Top of Zion Relay - Leg 31 7.6@7:28 After no sleep for 24 hours and going harder than I thought I was in shape for on the two previous legs I knew this one would be difficult. Watched several others start out and most where walking before getting out of eye sight. This was the highest point of the race at 9100 feet so that was going to be a factor too. Started easy and just worked into a pace I felt I could hold and tried to keep it by feel and not look at the watch. This leg has a net elevation loss but is full of roller coaster hills that make it not feel like a loss. Body was tired and the legs protested but I was able to keep a good pace and even pick it up on the downhills. Caught and passed 5 more for a total of 13 kills. Overall I had a really fun time. I only knew 2 of the people on my team before the race but had fun getting to know the others and spend many stinky hours packed close to strangers. Saw 3 rattlers (one of which Mary almost stepped on), ended with only 9 able runners on the team after we lost 2 of our team members when they had to go home to attend their 5 yr old that had gotten both shins broken in a 4 wheeler accident and a 3rd to injury. Everyone else picked up the slack with no complaints and did great. Aside from the no sleep thing I would do one of these again no problem. Shin was great the first run. 2nd and 3rd it was acting up but never bad enough to cause an issue. Started having pain in the arch of the foot in the mornings. So it looks like whatever the problem is is now affecting that area to. No hip or groin pain and Ill take that thank you very much.
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