Pre-race
I drove up Saturday morning. Took my usual pit-stop in Primm. I stopped by the Rei in Henderson to buy some reflective gear and just to waste time before the restaurant opened for lunch. I ended up buying a Sprigs wrist wallet as well. I didn't wear it for the race because I brought my shorts that had a pocket. I then headed over to eat all-you-can-eat sushi at Sushi Mon. Their sushi was pretty good for a buffet. I ate maguro, hamachi, amaebi, uni, tako, ikura, salmon, albacore, tiger roll, spider roll, hamachi kama, edamame, shrimp tempura, misoshiru, and strawberry mochi ice cream. I stopped myself pretty early, but still I ate too much. My stomach was just not used to it anymore. I vowed never to eat at a buffet ever again.
I checked into my hotel, the Doubletree by the airport. I didn't know that they give you cookies when you check in. I relaxed while watching The Dark Knight. The more and more I watch this movie, the more I think the movie sucked! The only thing good about it was Heath Ledger's acting. At about 4pm, I drove over to the Hard Rock hotel to pick up my race packet. It was my first time driving through the airport tunnel. I try very hard to stay away from the Strip when I'm in Vegas. I saw a few of my maniac friends: Marcia, Mitch, and Don. I drove back to my hotel to relax. Didn't even bother with dinner.
When it got close to 8pm I got ready and headed back over to the Hard Rock to catch the shuttle to the starting line which was about 2 hours away. Casey spotted me in the parking structure. Looked like we had the same idea and drove to the top of the parking structure instead of trying to find a spot in one of the lower floors.
It was pretty crowded inside the hotel. It was full of people running one of the ET races. You could tell that the regular patrons were somewhat annoyed by the runners crowding the corridors. I rode one of the quiet buses with some maniacs: James, Don, Marcia, and Casey. Once we got there, we all kind of split up.
I sure could've used an ET powered flying bike this past weekend!Goals:
A: 4:30
B: under 5
C: beat last year's time 5:26:33
The Race
It felt warmer than last year. No headwind this year at the start. I heard a bunch of mooing cows this time. I slowed down gradually from about the 5k mark because I kept feeling like I was overheating. The right ankle started to bother me at mile 8. The first half was one big steady climb. I got there in about 2:20. Hip discomfort started at around mile 14 during the downhill section to A'le'inn. It was mostly a brisk walk coupled with some jogging to the finish. You can see the A'le'inn from far away, but it was tough since it seems like I wasn't getting any closer. Having ran it last year, I knew the inn was at mile 20. It was windy during the last 10k. Again this section was hard mentally since it's an uphill 5k climb to the tiki torches where we turn around. James caught me near mile 21. Once I reached the turn around, it was a downhill 5k to the finish line. The hip did not like the downhill. It was good to see some of my friends on the out and back. Most of them were doing the 51k. Near the finish line as I passed a guy finishing the ultra, he was confused as he couldn't see the finish line. So I told him to follow me and make a right turn up ahead. The finish line was improved from last year. The sign was a nice touch, but it was blocked from view by one of the buses. They should probably move that bus next year so people can see the finish line from the road.
Splits:
1: 7:21*
2: 10:25*
3: 7:28*
4: 9:32
5: 9:53
6: 10:41
7: 12:07
8: 10:01
9: 11:02
10: 12:17
11: 12:24
12: 13:22
13: 12:47
14: 14:13
15: 13:12
16: 13:28
17: 13:59
18: 14:33
19: 15:24
20: 14:21
21: 16:24
22: 16:04
23: 16:47
24: 17:11
25: 14:09
26: 13:36
26.2: 2:01
Finish: 5:34:44
*The first couple of mile markers were most likely off because I ran at an even effort for the first 3 miles which was about an 8:20 per mile pace.
Post-race thoughts and stuff
I took my first salt tab 1 hour into the race and 1 every half hour. I took a gel every 30 minutes to an hour depending how my stomach felt. Hammer Heed and gels worked better for me. I don't know if it was the sushi or the fuel that was causing the occasional flatulence. Sorry fellow ET runners. :)
The Nathan reflective straps cut into my skin. I'll have to wear it over clothing next time... if there is a next time. During the race, I thought about giving up my attempt at ultras. If I'm having such a hard time with a marathon, I should stay away from ultras. This also might be the last time that I run ET. It's just too hard for this morning person. I was unable to meet any of my goals.
I ate some delicious garlic shrimps at an Ohana Hawaiian BBQ Restaurant before leaving Vegas. Good stuff, but I want some from the truck in Hawaii.
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