Running on Eddie

Saturday, June 21, 2025

2025 Run TIMP (Timpanogos) 10K Race Recap - American Fork, UT

Sun rising over American Fork Canyon

Official Time: 53:38

Placement: 1st in the 55 - 59, 62nd out of 360
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: 57F. No wind and sunny
Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: First Year for me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:02	Slow start, but a gentle grind uphill
2	8:28	Nice downhill section of the race. Finally can get up to speed
3	8:36	Solid effort here
4	8:42	Fatigue setting in but still holding steady
5	9:03	Gentle grade uphill and running on fumes
6	8:29	Intermingled with the 5K and downhill. Gave it all I had
6.18	1:17	Fast finish!
	Total Miles: 6.18- 53:36

Introduction

So, this weekend I wasn't anticipating on racing. I was still pretty sore from last week's half marathon and I figured I could use the week as recovery and getting ready for future endeavors. However, in a group chat someone was willing to transfer a race bib to anyone who was interested in running the TIMP 10K. I had been toying with racing it -- it usually falls on the same weekend as the Taylorsville Races.

I figured why not, accepted the bib transfer and deemed, despite my fatigue and soreness, ready to race on Saturday morning.

Bus loading for the 10K

The Race

I showed up to the Art Dye Park at 5:30 AM. The park was loaded with hundreds of cars who had parked for the big race of the day: the half marathon. I wound up (easily) finding some street parking that was close to the bus loading zone.

I had to be on a bus by 6 AM and I was able to jump on one, once the couple that had picked up my bib the day before had arrived. I was actually en-route by 5:45 AM.

I had to ride a bus to the start: located near the mouth of American Fork Canyon at an LDS church. It was about a 10 - 15 minute bus ride (if that). There were plenty of bathrooms and I had no more than 45 minutes to kill. I wound up socializing, warming up for a brief shake out run and getting a caffeinated GU into me.

The race started at 6:45 AM.

There were a few hundred people in attendance (about 360) and for some reason I was lined up near the front. It was like no one else wanted to be there. I didn't want to get boxed in from other runners so I made do. I knew faster runners were going to pass me immediately.

We started in the church's service drive and almost immediately made a right hand turn onto the main street. I hadn't run this race before, and had only studied the course briefly. I knew the first mile or so was going to be a gentle uphill.

Of course, I was immediately passed by dozens of runners. I was running solid but I felt like I was working a bit too hard. I told myself not to panic and be patient. The race should get immensely easier -- and soon.

As we headed east, I saw the American Fork Canyon entrance looming ahead. I wasn't sure how far we'd have to run in that way, but soon, I could see glimpses of half marathon runners snaking out of the canyon. Just shy of a mile, we joined with them and continued eastward. By the time we hit 1 mile, we made another right hand turn and joy of joys: downhill!

Runners at the starting line.

We were now on a bike trail. And with the merging of the (faster) half marathon runners with me, things got a bit tight. I was never really stopped from running my pace, but I could no longer judge who was a 10K runner versus a half marathon runner.

I hadn't seen anyone that looked like they were in my age group at the start, but still, I was hoping to secure a top 3.

The bike trail was pretty and actually a joy to run on. The scenery changed a bit, with beautiful views of the valley, a lush golf course to the left and plenty of vegetation. I could settle into a groove. There were some uphill sections here though, and I took those easy and quickly got back into pace on the downhill or flats.

My legs were still pretty torched from the half marathon last weekend and I could feel a growing fatigue in them. They definitely didn't feel particularly springy despite running in my Saucony Endorphin Pro 3's. There were times when I felt like walking, but I endured and kept at it.

Mile 2 popped up at 8:28 -- solid and I was happy with that.

Crowds at the finish line

The subsequent mile was like the 2nd. Bike trail running and a bit of street running. It was fun, beautiful and I was motivated. I was still getting passed by half marathon runners. I suspect they were running in the 1:30 to 1:40 range, so it wasn't unexpected. I took a sip of water at the first aid station and poured the rest over my head. It wasn't terribly hot, but it was warm.

Mile 4 to 5 is where I began to really struggle. The downhill had ended and I was primarily running on the flat Murdock Bike Trail. I wasn't really intrigued by the scenery anymore and my pace dropped off a cliff. I was still working hard but I was kind of in desperation mode.

The fatigue had caught up with me and I was really hoping the race would be over soon. Perhaps the race would be short -- or to my nightmare, long? The mile markers were consistently about .04 of a mile short of my watch from the start.

Starting at mile 5 was the memory mile. The mile was lined with deceased family members of runners. It was inspiring to see so many people memorializing their loved ones. It was also at this time I had merged in with the 5K runners. So now 3 different races were running to close out the race.

It got crowded at times but it was empowering to pass by 5K runners. I was still getting passed by half marathoners but I was passing some of the ones that had gone out too fast. I still had absolutely no clue who was running what and to be honest I really didn't care.

Most of the race, I had run before, but the final half mile or so, the sights became familiar. I had run the Steele Days race in 2023 and I remember suffering running the uphill portion of the course to the east of Art Dye Park. This time, I only had to contend with the downhill -- and it was just what I needed.

Others around me could smell the finish line as we zig-zagged down the S shaped curves at a breakneck pace. I could hear the murmur of the crowd in the distance. We were close!

I could barely make out the Runtastic finish line arches in the distance as I hit mile 6 and like my other comrades, I dug deep and pushed. I had a goal of going under 55 or better and upon glancing at my watch, I knew I was going to easily make that.

There were hundreds of people lined up along the finish line and they were cheering us on. With over 2000 runners in attendance, those that had already finished or who had brought their family and friends, were giving us great support. It spurred me on and I did a sprint finish; and I sped through in 53:36....

1st in my age group!

Conclusion

The course came in just shy of 6.20 miles, but given how much tree cover and turns I had to make, the course was arguably accurate. The course also was challenging -- while there was 100 feet more of descent versus ascent, there was enough uphill to challenge myself.

Smiles at the finish line!

I will say the course is fast though. Other than the first mile, it is one that you could really cover quickly.

There were 3 aid stations on the course and the course was well marked and marshaled. With so many runners on the course it was hard not to know your way. At times the course did get crowded but overall, I didn't feel like it hindered my time in any way.

T-shirt, age group award and finisher's medal

I really was happy with the course too. It was new to me and other than the stretch of bike trail from 4 to 5, I was interested in where I was running.

As usual, Runtastic did a great job with the medals. The half marathon finisher one was beautiful. The age group medals were huge as well. Definitely well worth hanging around for.

Post race refreshments were bananas, oranges, chocolate milk, water and Powerade. There were some vendors in attendance offering soft drinks and ice creams.

There were a LOT of people at the finish line. It was overwhelming, but with the race having over 2000 runners, it wasn't unexpected. I was sort of expecting a morass to get out of the park area, but actually it went smoothly.

The shirt is a nice design. It is a blended shirt of cotton and polyester. I would probably wear it a lot more if it was 100% polyester, but the design is cool so it'll see service. The buses were school buses and were well organized. My only gripe is that it was hard to hear the race awards and they were pretty slow about giving them out. Overall, though, a solid experience from start to finish.

I really enjoyed this race. I wasn't expecting to feel this good about it. People were excited about the half marathon too. I would highly recommend this race and recommend signing up sooner rather than later for it. If I had to sign up for the week of -- I am not sure I would've run it. It was pushing $60 with the service fees and taxes. In hindsight though, I'd pay for it knowing the experience I'd get.

My performance: was decent. I wasn't expected much -- in fact, I wasn't really sure what I was capable of, especially coming off of a half marathon. I had fears that I'd go out and crash and burn in 2 miles. But fortunately, I was moving along nicely and I wasn't too discouraged by my time. I felt like it was a step in the right direction.

Hopefully, it is a trend that continues.

Upcoming Races

06/28: 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

07/04: 2025 Sandy City 4th of July 5K - Sandy, UT (Confirmed)

07/12: 2025 Farmington Days 5K / 10K - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

07/19: 2025 Mantua 5 Mile Race - Mantua, UT (Maybe)

07/26: 2025 Handcart Days Races 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

08/01: 2025 Parowan Half Marathon - Parowan, UT (Maybe / Probably)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

2025 Lamoille Canyon Half Marathon Race Recap - Lamoille, NV

I think I am on the right in light blue.

Official Time: 1:55:40
Placement: 2nd in age group
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 40's at the start, low 60's at finish
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2021] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2016]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:42	Uphill to start. Hard getting the engine started
2	9:02	Felt like this should've been faster
3	8:41	Finally the fun part -- glorious downhills
4	8:16	Cruising along
5	8:10	350+ feet per mile of descent == awesome splits
6	8:32
7	9:06	A reality check here as I hit a little bit of an uphill
8	8:14	Dropping again
9	8:34
10	8:19	Seeing more sunlight and it is getting warmer. Last of the fast miles
11	9:22	Some rolling hills -- quite steep in spots
12	9:15	Picking it up on the flats and down hills.
13	9:44	Please finish line come on!
13.06	0:32
Total Miles: 13:06 1:55:38

All Smiles in the early miles

Introduction

Once again it was time to visit one of my favorite places on planet Earth: Lamoille Canyon. If you browse around on this site, you'll see I've run this race a number of times and hiked here. I've had a ton of good times in Elko and running this race is always a special treat for me.

Heading out to the race at 4 AM

The Lamoille Canyon Half Marathon is what I'd like to describe as a "boutique race." It is kept small -- about a 100 runners for the 5K and half marathon (each). The feeling is that you are doing a long run with friends rather than eyeballing your neighbor to see if they are in your age group. Don't kid yourself, though, it is a race and people are shooting for a fast time, but the atmosphere is a bit more low key.

The race is held at the end of a paved road -- the service drive -- to the top of Lamoille Canyon -- about 13 miles from the main road. It also starts at a thin-aired 8500 feet. The course promises a fast time though, with nearly 3000 feet of elevation drop over the course of 11 miles or so. If you are looking to set a PR, this race might be right up your alley if you don't mind running downhill.

The Race

I had arrived in Elko on Friday afternoon. I had toyed with the idea of driving down to packet pickup (about a 25 minute drive each way) but after the 3.25 hour drive, I was simply tired of driving. You did have the option of picking it up on race morning and given the size of the race, I figured it'd be no problem to get it the morning of.

I grabbed a fairly light dinner and turned in early. I had problems sleeping, although I shocked myself by getting about 3 to 4 hours (at best). My room's air conditioner really couldn't keep up with the warmth and stuffiness and I wound up sleeping above the covers with a cold rag on the back of my neck.

With a bus loading time of 4:30 AM, I was up at 3:30 AM and I shoved as much food as I could down. I was out the door by 4 AM and at the bus loading by 4:30 AM. Packet pickup was a snap and I was on the bus by 4:45 AM and on my way to the top by 5 AM.

I wound up making small talk with a fireman who I sat beside. I always seem to make friends at this race -- the Elko bunch are usually a friendly bunch.

The drive took a while but we made it and I had about 30 minutes to use the porta pottie and get settled in. The top of the canyon is usually cold and I had brought a lot of winter-ish gear, but it wasn't terrible and the time flew by.

With about 10 minutes to spare, I walked down the canyon about a third of a mile to the starting line. We were given brief instructions by the race director (the course is very simple) and told to keep to the left to avoid traffic. I was able to dump my gear into an awaiting vehicle and I was ready to run: choosing thin gloves, short shorts, Saucony Endorphin Pro 3's and a technical t-shirt.

I didn't have any hard goals on this race. I was shooting for 2 hours though. Given the downhill nature of the course, I felt that was an attainable goal. My training hasn't been that great for a half marathon race, so I was a little worried about my endurance.

The race starts off going back to the drop off zone. It is a horrible experience. I wasn't entirely warmed up and almost immediately it feels like you are breathing through a straw. The air is just so thin. I told myself to be patient as I started to breath rapidly. The first half mile or so is just a grind and I was jealous of all the runners who were ahead of me who seemed to be impervious to the elevation.

Once I started downhill though, even though it was slight, my breathing recovered and I began to overtake some of the runners who had gone out a little too fast.

I think I was too conservative going out though and I knew mile 1 was going to be slow, mile 2 wasn't much of an improvement. I just didn't have a lot of confidence in what I could do.

We have to run back to the top of the service drive

Miles 3 through 6

The course suddenly got more "fun". This is where the efforts came easily. I settled into a nice rhythm and I began to soak up the beauty. I was cruising at below 10K pace without a care in the world. To my left, a stream could be heard babbling and to my right (and left) impressive walls of rock. Also, despite it being 6 AM there was plenty of light to see, but I wasn't baking in direct sunlight. There seemed to be a nice breeze at my back too. Perfect!

I was still picking people off. I was keeping myself motivated by finding someone ahead of me and trying to reel them in. With a race this small, I wasn't really running with anyone for very long and it gave me a drive to run a little faster.

I hadn't seen anyone in my age and honestly I didn't care. I was running strong and I was questioning whether I was going too fast, as I hit paces that have cost me in the past.

I wound up consuming a Roctane GU, which definitely perked up my pace.

Miles 7 though 10

Mile 7 was a bit of a hiccup. I knew it was coming and mentally I was ready for it. Here, the race levels out and there is a bit of a hill you have to climb. Your quads have been pounded by the preceding miles so making yourself push, when everything hurts is definitely a challenge.

At this point I was working on keeping up with a woman runner. She was holding a solid pace and a good hundred or two yards in front of me. There was another runner (or two) even further ahead but she kept me in the game. Over the course of these miles I picked up my pace every so slightly and started gaining ground on her.

As I sped down the S-curves of the canyon, I noticed that soon we'd be running in broad daylight. We'd lose any sort of shade, which I was really enjoying. I also knew the final 5 kilometers where most people's dreams of a great race are dashed.

If only the race continued to drop a few hundred feet over the final 5K.

Final stretch

Mile 10 through 13

I was on the woman's tail by the time we hit the sunlight. I was honestly kind of surprised I had caught up to her. At about the final downhill, I overtook her and figured it was time to start working on the next competitor.

I was still running, what I felt was strong, and was trying to summon my inner speed -- recalling the great final 5K I had had at the Sun Half Marathon in January.

It was getting warmer and the uphill sections came more often. The woman I was "competing" against, kept overtaking me on the uphill portions. Once we had ascended, I would resume more normal pace as we either took on the flat sections or got another small downhill.

This back and forth lasted until mile 12. It was fun while it lasted, but I felt like my pace dropped off a cliff. She obviously had another gear and she put me in the rear view mirror. It was good spirited and after the race we congratulated one another on our efforts.

The final mile was a doozy. There just wasn't much left. I felt like my once smooth, easy going glide was now a desperation shamble. I was overtaken by a few other runners in this final desperate time. There is a bit of a drop as we headed into Lamoille Grove -- the village's park -- but I couldn't take advantage of it. Glancing over my shoulder, I didn't see anyone I was too concerned about passing me.

I knew there'd be photographers at the finish and I put on a brave face as I ran on the grassy lane that was lined with American flags to the finish. There was a lot of crowd support here, with families cheering people on. For a small(ish) race, this almost felt like crossing a finish line of a much larger event.

Finish line Chute

Conclusion

So, from about mile 8 or so, I knew I had a good shot at finishing under 2 hours. I had banked so much time on the faster sections. While my times were definitely slower on the final 5K, I was still in solid contention to finish under 2 hours. I was really pleased with a 1:55:40. However, there is no way, I could've gotten anywhere near this on a flat course. I suspect the race does give you about a 5 to 10 minute boost.

All smiles at the finish line

Post race refreshments were chips, Gnarly sports drink, water, and chocolate milk. I think there were bananas as well. Typical fare for a race.

I loved the finish line vibe. The park was decorated with American flags, there was an announcer shouting finisher's names. The 5K runners were getting awards and people were just friendly and willing to recount their race. It was also a picturesque day: sunny, warm and just enough of a breeze. I didn't mind too much that it took a while to dole out the awards.

Shirt + finishers medal + age group award

The new starting time (6 AM) also gave me plenty of time. Normally I have to rush back to the hotel to get cleaned up and out of the room. This time, I had another hour to loaf around and mingle.

Initially, I had thought I had won my age division (55 to 59). I had fears they were 10 year brackets. I do think my name was called out in first, but looking at the results, one of the top finishers was definitely in my age group. So I am claiming 2nd. The age group award was a simple ribbon.

Overall, I was very happy with my experience. The course was easy to follow, there were several aid stations (I think 4 but I could've used another). The volunteers at the aid stations offered encouragement and had hydration ready to go. The bus ride to the top was nice too -- coach buses are always nicer than the yellow school buses.

The finisher's medal was pretty basic and the cotton t-shirt was a bit ho-hum. I still wear their grey technical one all the time that I got years ago. I wish they'd go back to that style of shirt.

Overall, though, I was had a wonderful experience. This course is so incredible and I hate to spoil the secret that this canyon is indeed Nevada's Swiss Alps. Definitely put this race on your list if you want a fast time and don't mind smashing your quads to get it.

Upcoming Races

06/21: 2025 Run Timp 10K - American Fork, UT (Confirmed)

06/28: 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

07/04: 2025 Sandy City 4th of July 5K - Sandy, UT (Confirmed)

07/12: 2025 Farmington Days 5K / 10K - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

07/19: 2025 Mantua 5 Mile Race - Mantua, UT (Maybe)

07/26: 2025 Handcart Days Races 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

Sunday, June 8, 2025

2025 Vineyard Days 5K Race Race - Vineyard, UT

Around mile 2.5 of the Vineyard City 5K

Official Time: 26:02
Placement: 1st in the 50 - 59 -- 40th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 60's, slight breeze
Course Map / Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: First Year for me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:08	Really good start. Exactly where I wanted to be.
2	8:46	Some rolling hills here. Felt like I was running faster
3	8:51	What happened? Just not a lot left. Again working hard, but not seeing the time
3.05	0:26	Did my push too late
	Total Miles: 3.05- 26.21

Introduction

In signing up for this race, it was mostly about logistics and price. Normally, I do the Utah Valley Race, but in signing up late, the price was pretty high and it involved making a drive down to Provo (about a 40 minute drive) to get my bib.

The Vineyard race just made sense. A course I knew well, a course I'd likely earn an extra medal and at 50% of the price of the Utah Valley one.

It would also allow me to gauge my progress. I ran the exact same course in March for their Gold Rush Days 5K.

The Race

I arrived to Vineyard Grove Park, which is the city's headquarters for their races. It offers ample parking and a pavilion and bathrooms. With the city's celebration, they also sported plenty of porta potties.

I was able to grab my bib in short order and wound up doing about a mile warm-up in my almost brand spanking new Endorphin Elites 4. I was feeling pretty good and I had a feeling I was going to run better than my 26.20 that I had run about 6 weeks ago.

The race started promptly at 8:30 and we were off down a familiar route that I've raced many times.

The first half mile or so tends to be congested as it is sidewalk running and everyone is trying to jockey into position. It isn't the worst situation but it definitely will slow you up a bit as you have to move around and take the least advantageous route.

I had surveyed my competition and saw one guy who might be in my age group (50 - 59) but it was primarily a younger crowd. I also felt that the one guy was older than me, as I have seen him before.

I was running hard, but not all out. The race gets more challenging as it progresses. Also, I was feeling some fatigue in my legs already -- probably from the higher mileage and workouts I had done earlier in the week.

As we headed towards beautiful Utah Lake, I spotted the first mile marker. It was a little short according to my Garmin, but I rolled through in 8:08 after my Garmin chirped. Solid. Now if I could only hold it.

We finally made it to the lake path. It is a paved path that borders Utah Lake. There are some rolling hills here and obviously it is the showcase of the race. Reality was starting to set in though.

I had some solid competition here and people to work with. My weaknesses are the hills and I'd give up my position on the climbing portions, only to retake it once it leveled out. I knew I was redlining at this point, but I felt like my pace was faster than the 8:45. At times, I'd glance down at my watch and see 9 minute per mile pace. This was NOT what I wanted.

Finally, we made a left turn and had more sidewalk running to contend with. This time, however, the crowd was thinner and I was working with a couple of women and another guy.

Once again, I was pushing hard but not seeing a drop in pace. I felt like I was running 8:30 at the least but my pace was 8:45.

Typical stretch of lake side bike trail

This part is also mentally taxing. There isn't much to look at. Just your neighborhood run. We'd have to cross a street once in a while, which was marshalled well. In fact, this course with its many turns and opportunities to take a detour you shouldn't, was well marked and thought out.

I kept a watchful eye out for the penultimate left turn and I couldn't wait to get there. I had run to it (about half a mile from the finish line) before the race as a warm-up. When I made the turn, I was still working with the same group, although I was bringing up the rear.

With views like these of Utah Lake....

My goal was to try and keep up with them or pass them. I needed something to work with. I had a sense that if I nailed the final mile, I'd at least do significantly better than my March run.

A difficult part of this race is that the finish line is almost immediately after the final turn. I kept trying to figure out my final kick moment. Mentally, I had totally misjudged how much further I had to run and while it would've been simple just to look at my watch and trust my previous history on it, visually I was caught off guard.

Final turn ahead.

The final stretch is 100% flat and as I accelerated my watch beeped 3 miles. The course always comes in a bit short (about 3.05 usually) and I had clearly waited too long. I think I overtook one of the runners, but the other guy was well ahead of me.

As the seconds ticked along, I was crestfallen to see 26:xx on the timer. Icky, I was really trying to get at least in the 25's.

I wound up crossing a few seconds later and with the buffer of a chip time, I managed to squeak in just a second or two above 26 minutes.

Conclusion

So, initially I was sort of upset. I've taken a break from racing and banked some training time, and I was hoping to have a significantly better race. Realistically, I felt 25:40 was going to happen.

Finish line photo of me.

There was some significant fatigue in my legs though and I didn't feel tapered for the race. Still, the race was a letdown performance-wise for me.

I socialized for a bit after the race and wound up getting some photos and checked my results. Given that most of the top talent was at the Utah Valley race and there was dearth of older runners, I placed 1st in my age group. Score! An extra medal for my efforts.

Awards were quick and pretty much self-service. They validated your name and handed you a medal. I was ready to go soon after the kid's race.

Post race refreshments were pre-wrapped goodies and water (with flavor packets). For a $30 race (including service fees) -- it was on par. There was an optional t-shirt to purchase, which had a cool design to it, but in the past they were cotton ones and normally I don't wear those.

After the race I wound up doing about a 2.25 mile slog to get photos of the lake and miles 1 through 2. The photos you see were taken after the race (or before).

This race is run professionally from start to finish. Great timing, quick awards, budget price and an aid station (at about mile 2). I can't recommend this city more if you are liking for a wallet-friendly race that is well run.

The medals were also cool and nicely designed. My only grip is that I'd love to see an earlier start. 8:30 AM is pushing it for a summer 5K in terms of air temperature.

Upcoming Races

06/14: 2025 Lamoille Canyon Half Marathon - Lamoille, NV (Confirmed)

06/28: 2025 Taylorsville Dayzz 5K - Taylorsville, UT (Confirmed)

07/04: 2025 Sandy City 4th of July 5K - Sandy, UT (Maybe)

07/12: 2025 Farmington Days 5K / 10K - Farmington, UT (Maybe)

07/19: 2025 Mantua 5 Mile Race - Mantua, UT (Maybe)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

Monday, May 26, 2025

Road Trip Down Memory Lane

Welcome to Illinois

Introduction

With a lull in the racing action and a bit of time on my hands, I decided to write an article about running. As evidenced a few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to go back to McHenry County Illinois to race a 5K I hadn't done in a very long time.

For those that don't know, I lived in Illinois (the McHenry area) from 1997 to 2012. It was there that I took up the sport of running and got a little more serious about it.

It was also there that I got my first taste of racing.

With me visiting family, I had a few days to rerun some of my favorite routes. There were still plenty more I'd love to have run, but with limited time as well energy, I made the most of my time.

Me, in front of the Follett Software Building

Saturday 5/3/2025

Once I arrived in Illinois and got settled into my hotel, I couldn't wait to get my shoes on and go for a run. I had a race the next day, but I still wanted to shake the legs out and just get a few miles in.

I was at the Hampton Inn, in McHenry and coincidentally it was located practically across the street from a place I worked at from 1997 - 2012. It is a business complex, without a lot of traffic.

I grabbed my phone and began a 3 mile plod around the offices. I used to walk around the complex during my lunch breaks and it brought back a lot of memories. There wasn't much new and it seemed so desolate on a late Saturday afternoon. The office building that I used to work at had closed their offices and the building appeared to be unused and for sale.

Did a few strides along here

It was also a reminder just how much "greener" everything is compared to Utah.

Flight for life chopper at the hospital

I did a lap around the complex, ducked into the hospital area and took a well traveled path back to my hotel. It was good to be back in Illinois.

Sunday 5/5/2025

See my post on the Raue Center Run for the Arts 5K.

Monday 5/6/2025

On Monday morning, I managed to eat and get everyone settled with where they needed to go. I was still pretty full from the all-you-can eat breakfast buffet, but I swung by my old house on Misty Pine Lane in Crystal Lake IL.

Some of the Farm Roads in Bull Valley

This house is where I got really serious about racing and I lived and died by my runs. I couldn't wait to re-run some of my routes.

The house still looked pretty much the same -- there were a few changes I noticed right away. But seeing it brought back all kinds of memories: mowing the lawn, shoveling it, the people who were my neighbors, etc. I had lived there from 2001 to 2012. One of the things I loved the most about it, was that I really enjoyed the running in the area.

Terwilliger House

Spring flowers

You can follow my route here.

In the immediate neighborhood I had about a 3 mile loop, which I often did in the winters. Other times, I frequented the farm roads of Bull Valley. Running in Bull Valley was always a dicey proposition. The roads don't have much as far as a shoulder. The law stated you had to give at least 3-feet of room to a cyclist or pedestrian. I was lucky to get that.

Stickney House

But the farm roads were a place I cut my chops on. It was where I did mile repeats, where I logged endless miles in preparation for my marathons. I didn't keep good track of my running back then but I figure I safely was averaging about 1500 miles a year.

Stickney Woods Subdivision

The mile markers on my Garmin came up like I had never left. I started along Mason Hill, passed by the golf course and continued my way westward. I took in all the historical houses and even ducked into some neighborhoods that I wouldn't normally have gone through. I was snapping photos like crazy -- it was spring time and the flowers were out and the memories were alive.

Boger Bog

I was a lot slower (and older). I used to run my 5K route in 24 minutes on an easy day. Now -- I'd have to really work at it to get back there.

Historic Holcombville and old schoolhouse

The whole experience was both surreal and beautiful. I didn't want it to stop, but after 8.5 miles and a 5K already in the banks from the day before, I was pretty tired.

Some many race memories

Tuesday 5/7/2025

My final trip took me to Lippold Park, a multi-use park in the far north west corner of the city. Lippold is huge park -- sporting baseball fields, frisbee golf, soccer fields and way more. It also play host to several large 5Ks, which a very accurate limestone paved 5K course. I probably ran well over a dozen 5K races there.

I started there and decided to drift into the neighborhoods surrounding the park. I had my phone and I figured I could do a lap around Crystal Lake. I lived in the area for 12 years and I never once did that. I remember a race or two in that area (the long deceased Frosty 5 Miler comes to mind)

My route can be found here.

It was an absolutely beautiful day. Occasionally, I'd duck into a neighborhood to get a closer view of the lake. The park district also had the beach open (and fortunately the bathroom, which came in a nick of time). It was also an opportunity to get some water in me, as I was parched.

After grabbing a bite to eat I swung by Veterans Acres and wound up doing a fairly short hike around the grounds. I had once done an 8KM "Euro Cross Country" race here and I simply remember it as being grueling. I am not much of a trail runner and this race proved that fact.