Got the the course and jogged around in the flat part of the course just to loosen up and watch some races. Started really warming up around 9:30. Ran out along a trail with Bill until we got to a park. Did some strides and drills to loosen up and then jogged back to the course. Changed into my flats! Did some more strides and drills and then downed a pixie stick. Checked in and then did some strides and used the bathroom. Had 2 more pixie sticks on my last stride!
Wasn't a good start for me. The group closed up really fast and I had to do some weaving in order to get to the front pack. After that I mostly sat and responded when ever someone made a move. First mile was 4:48. After coming down switchbacks I was in 2nd place and Philip Rocha took the lead. Worked with him up poop out hill but coming down to the 2 mile he gapped me by about 3 seconds. Not sure what the 2 mile was. The back part before Reservoir was the hardest part because no one is back there to cheer and it mentally lasts forever. Once we hit the hill I was able to work up to him but he gapped me again coming down. To and down the Gauntlet he was leading but right as we got to the little hill before the track I surged and took the lead. The results dont list my 3 mile time but they have Rocha's. It was 14:44 so I was right around there. Started trying to hold him off but he came back on the inside. I remeber telling myself that 2nd still goes to nationals but when we about 150 meters left I told myself that I wanted to win this more than anything. Swung the curve and then just ran scared the last 100 meters. It was quite the finish! Final time was 15:21.6 which ties the course record. Rocha was 15:27.
Cooled down about 3 miles and then had the long drive back to Salt Lake!
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