Little Buddha

St. George Marathon

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Location:

La Verkin,UT,USA

Member Since:

Feb 17, 2005

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Local Elite

Running Accomplishments:

Post College

10K- 33:49 (Enterprise 09')

Half Marathon-1:16:29- (Hobblecreek 06')

Marathon 2:44:59 (St. George 07')

Personal:

I live in La Verkin, Utah. My wife, Sunny and I have 3 boys and 1 special little girl
I teach 7th grade Utah History at Hurricane Intermediate School and Driver's Education at Millcreek High School.

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Miles:This week: 5.00 Month: 25.00 Year: 882.00
Hoka Torrent Orange Lifetime Miles: 239.00
Hoka Rincon 2 Red Lifetime Miles: 169.00
Hoka Mach 4 Teal Lifetime Miles: 145.00
Hoka Mach 4 Black Lifetime Miles: 170.00
Hoka Torrent 3 Gray Lifetime Miles: 9.00
Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:07:27, Place overall: 206, Place in age division: 29
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
1.0026.200.000.000.0027.20

Well, this is not an easy thing to do, but something that is necessary.  This year's St. George Marathon turned out to be one of my biggest BUMMER races in a long time. Actually, very interesting comparison between my very first marathon in 2004 and this year.

2004- Great weather, ran hard the entire way finished in 3:07:30, placed 219th overall, and 28th in age division

2006- 2:46:11

2007-2:44:59

2008- Terrible weather, walked or slowly jogged much of the second half, finished in 3:07:27, placed 206th overall, and 29th in age division

The upsetting thing about this year, was the fact I felt like I was in really good shape, I had some good goals and thought I would be able to put everything together.

Anyway, as those who ran or were there know the weather did make the race quite a bit more difficult.  The rain the entire way and the strong head wind made for a long day.  My main problem came from cramping up too many times during the race.  I felt cold the entire race and was pretty worried about my body temperature.  I think my biggest mistake was starting out too fast and running too many miles by myself.  I didn't ever get in with any packs and I fought the wind the entire way alone.  After reaching the half, I really fell apart and struggled with cramping: (calves, back, hip, and quads.)  It was definitely humbling to see so many people passing me, especially other bloggers and people I usually beat. All I could do was wish them well.

Ok before I continue anymore with the downer report.  I would like to point out some highlights

1-Dave and Clyde's finish-  I was really happy for both of these guys.  Even though they didn't hit the time they were hoping for, they both placed very high in the race.  Great job guys

2-Nice to see so many bloggers out on the course.  Some performances that stood out. Michelle L., Tyler S., James Holt (Great job James!), Ken Carlson

3-A big highlight was stopping and shaking a little girl's hand.  She had her hand out and  people just kept running by her not doing anything, I actually stopped, talked to her for a moment and forgot about my problems

4-Another highlight was walking for a stretching with my cousin, who was working an aid station, I was really struggling and she helped calm me down.

5-Last highlight was rather interesting.  At the finish I met up with an old college teammate, actually she was more than a teammate, if you know what I mean.  Anyway, I hadn't seen this girl since college so it was nice to talk for a bit.  She actually came over and met Sunny and the boys and then I met her husband.

Ok, back to the scary part of this post the splits

Like I mentioned, going in I felt like I was in good shape, so I wanted to go out attempting a PR.  I believe in this race today the going out faster lead to more cramping and problems later in the race.

1-6:07 Felt good

2-6:25

3-6:01

4-5:53

5-6:02

6-5:40

7-5:54

8-7:18- Veyo hill

9-7:02

10-6:57- 1:03:20 I was actually feeling pretty good with my goals once I got to this point.  But pretty much after this mile the race really turned ugly for me.

11-7:30

12-6:59

13-6:56

Half- 1:25:50

14-6:59

15-6:40

16-6:40

17-7:04

18-7:31

19-8:29 Walking

20-7:13

21-7:47

22-8:16

23-8:42 Walking

24-10:10-Crawling

25-7:45

26-7:33-3:05:42

.2- 1:45

Finish time 3:07:27

Ok, that was very painful to write, but I'm actually very excited to get back to training.  Of course I will take it easy for a few weeks to allow for the body to recover.  But I would like to do another marathon before the end of the year.  I really feel like I need to redeem myself.  Maybe the CA International Marathon, Las Vegas, or P.F. Changs in January.

Anyway, this race was definitely one to remember, but would also be a nice one to forget.

Speedstar- 226


Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Steve on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 10:57:48

Hi Dustin,

Sorry to hear your race didn't go as well as you hoped. But congratulations on finishing! Hope your next marathon is better!

-Steve

From RivertonPaul on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 11:06:21

I've always enjoyed following your blog. Sorry things didn't materialize, but know you have a good perspective.

From Kim on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 11:17:37

Hey Dustin, Thanks for the highlights! Especially for the one about the little girl! Someday she is going to be an Olympic Marathoner because of YOU! I sure loved giving a high five to anyone wanting to share the love! I think the spectators that were out on this one were awesome! They were probably pretty cold and miserable but stuck it out for all of us! Congrats on what I would say is still a heck of a marathon!

From MarcieJ on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 11:20:21

Dustin I am so sorry, almost all of us felt the same. I keep replaying the race and it just almost brings me to tears thinking about it. I want to find another race soon too!

From Superfly on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 11:24:52

Way to stick it out Dustin. The only thing that makes this race ok is that we are all in the same boat. Everyone had higher hopes and we all got dealt a crappy hand with the weather.

You'll run some great races down the road. Keep you fitness and plan something fun after you good and recovered.

From James Holt on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 12:00:27

I figured when I passed you that you must have been hurting if I was catching you. You finished and now can move on to some better racing down the road. Good job.

From kellies on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 12:41:53

I loved reading your race report. Even though things did not work out as you had planned, you still did an amazing job and created memories that will last a life time. I also loved the highlight about the little girl. For some reason, those little kids who come out are what carry me through these things. You are an amazing athlete and should be very proud of yourself. When comparing 2004 to 2007, it shows how far you have come. You said you ran hard the entire time in 2004 and finished 2 seconds later than this year which included some walking, talking and above all else, nasty weather conditions. Hold you head high, you did a great job. Way to go!!

From Tom on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 13:19:00

Dustin nice job gutting it out and finding some positives. My race wasn't much better than yours and most everyone was off by a ton on their times.

Good luck with the next race! It was nice talking to you for a bit.

From TylerS on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 13:34:57

Great job on finishing the race Dustin! I knew that you were in trouble when I came up on you! I wasn't expecting to see you until after the finish line. Darin and I felt bad leaving you, but we knew that you were hurting. When I ran Boston in April I had the same thing happen to me, I cramped so bad at mile 21 and lost over 20 minutes in just 5 miles. I can't imagine gutting it out for another 14 like you did. I know that next year I will have my work cut out to keep up with you. Keep your head high and I am glad that you finally posted! You did great and should be proud that you finished.

From wheakory on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 16:25:47

Dustin, nice job at making the best out of the situation. Dustin, I'm thinking about running the California International myself because I've got to get this marathon out of my mind. I know I'm a sub 2:30 and I want to prove it.

From Jon on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 16:27:45

I hear you, buddy. Tough race. But think of the memories you'll have of this one! Running solo against the wind was a tough task, so don't worry too much about your time. I really enjoyed your list of highlites!

From Mike Warren on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 19:39:55

Dustin, thanks for the comments. You mentioned running another marathon this year. The thought has crossed my mind. I actually looked at Vegas and Cali. Just not sure yet. Great job on the marathon. I know for you not even close to what you wanted or should of done. Hey, it was just a crappy day. Time to move on. When I can run again, I would love to get out. Thanks for all your advice and the great training runs.

From josse on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 23:36:40

Tough day and extra tough on you:( It really stinks when we put so much into training for these things and it doesn't show in the times. You are awsome and will get that pr soon.

From cody on Mon, Oct 06, 2008 at 23:38:20

Way to stick it out Dustin! Tough day. Thanks again for the cabin!

From Brent on Wed, Oct 08, 2008 at 21:14:13

Dustin, great attitude on a tough day. I'm sure you will rebound for a great marathon.

Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out

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