2025 Eggs Legs 10K Race Recap - West Jordan, UT

Easter themed billboard at Gardner Village

Official Time: 53:16
Placement: 1st in the 55-59 age division, 29th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 30's, Breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: Previous Years: [2024] [2023] [2022] [2021]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:38	Controlled start. A little hemmed in but was running strong
2	8:33	Still a solid effort
3	8:47	Pretty baked at this point. Still running okay though the but the turn around couldn't come soon enough
4	8:49	Pushing hard.
5	8:57	Running on fumes
6	8:58	Guarding my position but at this point, my position was locked in.
6.07	0:30	Looking good at the finish line.
	Total Miles: 6.07 - 53:16

Packet pickup at Gardner Village

Introduction

Another weekend -- another race.  I hadn't raced the previous weekend and I opted to give another 10KM a go.  I decided to give my local race another shot -- after my terrible showing at the Lucky 13 Race about a month ago.

I have felt stronger and better suited to racing and I knew that this weekend was going to be a better result than my horrid 56:12 time at Lucky 13.  Am I in personal best shape? Definitely not, but I knew I could do better.

This race is held at Gardner Village, a local shopping area, a mere 2 miles from my house.  I usually train on the course on my Sunday long runs and I am very familiar with the area. 

Due to flooding, the race was held on an open lot just south of the village.  Normally the race starts and ends at the village but due to an underpass being flooded, it was moving to a dryer spot.

Ready to race!

The Race

I had gotten my bib 2 days before the race.  With Friday being Good Friday, packet pickup was on a Thursday.  So by the time I got to the race site on Saturday morning I was ready to go.

The 10KM race started at 8 AM.  The half marathoners had started at 7 AM and the largest race of all -- the 5KM would start at 9 AM.

It was chilly out but dry.  There was a bit of a breeze but it wasn't terrible.  I was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, thin gloves, arm warmers and my Saucony Pro 3's.  I was very comfortable throughout the race.  I felt sorry for some that had overdressed as it warmed up quickly, especially when the sun came over the mountains.

The race started on time and after a brief warm-up, I felt pretty good.  The race is held on the Jordan River Bike Trail and runs south towards the city of Sandy, and ultimately into South Jordan.  I lined up near the start and was ready to race!

The first quarter mile was a little congested as we sorted out the faster runs with the slower ones.  I had surveyed my competition and didn't see anyone around me that looked to be my age.

I felt comfortable as we sped across a bridge and I settled into a strong, but not dying pace.  

Looking fresh at the start

Mile 1 came up at about 8:37, solid.  I was hoping to go a bit faster but given where my fitness is at (which isn't very good) I'll take it.  It was also at this point that a man, who appeared to be my age, overtook me and put a bit of a lead on me.  I made it my mission to stick with him.

I was working with a group of runners, so I wasn't running along.  Most of the people were at least half my age but it kept me motivated, although mentally, I was fatigued from the route: I run this route all the time, so it wasn't terribly exciting.

As we continued south, I noticed that there was a bit of a breeze. It wasn't awful but it just seemed to slow me down a bit.  There really wasn't much of anyone to run behind either.  The effort also seemed to be getting harder.  How long could I hold this?

I got a bit of water at the 5KM turn around and continued into Sandy. I was in the top 20 at this point and I want to say that I had overtaken my competitor. Was there anyone else my age ahead of me?  I really didn't care, I just kept pushing.  Mile 2 came in at 8:33, faster yet.  Could this be a breakout race?

I couldn't wait for the turnaround.  I had reached the golf course and this part always seems to break me down.  Mentally, I am usually tired at this point and I keep willing myself forward to get to the turn around so I can be done.  This is where there race suddenly gets "real".

5KM runners in the home stretch

After a series of turns along the golf course area (but still a paved path for cyclists and runners) I finally saw the 2nd aid station, which would mean that I am close to the turn around.  Thank goodness!

I hit mile 3 just shy of the aid station in 8:47. I knew it was going to be a slower mile but I told myself I'd negative split it.  

The mile markers were mostly spot on and I was shocked to see the mile 3 marker and then almost immediately after it, the turn around (which coincided with the aid station). I suspect we were supposed to go a bit further but given that everyone else turned around at the stationed cone, I did as well. The course was going to be a bit short.

At the turn around, I realized that I was being pursued by a bunch of runners. I clearly appeared to be one of the older ones but still, I was so focused on picking up my pace, I really didn't care.  My competitor wasn't in sight fortunately.

From about mile 2 on, I was encountering many returning half marathoners.  At various points in the race, as runners paced me, I wondered if they were running the 10K or half marathon.  It made me nervous when another runner my age passed by me who I wasn't going to be able to catch.  Fortunately, he was running the half marathon.

My pace alternated between a shuffle and an elegant tempo paced stride at this point. I got some cheers of encouragement from outgoing 10KM runners which helped me.  That is one thing I like about this race, is the community support.

Mile 4, despite my best efforts was an 8:49. I wasn't getting any faster.

At this point, I was grinding and occasionally a half marathoner would glide by me. Very frustrating because here they were 11 miles into the race and I was less than 5. Why couldn't I keep up?  I wasn't sure at this point who was running what distance either.  Occasionally I'd throw a look over my shoulder to see if anyone was pursuing me, but the people I did see were female or clearly younger than me.

Looking south along the Jordan River Bridge

Mile 5 was an 8:59.  Yuck.  Why couldn't I run faster?

Even though my position was pretty much locked in, I really made an attempt to push as hard as I could for the final 1 and change miles.  I knew it wasn't going to be a record setting day, but it meant something to me to just dig deep.

Some runners who were on the cool down shouted encouragement and there were a handful of spectators as well.  Again, mentally, I was strong but my body wasn't cooperating.  Mile 6 was just as painful as 5.

Finishing Strong (looking)

I was (sort of) grateful that the race was a bit short.  The agony ended about a minute sooner than a full length 10 KM race.  But I made a strong showing and gave it all I had in the final sprint.  I sped into the finish line just as the 5KM runners were starting to assemble for their 9 AM start.

Finish line mayhem

Conclusion

All in all, a massive improvement over Lucky 13 race.  But definitely a massive let down versus last year.  I felt pretty good, especially at the start, but the speed endurance wasn't there. In January, I probably could've held onto an 8:15 pace but, now it seems a lot harder.  Overall, this was good, but not where I want to be. I am still hungry for improvement.

I grabbed my finisher's medal and congratulated those that had finished around me.  Assuming some of the people in the half marathon weren't actually running the 10KM race, I felt pretty confident I had finished first.  

I checked my phone and saw that I was in first and the other runner that had taken an early lead took 2nd.  

I wound up getting some photos of other runners as they came in.  I also had an opportunity to see the 5 KM runners start (and finish)

Podium Photo

I wound up taking 1st in my age group, so it was a double medal Saturday.  

Post race refreshments included granola bars, fruit, sports drink and cheese sticks.  I was a late registrant so the race was close to $50.  The shirt was nice and I actually wore it on this morning's long run (Easter Sunday) so it seemed appropriate.  Still, not 100% polyester but it held up.  Maybe I'll have to reconsider some of these shirts.  The medals were also nicely designed.

The course is flat and well supported.  All the important turns were clearly marked or marshalled.  If you haven't run in the West Jordan / Sandy / South Jordan portion of the Jordan River Bike Trail, this will be a treat, but for me it was old hat.  There is something to be said, though, for competing on your home turf. Other than the 10KM being a little short (the other two races appear to have been spot on), this was a very enjoyable race.

If you are looking for an Easter themed race check this one out.

Upcoming Races

04/26: 2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

05/04: 2025 Bob Blazier Run for the Arts 5K -- Crystal Lake, IL (Confirmed)

05/10: 2025 Run Farmington 10K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)

06/28: 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Antelope Island Duathlon & Run 10K Race Recap -- Syracuse, UT

Official Time: 54:45
Placement: 2nd overall
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: 37F - strong breeze from the north east
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Time for me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:07	Into a pretty strong wind.  Felt like I was running faster.
2	9:01	Consistent but still still windy.
3	9:03	I can see the turn around. Still feeling okay but slower than I'd like.
4	8:41	The wind is still howling, but at least I felt like it was pushing me
5	8:41	Another consistent mile. Trying to gain ground on the first place runner
6	8:42	Gave up on first place finish, but still running as hard as I could
6.19	1:28	Solid race. Finished strong.
	Total Miles: 6.19 - 54:46

Introduction

Right now there is a bit of a lull in the racing calendar.  I wasn't really expecting to race this weekend but I had a friend who was eager to race. We decided that we'd do something a bit different -- race on a Friday morning.

In the past, OnHillEvent's Antelope Island Duathlon came up on my calendar and I pretty much routinely dismissed it.  It would require a day off from work and it was primarily a bike + run event. But this year, there were a bunch of bike + running events, plus simply running events.  It was also on Antelope Island, a cool state park about 45 minutes from where I lived.

The weather looked fine for the Friday, so we plunked down our money and made it a deal.  For me, I'd be running the 10KM race along the island's causeway.  A perfectly flat and unique course that would ideal for a fast time.

The Race

I arrived an hour before the official start time of 9 AM.  The drive up wasn't bad at all and despite passing through Salt Lake City just before rush hour.  Parking was simple and I had had a friend pick up our bibs the day before.

We had did have a bit of a scare moments before the race started.  A few minutes before the race the person who had gotten our bibs asked if we had found the timing ankle chip in the bag.  I was like, "What?"  Normally they have the mag stripes on the back of the bibs.  I checked -- there was no such thing on the back of my bib.  Given that the race was a duathlon, we had an ankle timing thing.  Fortunately, with there being two sets of races, a bike and runner, it gave me barely enough time to run back to the car, find the ankle things and get them back to the starting line.  

Whew!

The race started at 9:10 or so and we had to fire off one-by-one.  The way the computer was set up and with the bike situation, they had to manually tell people to go.  I figured I was in the first 30 people or so to go.

The Marina

It was chilly and there was a very strong breeze coming from the north.  There wasn't much cover on the course and most people were bundled up.  I was lightly dressed in thin gloves, short shorts, and a simple t-shirt. Within the first quarter mile I was thinking that I was going to freeze and I had made a poor decision not to wear a jacket.  But once I was warmed up, and the sun came out a bit more, I felt comfortable with my choice.

I was actually feeling pretty good -- not PR good but definitely better than usual.  Whatever nagging fatigue issues I've been dealing with for the last few months were not present today.  After started, I ran less than 50 yards and hung a left, for the course's only turn.  To my left and right was the shores of the Great Salt Lake.  Above me, I could hear fighter jets flying overhead from the Hill Air Force base.  The way I was running, I felt like I was making that roaring noise as well.

The race is run on the causeway, which separates the mainland of Utah with the island.  It runs about 6.5 miles and is flat and mostly straight. There is only one tiny hill that supports a small bridge -- but given the right conditions, it is a very fast course.

I thought I was going to go deaf with the wind roaring in my left ear.  I wasn't sure what I was running and didn't want to look at my watch.  While most of the wind was at my side, I felt like a fair amount of it was slowing me down.

The first order of business was to establish a solid pace and I began to overtake some of the initial runners.  I had no idea who was running what distance but we all had to run the same course for the 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances.

Mile 1 rang up almost spot on with the mile marker.  I was running about a 9:09 pace.  Given the windy conditions I was both dismayed and elated.  I was running strong and felt solid. No one was passing me and I was overtaking half marathon runners.

I hit the 5K turn around and saw the lead woman fly by me and make U-turn.  She would wind up winning the 5K.  I also made a mental note of the distance -- 1.55 miles.  The course was coming in accurately.

Mile 2 came up at about the same pace as mile 1.  I was still holding steady but I was really hoping to see mile 3 and if I'd pick up any tailwind on the way back.

The crowd had thinned out and I was passing less and less people.  There were still targets ahead but the actual side-by-side running had ended. In the distance, I could see the next aid station and that is where the turnaround for the 10K would be.  I could hardly wait but everything looked so much further.

I hadn't spotted any return runners yet, so the 10K was lightly attended.  As I got to the turn around -- I still hadn't seen anyone coming back.  Could I really be in first overall?  And how many other 10K runners were behind me who had started late?  

Just as I approached the turn around, one single male runner circled around the 3.1 mile cone and started heading back towards me.  I figured I was about 20 - 30 seconds behind him. As I made my way to the 2nd aid station, I grabbed a bit of water and turned as well.  Putting me in 2nd place.

I had a shot at winning this thing.

I got shouts of encouragement as I made my way back from the outgoing 10K and half marathon runners.  I also got a boost because now the wind -- felt mostly pushing me along -- but I still didn't feel like it was giving me everything I had fought for.

Mile 4 came in nearly 20 seconds faster than mile 3.  The wind was indeed helping.

I kept the first place guy in my sights, but we were pretty much running the same pace.  I'd occasionally gain some ground on him and get complacent and he'd make it up again.  Also, exactly how much time did I have to make up?  He had started earlier than I had, so just how much of a lead did he have?  He was my sole focus and there wasn't another runner tailing me.

Sample stretch of causeway

Things got a little confusing as I sped by the 5K.  The cyclists who were running the 5K edition portion of their race were flying by me and coming at me.  It was encouraging to encounter other runners because it was fairly lonely running.

The last 2 miles went by in a blink of an eye. I was hurting but still maintaining a consistent and strong pace.  I kept trying to tell myself to make a move and catch the first place runner, but it wasn't really happening.  

Runners coming into the finish line

In the distance horizon, I could see the fabled blue OnHillEvent's finishing arches. There was a smattering of people spectating and I got some shouts of encouragement.  I made the final turn and gave it everything I had in the final quarter mile. 

And I finished in 54:45 -- nearly 2 minutes faster than my Lucky 13 10KM race debacle.

Conclusion

As I finished, I grabbed my medal and found my stash bag and cooled off, chatting with other runners.  Now that the sun had come up and I was in a bit of a bowl, the wind wasn't too bad and it was actually a beautiful day.

I ran back to my car to get a bit heavier jacket and wait for my carpool person to finish their half marathon.  I grabbed my phone and checked the results.  Was there a mistake? Had I really finished 2nd?  Maybe first?

I did finish in 2nd and I wasn't short by a minute, but I was 15 seconds behind.  I was happy to have placed 2nd but in a way, I wish I had found a way to find another 15 seconds.

I took my camera and got some photos of the finish area / start area and killed some time until the awards were being given out -- which wasn't long.

It was nice to come home with a pretty cool medal and plaque for my efforts.  The t-shirt was nicely designed and definitely shows I ran a race on Antelope Island.  But again the cotton / polyester blend isn't a hit with me.

Post race refreshments included Fat Boy ice cream bars, oranges, bananas and granola bars.  There was an ample supply for the 250+ runners.

I wound up getting some finishing pictures of my friends as well.

Overall, I was pleased with my race performance.  The overall time, though, isn't indicative of my current fitness though.  Well I guess it is, but given where I was in January, it doesn't seem right.  I did feel fantastic throughout the race and I felt like "Old Racing Eddie"

The race was a bit on the expensive side (nearly $50) but given the current market conditions and that I basically waited until the last minute to register, it was a fair price.  

All in all, it was a fantastic morning for a race and I felt good about it.  It was nice to get out and do something new.  Although, I have run the course before (in the 2012 and 2013 Layton Marathons) it had been a while and it was refreshing to run a "somewhat" new race.

Upcoming Races

04/19: Eggs Legs 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

04/26: 2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

05/04: 2025 Bob Blazier Run for the Arts 5K -- Crystal Lake, IL (Confirmed)

05/10: 2025 Run Farmington 10K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)

06/28: 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Vineyard City Gold Rush 5K Race Recap -- Vineyard, UT

Running along the shores of Utah Lake

Official Time: 26:20
Placement: 3rd in the 50 - 59 -- 63rd overall
Results:  Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: 43F -- damp but negligible wind
Course Map / Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2024] [2023]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:23	Decent start. Still slower than usual.
2	8:52	Was hoping I'd at least match the first mile. I think a few hills slowed me up.
3	8:45	Pushing as hard as I could.
3.05	0:19	Dug deep and pushed.
	Total Miles: 3.05- 26.21

Calm before the race!

Introduction

Despite not having a great race last weekend, I somewhat surprised myself by signing up for the Vineyard City Gold Rush 5K.  I had a case of FOMO and I kind of wanted something to do on Saturday morning.

Having run the race before, I knew that Vineyard -- along with its views of Utah Lake, would be a beautiful opportunity to run in an area I normally would make a special trip to.  It has also been a bit of time since I've run a 5K and given my current fitness, maybe I could surprise myself at the event.

Packet pick up at Vineyard Grove Park

I did arrive at the race just shy of 8 AM for the 8:30 AM start.  It was damp but not terrible out.  The weather was threatening a bit of rain but the morning was ideal for racing:  perfect footing, no wind and cool out.

Packet pickup / parking was a snap since I had gotten there early and I wound up doing about a mile warm-up.  On the 30 minute drive to Vineyard, I felt ready to race.  My warm-up was a different story.  I felt flat and not very "fast".  I could barely must up any sort of stride work and I felt the stiffness / fatigue that I've been dealing with for the last 2 months creep up.  This was going to be a challenging race.

Let's do this!

The Race 

If you've been following my blog of late, you know my race performances haven't been the greatest.  I was really hoping that today was going to change all of that.  I felt okay on the 30-minute drive down to the race, but once I started to do my 1 mile easy warm-up, I felt the fatigue creep in.  I didn't really have any energy to do any strides and it seemed to be a struggle just to do a shuffle.  My Garmin was reporting that my heart rate was near 150 BPM, which also seemed very high for the shuffle I was doing.  Was this a false report?  What is going on?

Section of the running path along Utah Lake

I managed to get to the starting line and started to look at my competion.  A friend of mine, who happens to be in the same age division and would surely finish ahead of me, made me think that at best I was competing for 2nd place.  Should I be worried?  

I just told myself to relax and just get this race done!

Section of the running path along Utah Lake

The race started off and immediate we began to run westward along the sidewalk.  It was crowded running, but I had lined up appropriately.  At times I was cramped and opted to run on the streets, but for the most part it was smooth sailing.

After a block, we hung a right to go north and then once again ran south towards Lake Utah. This course was identical to their Thanksgiving race.  Despite the damp conditions, the running conditions were great.  It was a bit muggy out, but it wasn't a detractor and there was virtually no wind.

Just after or before mile 2

Just before the mile 1 marker hit, up came another runner who definitely looked to be in my age group.  

Was I now competing for 3rd?

I felt okay and the brain fog / fatigue was there, but it wasn't dominating my run.  The mile 1 marker came up and not soon after, my watch ran 8:15.  

I hadn't glanced at all at my watch and the pace was decent and not unexpected.

The final push along the streets of Vineyard Utah

At this point, we were on the highlight of the course.  To my right was Lake Utah with some stunning views of the westwide mountains.  My competition was still ahead of me, but he wasn't gaining too much ground.  

I felt like I was running okay but every now and then I'd hit a minor hill and my pace dropped.  I knew I had had difficulties last year on this stretch.  I knew my pace had slowed, but it would seem like everyone else's had as well.

Section of the running path along Utah Lake

While I thoroughly enjoyed running on the bike trail, I knew a mental queue was when I would go head east - and at that point I knew I was going to be in the final third of the race.

Finally, the runners ahead of me could be seen making the turn.  Internally, I sighed with relief.  In addition, my competiton was still within striking distance.  Time to turn it up a notch!

Hilly portion of the walkway

After another quarter mile or so, I was greeted by the mile 2 sign.  We were back to running on the sidewalk and headed east.  I was working with a pack of runners and I felt like I could really press the final mile, despite having run a kind of disappointing 8:45.

Section of the running path along Utah Lake

I was now running neck and neck with my competition.  Usually I can't pull off something like that but today, I was doing it.  It gave me motiviation.  Part of me wantede to ask him his age group, but I'd rather have to work for the finish.

I started to put some ground on him.

Section of the running path along Utah Lake

I had done my warm-up, up to the final turn and I was trying to find the park on the right, which would indicate the turn back onto a bike trail.  Finally the park came into view and I saw a solitary orange corn with an arrow on it.  It didn't change how far I still had to go, but it was yet another mental breakdown of the race.

Finally, the black asphalt appeared and I ducked left.  A little more than half a mile to go.  I felt like I was running fast but at times I had glanced at my watch and it was slower than my perceived exertion.  

I didn't want to look over my shoulder to see how much distance I had put on my competition.  I imagined him right on my tail and that only spurred me on.

It was also helpful: I was running with another guy who was at my same pace.  He may have been encouraging his children but he was also encouraging me.  Push! And telling us how much distance we had.  Hearing someone else definitely helped, even though a simple glance of my watch would've told me the same thing.  I was just nice to work with someone.

Recalling from the Thanksgiving race, I knew that once I turned the final corner I wouldn't have much road left to make up the distance.  The course, routinely comes in at around 3.06 miles. Despite hitting the 3 mile marker early, I knew I had to push my hardest.

My running mate and I both took off at the same time. He probably had 15 years on me, and his sprint was definitely better than mine.  But I sped through the finish line, with the final mile coming in at about the same as mile 2.  But I was done!

The finish line!

Conclusion

I wound up beating the Leprechaun in the race.  One of the gimicks is that if you beat the volunteer, you won a golden coin (a real $1 coin).  I didn't even see the Leprechaun but it was a nice incentive.

I also received a pretty cool finisher's medal.

Runners finishing.

My friend came up to me after the race (the one who was in my age group) and reported that a probable guy in our age group (50 to 59) beat him.  Now, I was worried.

After recoverying, I went to the truck to print my results.  I came in 3rd and it later became official.  It does turn out that the guy who I was chasing, was indeed in my age group.  I felt pretty bad about it, but I know I've been in his shoes many times before.

Quick post race photo

Post race refreshments were water and some flavor packets. There was also an assortment of granola bars and fruit.  We were also encouraged to go to the local school (that we passed early in the race) for a community breakfast -- that was free.

Runners cheering finishers on

I wound up doing about a 2.5 mile cool down after getting my award.  Most of the photos you see on the page were taken post race.  The post race breakfast was there to showcase some local exhibitors.  I had missed most of it, but there was yogurt, hot chocolate, muffins and high-end cupcakes.  There was also fruit.  A simple help yourself continental breakfast.

Medals + Leprechaun chase coin

This race is a bargain and runs like a well oiled machine.  I got into the race about a week before it and paid $30.  There is an option to buy a shirt, but they are cotton and I've already got a ton of them.  The race was also filled with a mix of casual runners and those who were definitely competing.  The course is also flat, well marked and offered one aid station.

My performance: was not a break through. It was simply okay and par for the course, and I've definitely lost something.  It was nice to come home with a double medal (plus the lucky coin).  I was able to shake off the fatigue and brain fog but I still felt like something was holding me back.

I need to figure out things.  Mysteriously, I've lost a fair amount of time in my races and I don't have a reasonable explanation.  Perhaps a doctor's visit is in order

Upcoming Races

04/26: 2025 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

05/10: 2025 Run Farmington 10K - Farmington, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)