This was my first 1/2 with any real training behind it. It was a blast. Did a 2 mile warm up with Scott, Matt, Toni, Brandon and Spencer. Started out trailing the lead pack. I found Karl Siebach and Zak James right at the start. They seemed to be running about the pace I was looking for so I latched on to them. First 3 miles were a steady 5:40 pace. Zak sped up a bit after 3 and I went with him, mile 4 was 5: 35. As the hills started rolling I backed off. Mile 5 was 5:45. Karl passed me up the first big hill. I passed Walter around this point. Next 2 were 6:06 and 5:57 up the hills. Karl gap'd me by about 30 meters. Downhill mile was 5:28. I was still feeling strong and was quite surprised I was still moving! I caught Karl during the next mile: 9 and 10 were both 5:40 as we ran together. The next mile faded a little: 5:46. I was starting to feel the hamstrings. Otherwise I felt great. 2 miles to go, I decided to speed up a little and pass Karl. Body responded well to the pace so I held it. Last 2 miles: 5:30, 5:29. I felt great at the end. It was a good test of my fitness. I was probably in shape to go a bit faster as I had a lot left at the end. I was hoping for a 1:15 so I was very pleased with the time. It was awesome to have so many of the early morning group there. Hooked up with Scott and Spencer for a cool down. Then I went on a beautiful, sunny hike through the red rocks near Tuacahn. Clear blue skies and 60 degrees. Couldn't ask for a better conclusion for the trip. | 