it's all downhill from here

After a couple of years off, during which they changed the course to a 10k with much more uphill at the end, I signed up for the 2019 Crack of Dawn 8k - back to its original course - for my sixth attempt.  To be honest, my training had not been what it should have been; I really didn't start running much until into June, due to travel and injury.  And probably also some laziness - I just don't like running that much!

I never seem to pick up my feet

My work friend N agreed to run it with me and H (and Milton) drove us up to the winter gate of Millcreek Canyon for the 6:30 a.m. start.  This is usually a small race as I understand the Forest Service only allows for 150 runners, but there were far fewer than 150 when the metaphorical gun went off.

The course starts just above Log Haven and goes all the way down Millcreek Canyon, turning left at Wasatch Boulevard for a short uphill to finish at the Olympus Hills shopping center.  I actually felt pretty good for most of it but that slight uphill to the end is always a slap in the face.  Even though that was my second slowest time, I still felt good about it, especially considering how little I had trained.  I was a bit wiped out for the rest of the day (which seems like a waste of a day) but next year I'll be the youngest in my age group.  I may just have to try it again.

Milton greeted me at the finish

Race results
2019:  6/15 age group finish; 28/76 overall finish; time: 44:02.58 (altho' I thought the clock read 43 something as I crossed the finish line)
2016:  5/18 age group finish; 34/115 overall finish; time: 39:55.96
2015:  8/23 age group finish; 59/175 overall finish; time: 41:24.02
2014:  5/23 age group finish; 65/174 overall finish; time 40:53.07
2012:  5/12 age group finish; 61/126 overall finish; time 44:15.11
2011:  6/15 age group finish; 45/106 overall finish; time 41:09.75