Drove up with Matt and Scott. Sparse clouds and clear streets through SLC buoyed our spirits. As we passed the airport we came into dense fog, light snow, steady wind and slick looking roads. I was beginning to question my decision to run the race. A 3 mile warm up with Matt and Scott proved sure footing, steadily falling snow and uncomfortably high headwind for the return portion of the course. Legs were feeling good, stomach, not so much. I usually eat oatmeal before a race because it runs through my system so fast. This morning's breakfast wasn't going anywhere; it felt like it was still in my esophagus. The snow started to fall more heavily at the starting line. The first mile and a half felt great. My stomach started feeling uncomfortable and by mile 2 was cramping slightly. By the turnaround I was hurting and frustrated. Legs felt great but everything else was on fire. First half splits (5:17, 5:24, 5:26). On the way back the wind felt more like a series of brick walls than a 10mph headwind. The ice flying into my face didn't help. I slowed considerably. I watched Scott's group steadily pull away as I struggled to hold a decent pace. I didn't. After 5 miles my legs completely recovered, an odd feeling during a 10k. Last half splits (5:52,6:04,5:59,1:22). 4m cool down. I steadily felt worse and worse as the day progressed. I've got some kind of bug... Given the circumstances I wasn't too upset. It was fun to run with such a talented group. Matt ran a phenomenal race; well deserved. I'm looking forward to more races, better weather, and less flu. | 