2024 Fit for Life Riverton Half Marathon Race Recap - Riverton, UT

Official Time: 1:58:48
Placement: 4th in age group, 72nd overall
Results: Here (YouTube video of me finishing).
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 50's, 15 - 20 mph from the south / south east
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2023] [2022] [2021] [2018] [2015] [2014]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:41	Solid start. Conserving energy.
2	8:35	Little bit of a tailwind and flat.
3	9:02	Into the neighborhoods. Hilly and at times a little windy
4	9:41	Decent climb here.  Usually into the wind too.
5	8:48	Nice tailwind here
6	8:34	Smashed a downhill
7	8:48	Now into the wind. Fortunately got a decent half mile in before hitting the wind.
8	9:04	Really strong winds here. Just trying to keep a decent pace when I can but not succeeding
9	9:21	The miles are settling in. Happy with my pace
10	9:44	Big hill -- into the wind. So frustrated
11	9:18	Done with the wind but a few hills left.
12	9:42	Just out of gas. Fortunately a tailwind but hilly little mile here
13	9:04	Some hills and mud
13.05	0:20	Trying to catch a guy in front of me and just making sure I break 2 hours.
	Total Miles: 13.05 - 1:58:49

Introduction

Another one of my usual spring routines is doing the Riverton Half Marathon.  The race is in the middle of bunch of other races that I do and I was thinking about sitting this one out this year.  It is a popular race and they generally get a decent turnout (over 500 runners) for their 5K, 10K (new this year) and half marathon.

Normally I register pre-Christmas to snag an awesome price, but this year I waited.  I wanted to race a little less in 2024 and this one was on the bubble list.  I kept in my back pocket and last week I decided to plunk down the late registrant price (I think about $65) for the half marathon and make a go of it.  The weather looked reasonable (no snow / rain) so I figured why not... it would be a fun way to spend Saturday morning and get a March Half Marathon in.

I picked up my bib on Friday at RunGr8 Running Store in Riverton, which saved me any race morning anxiety about lines / issues.

The Race

I got to the race about 30 minutes before the start and grabbed a few photos.  I live in Murray and in Murray it didn't seem that windy. However, in Riverton it was quite a different story.  There was a decent wind coming from the south -- which would only spell trouble for me in the race.  There is a long stretch of bike trail that runs south without a lot of cover.  In years past I've suffered along this stretch.

The air temperature was comfortable (unlike last year) and while there were threatening clouds, it wasn't supposed to rain until later in the day.  I wound up going with a ballcap, short sleeved shirt, my donut shorts, and gloves. I wound up pocketing the gloves 2 miles into the race.

The race started promptly at 9 AM and we headed east from Riverton City Park.  My goal for the first 5K was to hang loose and ease into the race.  I had a loose goal of around low 53 minutes for the first 6.2 miles.  I knew miles 6.2 through about 10 were going to be the hardest part and I figured I'd try to hold pace there (and pray it wasn't that bad) and then push it the final 5K.

The first few miles felt easy and I was going out a little fast but I was aided by downhills and a bit of a tailwind.  My heart rate seemed low.  I felt a little fatigue in my legs -- I had had a fairly large week in terms of volume and I wasn't feeling 100% fresh.

After about 2 miles we dipped into the neighborhoods.  We were greeted by some people who had decided to spend the morning cheering us on.  It was welcomed and nice.  Although, at this point the course got hilly.  

Running up hill has never been my strength and I wound up just shuffling up the hill and then quickly getting back up to race pace once I reached the summit.  The hills didn't burn me out and despite some fatigue, I felt like I could quickly resume getting back to the pace where I wanted to be.

We spent the next 3 miles or so touring the streets of South Jordan.  The wind wasn't much of a factor and despite some of the hills, I was running strong.  I recognized parts of the course from a few of the South Jordan race series I had done.  Also, all the previous editions of the Riverton race came back into memory as well -- I was on familiar ground.

Finally, we made our way back to the bike trail.  I had a glorious downhill, where I definitely picked up the pace.  After another quarter mile I was back on the bike trail, made a turn at 106th street and started to head south.

Photo from Riverton's FlickR Page

The wind was howling and I glance at my watch -- it was around mile 6.4 -- not quite halfway.

I turned to the runner next to me and said, "There goes any chance of a personal record today"  He mumbled in agreement.

I still felt pretty strong and I overtook a number of runners as I battled the headwind.  The race had thinned out at this point and any of hope of me working with or drafting behind another runner were gone.  I was going to have to do this alone.

Parts of the course I was able to avoid the wind but for the most part it was slow going.  I pushed it when I could, and just accepted it when I couldn't.  I had started to work on consuming a Cherry-Lime Roctane which helped pick me up.

Running along the Jordan River Bike Trail brought back a lot of memories of when I first moved to Utah in 2012.  I had done a fair amount of training -- and races along this section of the trail in what seems like another lifetime.  I also knew that at the end of the trail was a large hill.

I didn't really pay any attention to my watch at this point. I knew my pace was slow, I was working hard and any chances of having a fabulous time were pretty much out the window.  In reality though, my paces weren't terrible -- about low 9's -- still within range of a 2-hour half marathon.

Finally the looming hill came into view.  I really didn't have much to tackle it with and a few runners resigned themselves to a walk.  I knew if I started to work, I'd probably conserve a bit of energy, but I also knew that I'd be hard-pressed to start again.  I once again wise-cracked to the runner next to me -- "how could this get any worse -- a massive uphill in gale force headwinds?"

Finally, I crested the hill and I knew things were going to get better -- or at least should get better.

I cruised down the back side and caught back up and passed some runners that had passed me on the uphill.  Despite my flagging times, I was still overtaking people and not getting overtaken, which is always a hard pill to swallow late in the race.  Perhaps I could salvage the race.

The final 5K seemed to  be the longest part of the race.  I was totally gassed and my head was telling my body "it's time to go!" and my body responded -- but just not as quickly as I felt it should've.  

The final 5K is hilly -- and mostly up.  I was aided by the tailwind but some of the wind was blocked from the neighborhoods and such.  Occasionally, I could feel it pushing me along but it wasn't as intense as I felt it should've.

Photo From Riverton's FlickR page

Every little hill slowed my pace to a crawl.  Fortunately we didn't have to go up a dreaded twisty hill like years in the past, but we did have to go down Lover's Lane -- which was finally paved!  

I was working hard and I was emotionally buoyed by the tailwind, but my legs were just dead, I knew my heart rate was skyrocketing, and it seemed like every hill was a monster one.  I kept looking for the final one.  Fortunately it isn't long, but it was another humbling shuffle to the top.

The mile markers had been hit and miss according to my watch throughout the race.  Sometimes I'd pass through a marker ahead of schedule, sometimes behind.  Also, in 2023, I ran 13.30 miles -- how far was this edition going to be?

Photo from Riverton's FlickR Page

I was doing math at this point -- did I still have a chance at 1:57?  2:00?  It was going to be close depending upon how much further I had.

Finally I made the final turn and I could see the flashing lights of the police car who was crewing the intersection that led into the park.  My watch was on mile 12-something and I was trying to judge how much further I had to run.  I wound up picking up my pace -- I now had an ever so slight downhill and a tailwind.  I picked off another runner and I was gaining on another.  I was trying to keep myself motivated.

I made another sharp left and re-entered the park where 2 hours prior I had just left.  I could hear the announcer calling out people's names.  I was so close, yet so far away and I was dying.

I knew at this point I was going to break 2 hours and the course was going to come in a hair shy of 13.10 miles.  I dug deep and sprinted to the finish -- finishing in 1:58:48.

Conclusion

My initial reaction to finishing was: I didn't get the time I wanted.  Not even close.  I was 100% spent and I was doubled over wanting / waiting to be sick (fortunately I wasn't).  

I had to step back, and think I had actually done pretty well.  While the wind wasn't as bad as it was at  the March Madness 10K, I had to battle it for far longer and I didn't get the benefit of it much during the race as well.  Also, this race can be best described as "challenging".  I wound up texting a few people to let them know my time and I got a unanimous "that's a great time for that course". 

Plus, I had gone into the race knowing that today wasn't going to be a great time day and to run it to effort and according to the course conditions.  I eventually made peace with myself on my performance -- it wasn't great by under the circumstances, I did as well as I could.  I'd probably give myself a grade of "B" if I was hard-pressed to grade myself.

I wound up socializing with other runners who mostly said it wasn't their day either.  They had a wide assortment of refreshments at the finish: bananas, fresh pressed orange juice, milk, water, Cliff Bars and even bundt cakes from a local baker.  Despite the wind, it was comfortable to sit and enjoy the post race glow.

I wound up placing fourth in my age group.  They only give awards to the top overall finishers and first in each age group.  For this big of a race, I am not sure why they don't expand the awards just a little bit.  However, I would've need a speedy 1:31 to win my age group.

The medal was nice -- It was a little uninspired though, especially for a half marathon.  The race also used to give out fantastic t-shirts... this year's edition --  the print was flaking off and is a cotton / polyester blend.  Just not thrilled with it.

This race is definitely a HUGE bargain if you register in January for it (or even prior to that). I got a fair bargain for my money though -- it was a well executed race from start to finish, it was marshalled and marked at every turn and had plenty of aid stations (I believe 5 or 6).  

The course is interesting as well -- with a mix of residential running and the natural beauty of the bike trail.

I'll likely continue to do this race.  It is a local event, low stress, affordable and well run.  I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging race.  Both the 5K and 10K races are also hilly. I could definitely see areas of improvement but it is a bit of a right of passage for spring races for me.

Upcoming Races

03/30: 2024 Eggs Legs 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

04/20: 2024 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

04/27: 2024 Apple Blossom 10K - Santaquin, UT (Confirmed)

05/27: 2024 Run of Remembrance 10K - American Fork,  UT 

06/01: 2024 Utah Valley Half Marathon - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

06/29: 2024 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

07/24: 2024 Deseret News Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed

08/17: 2024 PC2PG 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

09/07: 2024 Cedar City Half Marathon - Cedar City, UT (Confirmed)

09/28: 2024 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/05: BLOCKED OUT WEEKEND

10/19: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/26: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

02/23: 2025 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2023 Riverton Fit For Life Half Marathon Race Recap - Riverton, UT

Official Time: 1:58:02
Placement: 4th in age group, 82nd overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 30's, 15 mph wind from the west.
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2022] [2021] [2018] [2015] [2014]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:37	Solid start. Traction at the start wasn't good but settling in
2	8:40	Nice and consistent - on the bike trail
3	8:46	Had to climb about .20 of a mile -- 80 feet climb
4	10:46	Hilly stretch here. Pulled off the course for a wardrobe change.
5	8:21	Time to play catch-up.
6	8:26	Nice downhill stretch
7	8:36	Setting back in
8	8:41
9	8:40	The miles are settling in. Happy with my pace
10	9:07	Big hill. Fortunately get the downhill.  Surging a bit in spots though.
11	8:49
12	8:50
13	8:55	Some hills and mud
13.32	2:44	Final push to the finish. Last 100 yards or so were in snow.
	Total Miles: 13.32 - 1:58:02

Introduction

Well another March racing season comes in and I find myself signed up for the Riverton Half Marathon.

Around New Years I always get the bug to sign up for this race.  It is usually pretty -- less than half of a normal half marathon.  So it is a pretty easy race to say yes to.  In addition, it is fairly close by and not a lot of fuss to participate. 

They offer a 5K and a half marathon.  I always sign up for the half and if I can't do the half, it is easy to drop to the 5K.

I've done the race several times and for a while they course kept changing.  It always started near the Riverton City Park, but due to construction issues, the course would wind its way through South Jordan, Bluffdale and Riverton in a slightly different way.  The last few years, however, the course has settled in with the same one: starting at the park, dipping on the Jordan River Bike Trail, back into a subdivision, back to the trail and finally a hilly uphill route back to the starting line.

The other thing about this race is that the weather is always a wild card. This year would definitely be one for the books as well.

The Race

I had had someone get my bib prior to the race, so I got to the race site around 8:30 AM for the 9 AM start.  There  is plenty of parking so it was pretty easy to kill the time prior to the race.

I did take a bathroom break to get a sense of the weather conditions and it was cold and windy. All week, the Salt Lake area had been experiencing squalls:  quick microbursts of snow and wind.  The snow accumulations were about 1 - 2 inches (which would soon disappear).  I was really worried that one of these squalls would come and make running miserable.

So upon returning to my car, I put on a pair of tights and tossed on my windbreaker.  I had been planning on just going with 2 t-shirts, shorts, a skullcap and heavy gloves.

The race started promptly at 9 AM and we were off and running.  The starting line, fortunately, didn't match the rest of the course.  Despite all the snow we had had during the week, the course was mostly clear throughout.  There were an occasional puddle or bit of ice, but 99.9% of the course you could run without much fear of slipping.

So the first 100 - 200 yards were a grind but it was smooth sailing as soon as we hit the pavement.

My goal was to run the first 3 miles at very conservative split.  I knew what I was in for, having run this course a few times in the past (including bits and pieces from other times I had run it). 

This course is not flat (for the most part). There are several really fun downhills and some uphills.  I was feeling good for the first 5K until I realized that my decision to wear tights was not in my best interest.

I was really warm and every few minutes I had to reach around and pull them up.  Even my jacket felt warm, but at least that was tolerable.  I kept hoping it would get better but eventually I made the decision that at a good opportunity, I'd pull off the course, ditch the tights.  This would involve unknotting my shoes, taking off said tights (which were tight ones), and reattaching my shoes.

I made the decision around mile 4 and it cost me a solid 100 seconds.

I had been running with the 1:55 pacer and he had completely disappeared.  The 2 hour pacer had also come and gone (who I felt was running closer to 1:55 pace).

I made it a point to at least catch up to the 2 hour pacer.

I had done the initial set of hills and now I got a bit of paycheck as I sped down 1300 West.  The wind was a mild factor and I had company.  The 100 second rest actually had helped me a bit, as I had had a chance to clear some of the lactate that had been building up. I found that the downhill and the threat of not finish under 2 hours gave me encouragement and my pace quickened.

Soon the 2 hour pacer came into view.  I knew I was eventually going to catch him.  I continued to make gains with a bit of tailwind, but the faster than usual pace was taking a toll.  Right before the final set of hills I did catch a glimpse of the 1:55 pacer, which was my goal for the race.

I was also running out running buddies.  A large group had been surrounding the 1:55 pacer and now I was sort of in no man's land.  There were a group of 2 hour runners behind me and a group of 1:55's and a smattering of runners in between.  I was still passing a number of people and I was counting down the time until we got off of the Jordan River Bike Trail and back into the Riverton subdivisions.  I still had over 3 miles to go but mentally it was a "change" and it would mark the final hurdle of the race.

My pace had dropped off and while I had had a gel, my legs were tired and I was still feeling warm.  And I knew we still had a few more hills to go: the final 2 miles involve some hills -- and soon I'd find out a dirt road.

With all the rain and snow we had had, Lover's Lane -- normally a very dry quarter mile of dirt road -- was a near quagmire.  My almost new Endorphin Pro's were soon splattered with cold mud.  A few times, I had to slow down in order to not lose my balance.

I knew the race wasn't going to be what I wanted.  I certainly wasn't going to catch up to the 1:55 pacer. I was kicking myself for having worn the tights -- in fact, all through the race was cursing my bad decision.

I tried to remain positive and hoped to turn in a final fast mile, but despite the gentle downhill, I was running into a headwind.  I tried valiantly to double down on my pace but the final insult to injury was coming back under the finish line -- with the final 100 yards in 1 - 2 inches of snow.  I was warm, tired and just nothing left. 

But I did finish, in 1:58!

Conclusion

So I have very mixed feelings about my race performance on this:

1) I lost about 100 seconds in ditching my tights.  This cost me in overall time.

2) The course was long -- about .22 miles on most people's Garmin's.  So I probably took up an extra 2 minutes.  Looking at previous editions of the same course, it would appear we were misdirected down a road and there was a mini out-and-back around mile 10.75 that wasn't there last year.  This would definitely account for the additional quarter mile.

3) I ran fairly consistently. Yes, my pace slowed up at the end, but overall, it was a fairly even effort with no massive death march at the end.

So on paper, my time is "blah".  But if I presume the course was 13.1 miles and I crossed 13.1 miles at 1:56:20, I take off 100 seconds my time actually becomes a little different (dare I say 1:54-ish?).  I know I am trying to rationalize my experience, but given the hilly nature of the course, the wind factors and higher elevation, my race actually went really well.  About on par (or even better) with the other half marathons I've done recently.

I was feeling pretty good when I finished and managed to get to the car for warmer clothes in quick order.  I also was able to go back to the starting line and get some photos and food, which consisted of bananas, orange juice, chocolate milk, muffins and Cliff Bars.  All in all, a pretty decent spread of food for a low budget race.

The medal was nice and the age group prizes (which I didn't win) also were nice.  I like the shirt design but it is a hybrid cotton one.  I like the 100% polyester ones, but this year's shirt will see some lighter running in.

Again, my overall time wasn't the greatest, but I felt strong throughout the race.  The last 2 miles were a grind, but that was to be expected with the gradual uphill and dirt roads.  I was still passing people at the end and not many were over taking me.  I just wish I had gone with a lighter outfit from the get-go.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro Speeds 2.0 are an incredible shoe with the energy return and spring that they offer.  They are a huge confidence boost when I lace them up.

You'll probably find me at this race next year.  The course is enjoyable, well organized, and budget friendly.

Upcoming Races

04/08: 2023 Eggs Legs 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

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

04/29: 2023 Blossom Run 10K - Santaquin, UT (Confirmed)

06/03: 2023 Utah Valley 10K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

06/24: 2023 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

07/29: 2023 Timp 10K - American Fork, UT (Confirmed)

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

09/23: 2023 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/21: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/28: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

03/03: 2024 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2022 Sound of Hope 5K Race Recap - Riverton UT

Sounds of Hope 5K Banner

Official Time: 25:11
Placement: 19th overall, 2nd in the 50 - 54 age division.
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: low 60's, 18 mph wind from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:43	Off to a decent start with a bit of tailwind
2	8:01	At the turn around I definitely slowed down.
3	8:30	Not much left.  Just trying to give everything I had without feeling like I am dying.
3.11	0:54	Just not there in the final sprint.
	Total Miles: 3.11 - 25:11

Introduction

With no races on the docket for this past weekend, I was a bit perplexed with what to do.  Fortunately, some quick Google searches yielded one that was fairly local to me: The Sounds of Hope 5K in Riverton, Utah.

This race is about suicide prevention and the money raised from it goes to assist those in need.  It was reasonably priced and something to do.  With less than a 15 minute drive away, it made sense to give it a go.

Plus, I was looking for a flat and fast 5K to see where my fitness was at.

The Race

The race started at 9 AM, which gave me ample time to start my day and get a bit more food than usual down.  I rolled into the race site just shy of 8:30 and picked up my bib.  They had it well crewed and low fuss and I was ready to begin my warm-up.  

I am always skeptical of race organizers I haven't run with before, but the organizers on this race did a great job.  It started on time, and the course was well marshalled and marked.

The race was held at Roi Hardy Park, a trailhead for the Jordan River Bike Trail.  I had run by the park many times on other races and I knew the area was flat and fast.  The trail is paved and is used by many races in the area.

The race started on a pedestrian bridge and quickly hung a left to go north.  I didn't realize it at the time but there was a  pretty stiff breeze coming from the south.

There were several hundred runners in the race -- definitely a good turnout.

I was passed by about 20 runners almost immediately.  I was okay with that.  I had studied the awards system and I hoped that they would have an age group system, but they were only awarding top 3 overall, so my chances of double medaling for the day were dashed after a 100 yards.

None the less, this was a 5K time trial for me and I cruised the first mile in 7:43.  I was feeling strong but I knew that had been a fast mile.  I had done some speedwork only 2 days before and I could feel a little stiffness in my legs.  

I hadn't run this course before but the first mile marker was spot on.  I was curious as to when the turn around would be.  Around 1.25 miles the lead were cruising back towards the start.  I figured I was in the top 20 or so.  Not too shabby.

The turn around came at exactly 1:56 miles.  At that point I breathed a sigh of relief.  I always worry about the course being too long or short and to see my Garmin read exactly where it should be -- big score for the race organizers from me.

The turn around came after the first aid station.  It could've been marked a bit better (with a cone) but overall it made sense.

Hurting in the final mile.

Upon turning around I was greeted with a pretty stiff wind.  Where had that come from?  I was pretty gassed but still running strong as I received encouragement with the runners who were still headed out to the turn around.  I hit mile 2 with an 8 mile split.

I didn't have much confidence I was going to be able to hold the pace.  I tried to tuck behind a trio of young adults I had been running with but they were pushing the pace and I just couldn't get in behind them long enough to get any benefit.  The wind wasn't super terrible but it mentally it was a bit tougher for me.

My pace was sputtering at this point and I knew any hope of crushing this race today weren't going to happen.  The trio of runners I was working with put quite a bit of ground on me (I did manage to run in with one of them).  Fortunately there wasn't anyone behind me hunting me down.

I hit the third mile in 8:30 -- very disappointing for me.  I definitely didn't have anything left and I just wanted the race to be over.  I also made the mistake of starting my "sprint to the finish" too soon and ran out of gas 20 yards from the finish.  Oops.

But I did cross under the arches in just over 25 minutes.  Fairly standard for me these days for a 5K.

Conclusion

So my time wasn't what I had hoped for.  I really came into this run feeling like I was going to have a breakout race.  But I think at the starting line I didn't feel like racing.  All the positive energy / anticipation, I had built up during the week vanished at the starting line.  Was it because there was nothing on the line?  Was I tired?

I had slept that great the night before and to be honest, I just wanted to take a nap.  My energy level wasn't there despite being caffeinated up.

I gave it what I could and for the first 2 miles I ran well.  As per usual, the final mile is always my dream killer.

So the award system was goofy.  First through third for teens, first through third for adults by sexes.  And then top 3 (mixed sexes).  So the top finishers got to double dip.   I really wish they had had age group awards.

The swag bag was incredible: a beautiful shirt, a medal, timed race, socks and even a portable phone charger.  Post race refreshments included water, chips, fruit gels, and granola bars.  I was really happy with the value received on this race.  The bathroom situation was fine -- using the bathrooms at the park, but if this race gets any bigger, they'll need port-a-potties.

Overall, I ran this race nearly identically to the Roy Days 5K that I did about a month ago.  Same distance, same time.  Not sure which race I ran better -- probably Roy Days as that is a hillier course.  So I was a bit disappointed I haven't made that much progress but I don't think I was on my A-game today.

I'd definitely do this race again despite the lack of awards.  The money raised went to a nice charitable organization, the course was fair (even though I've run it several times over the years).  But the post race goodies and swag bag were top notch.

I just hope I am in a bit better shape next year.

Upcoming Races

09/24: 2022 Apple Harvest Run 10K - Santaquin, UT (Confirmed)

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

10/15: 2022 BYU Homecoming Run 5k - Provo, 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)

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)