Okay, so I only rode 10.5 miles today, but it was super tough! I've been wanting to check out one of the newer Platte County trails built in the last couple years near Platte City. The mileage map states that there is four miles of trail. My first thought was maybe I could ride it four or five times. Then, after looking at the map, it occurred to me that, since there were different spurs that took off in about four different directions, I could go out and back on each spur until I covered all the spurs including the main trail.
As it turned out, I could have covered a lot more than the 10.5 miles! The trail hooked up, on the north end, to very wide sidewalks on 136th street. Since my quads were starting to fight me on my initial decision to continue, I gave in to them and began my return to my car.
The trail is fairly hilly and some of the hills reminded me of the Hilly Hundred, just not quite as long. Made no difference, I had to get off the bike and walk some of them anyway. They were short, but way to steep for Mikie!
Probably won't return since the trails are short, but glad I experienced the beauty of this trail. It would be a perfect place to run!!!!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Boston Memorial and My Long Runs
While Mitchell was running the Kansas Half Marathon Saturday, April 20th, the Runner's Edge group's weekly workout featured very moving memorials to Boston. Like Mitchell's experience in his half, Boston was on everyone's minds, and running seemed to be a natural way to work through our collective grief.
We began our day with a 30-minute ceremony at Runner's Edge that included some reports from runners who were there and a very nicely done prayer led by a RE volunteer. We then did our long run. I ran 16.5 miles very slowly, averaging 12:20's on my Garmin. Afterwards, we all drove over to the finish line of the Olathe marathon where all 27 Boston runners ran 0.7 miles with 3 who didn't get to finish Boston leading the pack (they were pulled from the course 0.7 miles out). I've included 3 pictures below from the day -- it was a very special event and I'm glad I participated in it all.
Last weekend, I ran 20 miles and averaged easy 11:30's for the first 14 miles, feeling quite good. But I then ended up by myself on a twisty, lonely run through suburbia that got very slow at 13-15 minute miles to the finish. I'm not sure if I slowed down because I was tired or just on my own. I do know I keep up better running with others....and I'm holding onto that thought going into my Traverse City marathon 5/24. My mid-week running program has suffered from heavy business travel of late, that will continue all the way to the race, so it will be interesting to see what shape I truly line up with on May 24th!
Last note -- I fly out to Vancouver BC tomorrow for a client's conference and I'm hoping to get some city runs in while out there. Here's our Boston pictures from April 20th:
We began our day with a 30-minute ceremony at Runner's Edge that included some reports from runners who were there and a very nicely done prayer led by a RE volunteer. We then did our long run. I ran 16.5 miles very slowly, averaging 12:20's on my Garmin. Afterwards, we all drove over to the finish line of the Olathe marathon where all 27 Boston runners ran 0.7 miles with 3 who didn't get to finish Boston leading the pack (they were pulled from the course 0.7 miles out). I've included 3 pictures below from the day -- it was a very special event and I'm glad I participated in it all.
Last weekend, I ran 20 miles and averaged easy 11:30's for the first 14 miles, feeling quite good. But I then ended up by myself on a twisty, lonely run through suburbia that got very slow at 13-15 minute miles to the finish. I'm not sure if I slowed down because I was tired or just on my own. I do know I keep up better running with others....and I'm holding onto that thought going into my Traverse City marathon 5/24. My mid-week running program has suffered from heavy business travel of late, that will continue all the way to the race, so it will be interesting to see what shape I truly line up with on May 24th!
Last note -- I fly out to Vancouver BC tomorrow for a client's conference and I'm hoping to get some city runs in while out there. Here's our Boston pictures from April 20th:
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| Boston Runners Finish in Olathe April 20th |
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| The Chau Family was out in force! |
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| Chau and Mary Haley -- long term Runners Edge runners! |
Sunday, April 28, 2013
It Don't Get Any Better Than This, weather wise!
What a simply gorgeous day! I had planned on riding 15-20 miles after the 1:00 Royals game, but since Chris had to work, we went to 8:00 AM Mass, which lead me to the decision to go ahead and ride before the game.
I wasn't sure where I was going to ride, but I was sure I didn't want to ride in the street. While in church, it came to me to ride Cliff Drive, my old stomping grounds. I wasn't sure how far it would be from end to end, but I decided I would repeat the distance for how ever many miles I wanted or to just ride for time.
I parked on a side street by the KC Museum and began my ride east on Gladstone Blvd. to Indian Mound. I circled Indian Mound and headed back west on GB to the east entrance to Cliff Drive, now a scenic Missouri Byway. About a mile into the Cliff Drive experience I came across a female runner around 30-35. I slowed down and accompanied her for probably around two miles. Even though Cliff Drive is closed off for the weekend for pedestrians and cyclists, I was still not real comfortable seeing a female running by herself in such a desolate area and I mentioned that to her.
Her name was Cheryl and she was grateful for the company, such as it was. She informed me that she usually runs with her two dogs, but her ex-husband had the dogs since it was his weekend. I don't know if that was a court order or custody battle, but it made for some interesting conversation.
Sheryl turned off at the split that goes up to the KC Museum and we bid farewell. Oh yeah, she wants to run her first half and full marathon, so I told her about RE.
Guys, it was just one of those days that was good to be either running, biking, or just walking. I did both! After my ride, and after the game (9-0 Royals), I took the dogs for a ncie walk. BTW, I only rode for a little over 12 miles, but it was just a super nice ride.
My next ride will be Tuesday by myself, Thursday and Saturday with Rob. Need to start building the mileage.
I wasn't sure where I was going to ride, but I was sure I didn't want to ride in the street. While in church, it came to me to ride Cliff Drive, my old stomping grounds. I wasn't sure how far it would be from end to end, but I decided I would repeat the distance for how ever many miles I wanted or to just ride for time.
I parked on a side street by the KC Museum and began my ride east on Gladstone Blvd. to Indian Mound. I circled Indian Mound and headed back west on GB to the east entrance to Cliff Drive, now a scenic Missouri Byway. About a mile into the Cliff Drive experience I came across a female runner around 30-35. I slowed down and accompanied her for probably around two miles. Even though Cliff Drive is closed off for the weekend for pedestrians and cyclists, I was still not real comfortable seeing a female running by herself in such a desolate area and I mentioned that to her.
Her name was Cheryl and she was grateful for the company, such as it was. She informed me that she usually runs with her two dogs, but her ex-husband had the dogs since it was his weekend. I don't know if that was a court order or custody battle, but it made for some interesting conversation.
Sheryl turned off at the split that goes up to the KC Museum and we bid farewell. Oh yeah, she wants to run her first half and full marathon, so I told her about RE.
Guys, it was just one of those days that was good to be either running, biking, or just walking. I did both! After my ride, and after the game (9-0 Royals), I took the dogs for a ncie walk. BTW, I only rode for a little over 12 miles, but it was just a super nice ride.
My next ride will be Tuesday by myself, Thursday and Saturday with Rob. Need to start building the mileage.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Well, finally the weather broke and Rob and I were able to get a nice ride in at Smithville. Rob added on about another half mile than I did, but I'll record an 18.5 miler. Weather was just about perfect with blue skies, fresh cut green grass and budding trees. Just a nice little ride.
We both agreed that we need to begin upping the mileage, so we're planning on another 20-24 miler next Thursday and a longer one on Saturday. If anyone cares to join us on the Saturday ride let us know. I think we might be shooting for a 30-35 miler, but no more.
We're also beginning to make our lists for our October adventure. So far, toilet paper and ear plugs heads the list and those might be interchangable!
FYI, don't forget the Ride of Silence on May 15th!!!
We both agreed that we need to begin upping the mileage, so we're planning on another 20-24 miler next Thursday and a longer one on Saturday. If anyone cares to join us on the Saturday ride let us know. I think we might be shooting for a 30-35 miler, but no more.
We're also beginning to make our lists for our October adventure. So far, toilet paper and ear plugs heads the list and those might be interchangable!
FYI, don't forget the Ride of Silence on May 15th!!!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Kansas Half
Another week another half marathon. This was the Kansas Half Marathon in Lawrence.
Here are my splits:
I started the race 15 minutes late, looking for a port a potty or restroom. The line was so long, I thought I'd do better walking. Well I didn't, but I did find a field. I lined up with the 5K runners and started a minute before them. But I made a wrong turn circled back and joined them for 2 miles. By the time I split off to the 1/2 route, I did see some walkers. I assume I was the very last starter. So I ran a race mostly by myself. I passed many people, but missed running with someone at my pace. At other races I notice when I pass someone and they pass me and maybe I pass them again. Not this one. But it was liberating in a way. I didn't have a time goal, but was satisfied with my pace. There was one reaction I had that I didn't expect. There were several places that were an out and back. So I was running with some pretty slow people and some of the oncoming runners yelled words of encouragement. They were thinking I was a really slow pathetic runner that needed support. I appreciated the intent, but really wanted to give them the finger. (I didn't) but decided to never yell good job to a slower runner again.
The Boston Marathon bombing was on everyone's mind. Several runners had a bib on the back of their shirt. One said we are all Boston Marathoners. Another had a quote from 8-year old Martin Richard who was killed, "No more hurting people. Peace." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/16/martin-richard-photo_n_3092473.html?
As I said, there were times when there were lots of oncoming runners. One had simple T-shirt that said Boston. The night before the race I checked the weather and picked out one of my Under Armour shirt. I rejected my Penn shirt because I wore that at Brew to Brew and rejected my Baltimore Marathon shirt because I wore that for Rock the Parkway. So I settled on a shirt from another University that I had visited with Nathan. It was his shirt, but I inherited it. I did not have any other reason for picking it. Now back to the Boston shirt I saw. I was thinking, that was smart to wear something to show solidarity with Boston. I should have thought of that. But I don't have a Boston shirt. Oh wait.... I do have an MIT shirt. And yes that is the one I was wearing. I felt stupid for not thinking of it, but smart for actually wearing it. So luck allowed me to run as a Boston marathoner too. See photo below.
My average pace was 11:03. My GPS time was 2:26. But because I made a wrong turn, my GPS distance was 13.25. My official chip time was 2:28 (2 minutes for a port a pot break that auto stopped my GPS). This was slower than my RTP time, but I was satisfied.
Kansas Half Garmin
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--Mitchell
Here are my splits:
Split
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Time
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Distance
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Avg Pace
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Summary
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2:26:21.5
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13.25
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11:03
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1
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10:21.7
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1.00
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10:22
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2
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11:24.0
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1.00
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11:24
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3
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10:48.5
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1.00
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10:49
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4
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10:28.0
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1.00
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10:28
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5
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11:18.1
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1.00
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11:18
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6
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11:17.8
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1.00
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11:18
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7
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11:02.1
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1.00
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11:02
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8
|
11:31.3
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1.00
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11:31
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9
|
11:41.7
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1.00
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11:42
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10
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11:00.2
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1.00
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11:00
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11
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10:52.5
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1.00
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10:52
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12
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11:38.3
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1.00
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11:38
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13
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10:25.7
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1.00
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10:26
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14
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2:31.9
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0.25
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10:02
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I started the race 15 minutes late, looking for a port a potty or restroom. The line was so long, I thought I'd do better walking. Well I didn't, but I did find a field. I lined up with the 5K runners and started a minute before them. But I made a wrong turn circled back and joined them for 2 miles. By the time I split off to the 1/2 route, I did see some walkers. I assume I was the very last starter. So I ran a race mostly by myself. I passed many people, but missed running with someone at my pace. At other races I notice when I pass someone and they pass me and maybe I pass them again. Not this one. But it was liberating in a way. I didn't have a time goal, but was satisfied with my pace. There was one reaction I had that I didn't expect. There were several places that were an out and back. So I was running with some pretty slow people and some of the oncoming runners yelled words of encouragement. They were thinking I was a really slow pathetic runner that needed support. I appreciated the intent, but really wanted to give them the finger. (I didn't) but decided to never yell good job to a slower runner again.
The Boston Marathon bombing was on everyone's mind. Several runners had a bib on the back of their shirt. One said we are all Boston Marathoners. Another had a quote from 8-year old Martin Richard who was killed, "No more hurting people. Peace." http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/16/martin-richard-photo_n_3092473.html?
As I said, there were times when there were lots of oncoming runners. One had simple T-shirt that said Boston. The night before the race I checked the weather and picked out one of my Under Armour shirt. I rejected my Penn shirt because I wore that at Brew to Brew and rejected my Baltimore Marathon shirt because I wore that for Rock the Parkway. So I settled on a shirt from another University that I had visited with Nathan. It was his shirt, but I inherited it. I did not have any other reason for picking it. Now back to the Boston shirt I saw. I was thinking, that was smart to wear something to show solidarity with Boston. I should have thought of that. But I don't have a Boston shirt. Oh wait.... I do have an MIT shirt. And yes that is the one I was wearing. I felt stupid for not thinking of it, but smart for actually wearing it. So luck allowed me to run as a Boston marathoner too. See photo below.
My average pace was 11:03. My GPS time was 2:26. But because I made a wrong turn, my GPS distance was 13.25. My official chip time was 2:28 (2 minutes for a port a pot break that auto stopped my GPS). This was slower than my RTP time, but I was satisfied.
Kansas Half Garmin
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--Mitchell
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
It's Time!
Well, it's been several months since I had anything to add to our blog, but since we're planning this October adventure, it's time to record and document our training rides and runs.
Lots has happened over the last two days involving the sport and lifestyle that we have loved and enjoyed for years. The cowards, whom ever they are will never, never change that!!!! We are a nation of resolve and they may have caused us to hit the pause button momentarily, but then we press the fast forward button and continue on! And on it is!!!
Looking forward to all of your contributions to our blogspot, so don't let me down.
See you all on May 6th, if not sooner
Lots has happened over the last two days involving the sport and lifestyle that we have loved and enjoyed for years. The cowards, whom ever they are will never, never change that!!!! We are a nation of resolve and they may have caused us to hit the pause button momentarily, but then we press the fast forward button and continue on! And on it is!!!
Looking forward to all of your contributions to our blogspot, so don't let me down.
See you all on May 6th, if not sooner
Running Circles
Ran 5.0 miles at an average 10:19 pace yesterday on the indoor track at Planet Fitness. Their "indoor track" consists of an elevated track that is 13 laps to the mile. It's impossible to keep count in your head, so I use the lap function on my watch. But it is an relatively entertaining run, for an indoor run, as each lap comes up fast, and one is constantly weaving around walkers and other joggers of various sizes, shapes, and paces. I'm looking forward to getting outside again in my daily runs, but am waiting for a non-rainy day to do so. - Bill
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Rock the Parkway 1/2 marathon
I had a great Rock the Parkway 1/2 marathon. I started with the 2:30 pace group (11:26 per mile overall, but we started slower)
I went ahead around mile 7. Check out mile 13. It was downhill and I was feeling good thanks to slow easy start with the pace group.
My official chip time was 2:23:19.0. (I stopped for a port a potty break and my watch paused.)
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/298218091
-Mitchell
I went ahead around mile 7. Check out mile 13. It was downhill and I was feeling good thanks to slow easy start with the pace group.
Split
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Time
|
Distance
|
Avg Pace
|
Summary
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2:22:46.5
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13.12
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10:53
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1
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12:05.4
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1.00
|
12:05
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2
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11:49.2
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1.00
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11:49
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3
|
11:18.3
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1.00
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11:18
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4
|
11:11.5
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1.00
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11:12
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5
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11:22.4
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1.00
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11:22
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6
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10:56.0
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1.00
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10:56
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7
|
10:56.8
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1.00
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10:57
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8
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11:16.2
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1.00
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11:16
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9
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11:12.3
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1.00
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11:12
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10
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10:49.5
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1.00
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10:49
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11
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10:26.8
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1.00
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10:27
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12
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9:39.4
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1.00
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9:39
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13
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8:43.3
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1.00
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8:43
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14
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:59.5
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0.12
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7:59
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My official chip time was 2:23:19.0. (I stopped for a port a potty break and my watch paused.)
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/298218091
-Mitchell
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