the final turn I could hear the sound of music and see the finish line. I really pushed it here to close the final .1 of a mile and I flew under the finish line in 51:16 for what I felt was a solid 10K effort.
Conclusion
So compared to last's year time I was 2 minutes slower. However, this was a pretty good race for me in that it has been since March or so that I've done a 10K race. Due to my injury, my speed endurance isn't what it has been of late, so I was thrilled.
Before the race, I figured I'd finish in around 52 - 54 minutes. So I exceeded my own expectations.
I really enjoy this race. It is low key and a good value for the money. Post race refreshments were Powerade, water, ice cream treats, cheese sticks and oranges. The t-shirt is nicely designed but I wish they would go back to the 100% polyester versions. The medals are also heavy duty and well done.
All things considered this race was a success. It was great to see a lot of my friends as well as see how I faired over a longer distance. I seem to be making more progress every week.
Upcoming Races
09/03: 2022 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Confirmed)
09/24: 2022 Apple Harvest Run 10K - Santaquin, UT (Confirmed)
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)
11/19: 2022 Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, 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)
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