This is the 2nd of 5 marathons that I am running this year as part of the Utah Grand Slam. The last marathon I ran was the Ogden marathon 11 weeks ago. Since there was a good break between these two marathons, I figured that I would race this one all out. Followed Pfitz’s 12 weeks between marathons plan and, other than some lower leg soreness, was ready to go on marathon morning. The plan was to at least match my time at Ogden (3:15). A week before the marathon, I found out that they changed the course and removed the uphill sections between miles 16 and 18. This should make the course a little faster and I was hoping for good things. Went to bed early on Sunday and was up at 2:00 a.m. (to thunder and a torrential down pour that lasted only 5 minutes). On the bus ride to the start, the bus driver looks back and starts asking for directions. Not a good sign. Got to the starting line and hit the port-o-potty. As I was trying to get out, the door was stuck. One of the stakes that holds the p.o.p. down came up and was blocking the door. Fortunately, somebody realized that I was having trouble and helped me out. Suprisingly, this marathon actually started on time. The last couple of marathons have been delayed 30 minutes and I was expecting the same. The course starts at the top of Big Mountain in Emmigration canyon. The first 16 miles are in the canyon so despite the recent 100 degree temperatures, it didn’t feel too hot through the canyon. Miles 1-5 (7:12 average pace) The first 5 miles are a pretty drastic down hill. My plan was to hold a 7:20 pace as long as possible knowing that the first couple miles would be a little fast because of the downhill. I was passed by two large packs of runners while maintaining a 7:00 pace. It took everything that I had to hold back and not go with the packs. In one of the packs, there is a runner who I have a 1 second lead on in the Grand Slam series (William). I really wanted to keep up with him but decided to race my own race and held back. Miles 6-10 (7:43 average pace) Around mile 6, we started climbing up Little Mountain. I don’t know who named it Little Mountain but whoever it was is a liar. Going into the race, I underestimated the significance of this climb. Just as I thought that I was at the top of the hill, I looked up and there was another big climb ahead. Just focused on staying comfortable and in control. I passed a few people going up the hills. Miles 11-15 (7:23 average pace) It’s predominantly downhill to flat from here on out. My legs were feeling a little fatigued but I felt that I could maintain the pace for the remainder of the race. Hit the halfway point in 1:37:30 – right on target. During a small out and back section I found that William was 1:45 ahead of me. Probably not going to catch him. Miles 16-20 (7:28 average pace) Came out of the canyon around the 16th mile where my wife and mom were waiting. Seeing them gave me a boost of energy and I was feeling strong. Powered up a little hill and passed a couple of more runners. In hindsight, I may have hit this hill a little too hard. It really sapped my energy and my next mile really suffered. Was able to recover but I can tell that things are starting to fall apart. The streets were lined with trees so the course was still pretty well shaded. Although it was starting to warm up, it didn’t feel hot yet. Once we turned on to Foothill Blvd around mile 19 and entered the city I could start to feel the heat. See William a couple hundred yards ahead and start wondering if I can catch him. I am slowly gaining on him and decide to be patient and let him come to me. Get by him around the 20 mile marker and realize that my 1 second GS lead is safe. Miles 21-25 (7:57 average pace) My legs are fried so I decide that it is time to switch to survival mode and just hope to keep it under 8:00 min/mile to the end. There are some pretty good downhill sections through these miles but when your legs feel like jelly, it really doesn’t help. As slow as I was going, I was only passed by 2 runners. There was a pack of runners about ¼ mile ahead of me and I couldn’t see anybody behind me. Tried to surge a couple of times to catch up to the runners ahead but just couldn’t do it. The last 1.2 (7:58 average pace) Once I hit the 25 mile marker decided to push a little (emphasis on little). Started to move up on the pack ahead. Was able to work through them and had a clear path to the finish line the last 200 yards. Another runner caught back up to me and we were going all out to the end. He passed me, I passed him and we crossed the line together. According to the final results, he beat me by 1 second. Final Time: 3:18:37 Overall Place: 35/548 Age Group Place: 10/49 I am a little disappointed with my time and performance. This race was a reality check for me. I feel as though I should be a better marathoner. I have to realize that this is just not the case. On the bright side, I did move from 9th place to 6th place in the overall standings of the Grand Slam. Next up is the Park City marathon in 5 weeks. Will most likely use this as a training run. | 