STAND IN

In between the dentist and getting a new windshield, today’s column will be Jeff Nielsen’s Des Moines Marathon recap:

“Overall I am pretty happy with the race.  The temps were ideal but there was about a 10 mph wind that seemed to be in our faces no matter which way we turned.  I got out a little slower than what I wanted but it wasn’t too bad.   I studied the elevation graph as much as possible and tried to game plan for the hills.  The elevation graph does not do the course justice.  There were a few big hills with a lot of rolling hills miles 3 thru 13.  I would say that this course is actually tougher than Omaha.    I was fortunate enough to run with a local who lives and trains on the hills so he was giving me some updates as to what to expect next.   After mile 21 I started to slow but I still didn’t feel too bad and I felt relatively strong to the finish.  Just before mile 26 I started to get concerned because my right calf started to ball up like it was going to cramp but it held off.  Had this course been more like what I game planned for I would have definitely hit my goal.   I was 19 th overall , 3 rd in my age group, and by my estimation there were about 6-7 non Kenyans who beat me.   Attached is my game plan along with my actual splits.”

Jeff had a race plan and executed it very well.  Giddyup!

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