"I just run these races--I don't win them!" A lot could be said about winning the Pony Express 50 yesterday...I probably should have been running the 100; last year's champion didn't show up; the guy (MVH) who won the hundred came through some 20 min faster than I did at 50; but hey, I've never won one of these things and I walked away with the Pony trophy and I'm pretty happy about it! Congrats to our own Jen Richards who broke her own course record, taking the Women's race in sub 8 (7:46) and placed 3rd overall! Had to come from behind, being passed by a speedy Chris Pope at mile 20ish. Up until that time it occurred to me that I was leading the race. Although still early, Chris dashed my hopes of a win when he quickly closed the gap at around mile 16 and then passed me at around 20. I accepted my 2nd, 3rd probable finsh slot and decided to just keep him in sight and if he were to falter, go after him. Chris built about a 5 min lead heading up Dugway pass (mile 33) I was hanging on but he was pulling away. Coming off the top of the climb (mile 37) on the downhill section, I stopped momentarily to stretch some tightening legs. Chris was far below but then stopped to stretch as well....and then stopped again. I caught him and stopped to ask if he was doing okay. His legs were tight and starting to cramp. I offered him a salt pill, which he took, and a couple of Ibuprofen, which he had already had. I wished him luck and pushed on trying to not look over my shoulder but knowing he was there. After a minute, I realized this was my chance (possibly my only chance) to outright win a race--and the Pony trophy! My legs hurt, still feeling the effects from the Bear 100 a few weeks earlier--and a less than ideal recovery, but this was my moment. I took it. At mile 38, with 12 to go, I dropped my pace down into the 7:40's and started building a gap. Still nervous about him catching me, my crew informed me that I had build a 2:30 gap in the first mile. By mile two (mile 40) the gap was up 8 min. By mile 42 he was nowhere sight. I ran hard, still running a bit scared, and started to realize I WAS GOING TO WIN THIS THING! I hit the Blackrock finish area with only the short .75 mile out and back section to complete. I was surprised to see that even after completing the 1.5 miles, 2nd place was no where to be seen. I crossed the line in 7:23:09 a PR by 24 min, won my first ever race and proudly accepted the Pony trophy from one of the all-time greats and legendary RD Davy Crockett. | 