After some misdirection at the porta pottie line, the race started off well. My starting position wasn't great, but in a 3 hour uphill running race, who really cares? Moving up wasn't much of a struggle even with my limited peripheral vision. The crowd was fantastic, as were most of the other runners. The exception - Mr. "This is a running race, not a costume contest". Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough to actually challenge him to BEAT THE WIENER as he went past me, and I really didn't want to waste the effort to catch him. I knew I'd see him later!
With the exception of the constant rubbing of my bottle carrier on last week's scab and laces that were either too tight or too loose, everything was going to plan. I vowed not to check splits until Barr Camp. When I did, I saw that I was a few minutes under my goal of sub 3 hours. Things stayed this way until A Frame. Shortly thereafter, I cracked. Whether it was last week's ride, not enough altitude training, or just a bad day, I don't know. Regardless, while my head kept saying go, my legs were slow to respond. Walking doesn't seem to agree with my feet, so I'm rockin' some sweet blisters now. Outside of that, while I did cook my brain's out, the race suit worked out pretty well. Before the next 1+ hour event, I'll need to work something out for improved head and face ventilation.
Tonight is the Denver Moonlight Classic. So, I'll exchange this morning's race suit for the freestyle suit, and take the Hot Dog Chronicles on the road. I'll capture whatever hi jinks I can.
