What does a Salt Lake pirate say? Garrrr! I have two more times to train on the island before 'The Big One': today and next Saturday. I drove out after church, reluctantly paid the $9 park fee, and parked at the Mountain View trailhead. (I usually get out there early morning before the fee collection lady is there.) Galen G. and his friend Colette were finishing a run out to the Garr Ranch. I took off quickly down the trail and it felt good. Then the mud slowed me. Then, off with the long sleeve shirt. A few miles out I then removed my t-shirt and ran like a rock star. I met up with Andrea Martinez and her friend as they were coming back. We chatted for about 5 minutes. The entire run was uneventful. I wasn't bored, just working on staying fast and keeping good form. I carried two hand-held bottles and had two gel flasks tucked into the side pockets of my shorts. I hit ten miles in 1h18m.When I arrived at the Ranch I simply turned around and ran back. No time for tourism. Back was slower for the headwind. I decided to set a goal to hit 20 miles in 2h40m. With the headwind I knew the return leg would be slower. I hit 20 miles in 2h43m. Not bad for me. Last year on a training run I hit 18 miles in 3 hours so there is noticeable improvement. One mile away from the car I had to carefully run between two bison. I was most concerned about the one 25 yards uphill from me. I got past without incident. Arrived at car in 3:08:05 and drank 20 oz UltraGen, the best stuff on Earth. I am not going to count vert for this. There was zero effort felt on my legs to climb.
I had 10 oz of water remaining at the finish. Race day I can get down to the Ranch and back without stopping at an aid station. I like that.
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