The Granite Grinder Half marathon. I forgot what a tough little race this was. Amazing how your brain can do that to you. I ate a HUGE piece of humble pie today. The race takes place on the same course as the 1996 Olympic mountain bike course. The first part of the race isn't too bad...some ups and downs, a bit technical at times but nothing to complain about.....then comes the second half. The race is called granite grinder because you run a while on a huge slab of granite that is pitted, slanted, and at times steep. Then the fun really begins. The second half of the race is a bit more technical and has a few more hills (larger and steeper). I recognized the one particular hill from last year that almost made me cry as I was standing at the bottom of it looking up...this year I only let out a small whimper as I started my ascent. bottom line, I took 21 minutes off my time last year. Next year I plan on being in even better shape and taking another 10 min or so off. Please note that no time is being shown as I'm too embarrassed to admit to the painful pitiful finishing time.
Still I had forgotten until mile 12 my secrete pick me upper at times when I was feeling as down as I was.....the simple thought....there is beer at the end. This time it was true...most times it is not. Its sad when you know you are lying to yourself but you believe it anyway just to feel better. | 