5th overall (of 34 finishers), 4th male, 2nd in men’s 30-39.

Probably the best race I’ve ever run, I felt crappy for the first hour and ran pretty conservatively but somehow magically started feeling great by the Fishway aid station. Started passing a lot runners on the big climb of loop #1. Pushed hard on West Ridge, hit the second loop at 2:15. Ran loop #2 in 2:35. Felt so good until mile 24, then fought off cramps.

I actually seized up (my calves, that is) about a half mile from the finish. Stopped about 30 seconds, kneaded them back to life (they were like rocks!) and bit my lip and sprinted it in.

I ain’t the strongest person but damn it if I ain’t tough when I need to be.