A fast 5k seemed a good idea for some post-marathon turnover and Big Cottonwood fit the bill. Met up with Spencer and drove to the finish line, boarded the bus to the starting line. 30 people. Warm-up up the canyon for a mile or so. On the way up we passed the 10 mile mark, which was odd as they were intending to start the 5k about .25 down canyon. Got back from the warm-up and told the bored looking guy starting the race that we were in the wrong spot. He looked at me like I was an idiot. We finally convinced him to call the director who confirmed that we were in the wrong spot, so everyone hiked up to the real start line. So far, this was the most poorly organized race I've run. Once everyone arrived the starter gave an unceremonious bleep with his megaphone and we were off. Spencer was still peeing in the weeds so he had to hurry and catch up. Splits: 4:35, 4:51, 5:06, 5:04 (for the .2) At the 3 mile mark the course deviated off the trail and into a parking lot for the finish. I missed the turn off and kept going straight. After about 3.3 I realized I had to be lost. I turned around and jogged back to the finish line. I was pretty pissed but didn't have anyone to blame other than myself. Good news is, on the Garmin at least, I got my goal time (14:55). Good run nonetheless. I felt good. 4:35 was a bit of a system shock. There were 25ish STAIRS on mile 2. I need to figure out how to run a 5k without getting lost. Had a nice massage afterwards and headed out for a bit of a cool down with Spencer. | 