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What a fun weekend Kim and I had. It is going to be so sad when she leaves me.We both decided to journey down to Denver to test our fitness at the Park to Park 10 miler. I can’t remember the last time I woke up at 4 am. Oh yes I do, Ironman Lake Placid!! That’s just way to early for me!The race went well. We had different race strategies. Kim is in the peak of Ironman training and planned on doing it as a progressive  tempo effort. She started at a medium effort pace and progressed in speed throughout the race. She ran a strong race and was happy with her results. I wasn’t sure of my current fitness level or what I was capable of running, so decided to run the race steady and then hit it hard the last 4 miles. I figured it’s always better to have a fast strong finish, then to slug through the last few miles feeling like shit.  The pace went out at 5:50 for the first mile (remember it’s at altitude!) and I held back. I kept the #1 and 2 girls in check but went at my own pace. I felt great and it was so fun to be in a race competing for the win. At the 5 mile mark, I increased my speed and was in 2nd place. I was gaining on 1st place and was 10 seconds back. I was increasing my speed to 6 minute miles but at mile 6.5, I was still 8 seconds back. I figured if I wanted to win the race I had to surge, get on her heels, and be competitive. Sometimes in a race the hardest thing is making that decision and saying to yourself, “Go and go now” (and don’t change your mind 5 seconds later!) Flip the switch. I did and ran side by side for about a half mile. I again decided if I wanted to win, I had to throw in another surge. I did and thought to myself, “Run hard to mile 9 and don’t look back” I always do this in racing. Anyone can run the last mile hard.  It’s the third and second to last miles that often win a race. I dropped the pace to just under 6 and ran strong towards the finish. It was great to be back racing. My last road race was in January. Racing is so great because you can do things in racing that you never imagined in training. Earlier this week, I ran a hard tempo on the hills and only ran 6 min pace. My last 4 miles of this race were under 6 min pace! Special things happen when you hear a gun go off.Kim and I made a pack before the race. We said if I win the race then I have to go to Kona! Well I’m going to Kona for the World Ironman Championships! Whoo hooo. I always draw so much inspiration from watching the best Ironman athletes in the world race. Living in Boulder, I have met so many incredible athletes, many of whom have become great friends. I am so excited to watch Kim race once again. Win or no win, Kim is the toughest athlete I have ever met!! Go Kimmy. I am so excited to do some training and surfing in Kona. I just hope I don’t surf like I did 2 years ago. Everyone on the beach hated me and especially the 50 year old woman who somehow got tackled and buried on the beach by my surfboard.  Another shout out to my great friends Scott Strode and Amanda Lovato who are racing in WI this weekend. Good luck!!