Well this post might be a few weeks late, but here it is:
I've raced the Salida Run Through Time Marathon many times. I've won my fair share of races there, winning in 2008, 2009, & 2010. Since then I've raced and placed as high as 2nd at Salida, but the win has eluded me since 2010. This year would be different.
I went out with the intent of running fast and running to win. I kept an uptempo pace and the front pack slowly dwindled. By mile 2 the group was down to 3 other runners. We started up the first hill and it was time, I took off. I kept a blistering yet controlled pace all the way up to to the turn around at mile 14. Here, I used the out and back section to check my lead over second place: 5 minutes.
I've had success at races but winning is never guaranteed and I can't take it for granted. I knew I had a good shot of winning the race and tried to keep the pace going. The mile 21 hill came and I crept up the hill at a snail's pace. My early blistering pace was adding up and now slowing me down. I had to finish, and finish soon. Fighting fatigue and getting past cramps I made it down to the finish and won in 3:19. Results are here http://my3.raceresult.com/87103/results?lang=en#1_22DCB0
The win was rewarding. Hard lengthy training paid off. Don't ever take for granted success. You must put in the time, the miles, the effort, the work. The training will continue.
