July 21st, 2018: This was to be my 5th race in 6 weeks. I was looking forward to i!. I'd get to run with the wild goats and through the wild flowers in the wild untamed Wasatch Front. I slept in and started in the leisure late start at 7:30. I was fit and ready! I knew the day was promising. I immediately took the lead wanting to race hard from the start. 2nd place tried to hang on as I surged and continually pulled away. Between mile 3 and 4 I managed to pull away and knew I had to stay consistent. There was basically a continual hill from miles 2 through 9. Maybe 2 huge hills with 2 diminutive downhills thrown in for good measure. Through these 7 miles I gained roughly 3,000 feet. I ran consistently, constantly moving, never slowing and surprisingly feeling better and faster the further I ran into the thinning mountain air.
Finally I topped off near 10,700 feet. Yes, I live near this elevation! At this point I was running fluid and gaining energy. There would be crucial 2 turns in the next 2 miles. My eyes stayed focus knowing that I could not miss them.
Without breaking stride I found both turns with no problems. Karl Meltzer as always puts on a great race. The turns were obvious. Then came the wonderful crushing hill from mile 11.5 to 12.5 with over 900 feet of elevation gain. I would love to list off crucial exact stats but instead I'll have to resign myself by writing approximations: the grade is consistently 7% to upwards of 27% and my pace, well not the fastest but an ok respectable 16 minute mile pace.
Upon summiting I knew my lead had grown for I could look a mile down the ridge and finally see 2nd place a mile back. The original 2nd place had eventually accidentally gone the wrong way and subsequently dropped, while 3rd place was able to move up into 2nd place.
I was mentally prepared for the 6+ mile and 3,000+ foot decent. It was time to role! I wanted this win! I ran down, in controlled abandonment, not willing to let me lead lax, wishing to extend the lead. I finished in the Course Record time of 2:56:39.
It was great honor to win and represent HOKA One One at the Speed Goat. I thought about wearing the Hoka Speedgoats which is a great shoe but instead wore the Hoka Challenger ATRs. This pair is hard to beat when it comes to grip, cushion, and stability.
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