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St. George Marathon

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Location:

Dogtown,Ut,

Member Since:

Jan 02, 2006

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

PRs: 2:26:29 marathon @ St.George '14; 1:09:55 1/2 mar. '08; 31:00 10k '07

Short-Term Running Goals:

Love running now.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Love running forever!

Personal:

My perfect day would include a run through the desert, time with my wife and girls, tasty homemade meals, and a nice nap in the middle.

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Adios Lifetime Miles: 512.25
Rocket 2 Lifetime Miles: 109.00
Kinvara Grey Lifetime Miles: 222.00
Vazee Pace Lifetime Miles: 437.75
Pace Blue Lifetime Miles: 231.75
Boston Lifetime Miles: 520.25
Peg Green Lifetime Miles: 544.00
Speedgoat Lifetime Miles: 325.00
Peg Purple Lifetime Miles: 509.50
Ravenna Lifetime Miles: 525.50
Barefoot '18 Lifetime Miles: 6.75
Levitate Lifetime Miles: 419.50
Peg NOP Lifetime Miles: 380.00
Peg Blue34 Lifetime Miles: 408.25
Solar Glide Lifetime Miles: 210.00
Levitate Black Lifetime Miles: 83.75
Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:26:29, Place overall: 9, Place in age division: 2
Total Distance
28.00

St. George Marathon. 2:26:29

Super stoked about today's race. Sneaked in a new PR and back to the top 10 for the first time in years. I really didn't think it was in the cards at all. It was all because of teamwork and smart racing. The most fun marathon racing I have had (for 22.5 miles - and then a survive to the line!). Will write more later. Great job to so many people today - especially Ben, Steven Abraham, Metler, Clyde, Amber, Marci; and super proud of James and Allyson for their PR's!

Went into the race not really sure what was going to happen. My training was decent - I had a strong base, but my old body can't handle anything fast, so I hadn't done much in the way of longer repeats. Also I had been really up and down on our tempos - some solid, some less than desirable. But my biggest concern was my mind. I didn't really want to be running this year and my mind wasn't into running hard at all. Getting up to the start and seeing everyone kind of got me going a bit more and I hoped it would go well. Ran the bulls on parade for a few minutes to warm up and then tried to stay warm as we waited for a delayed start - that hadn't ever happened before in any SGM I had run, so kind of a pain. The biggest part was that I knew the wind would disappear as would the cooler, but not cold enough temps. 1-5:36, started off and immediately 2 groups formed at the front. The lead crew moved out fast (for a couple miles then actually sat back) and Ben VanBeekum, Mike Nielson, Trevor Baker, Logan and I were in a 2nd pack - Clyde went with the leaders). 2-5:48, we settled in more and sured up our pack. 3-5:30, I never felt any tailwind (nor did I notice any breeze moving trees or bushes) and it was starting to warm up. Clyde and Nick Schunte(sp?) had fallen off the pack. 4-5:22, Logan was a little worried about pace, and so was I. But I commented to him about how important the pack was going to be and stayed attached. 5-5:25, grabbed water and dumped it on me. I think we caught Nick in here and he attached to our group with Logan a few feet off. 6-5:11, dropping into Veyo. 7-5:13, grabbed a gu/water mix here and we all talked about taking it easy up Veyo and needing to stay together. We had banked a little time and didn't need to stress on any hills. 8-6:07, actually one of the slowest Veyo climbs I have ever done. The pack totally fell apart here and I took the lead. I new we were going super slow, but I wanted everyone together. 9-5:47, Ben closed back to me and sat for a second to regroup his legs. I was so happy he came back. I have been alone from here on out way too many times and ended up suffering because of it. 10-5:47, Ben and I just kind of worked through here at a solid but not stressful pace, switching leads if one needed a little break. 11-5:54, maybe a couple of those quick earlier miles had worn us down a little too much. But these hills just go on for awhile and drain you too. Had been drinking a little water at each aide station and dumping a bunch of water on myself. 12-5:41, finally cresting Dammeron, we decided to just kind of ease back into it and get the legs moving. I heard a little noise and glanced back; Mike, Logan, Nick and I think Trevor had worked back up to us and were only about 20 meters behind. I yelled out for them to come and get us before we started really pushing again. 13-5:29, really expected Logan to come join/pass us at any time now. Went throughout the half right around 1:13:30 - a little quicker than last year. 14-5:27, back on Dammeron, we passed Pepe and were now closing pretty close to Clyde. The lead group had only been up on us about 2 minutes now was gone. I felt myself slip off Ben a couple times and my achilles was sending this horrendous pain into my ankle that made my foot give out a couple times. I tried to stay relaxed and just made sure I stayed with Ben. I knew if I did, I was good. If I didn't, I was toast. 15-5:15, kind of regroup here and took the lead down the volcanoes into Snow Canyon. Ben reminded me to be careful and we just ran strong. 16-5:07, this was way fun, but probably stupid. We single filed after the aide station and then ran by the crowd giving everyone high fives. The crowd loved it and went nuts! It gave us both a lot of energy and we were really moving without knowing it. I think Clyde kind of heard it and responded. He is one of the most mentally tough racers I have ever known. It looked as if he dug deep and held the same distance on us. 17-5:25, we tried to calm ourselves and just keep it in the 20's here. 18-5:23, one last quick one before Winchester... my nemesis. 19-5:46, it was perfect running with Ben because we both struggle on hills, so we actually worked to help each other rather than ditch each other on the hills. I think we both knew we were in this thing together. In fact, from like 14 or so until we finally split, we were fist bumping every mile. "Another one down!" And jus trying to focus on that one mile at a time. 20-5:32, my ward's aide station comes mid-way through this mile and I got another gu/water (also at 15). Saw my daughter and yelled at the kids to cheer for us. I think this may be where we got Clyde. Encouraged him to come with us and tried to get ready for that last 10k. Did some quick math and kind of figured that a 35 or 36 (I can't remember which) would get me a 2:27. So I needed to go a little quicker to get a PR, but should be able to do it. I was pretty tired though. I tried to fight off the negativity with a lot of positive talk throughout the race. I hope I didn't bother Ben, but I really was hanging on for dear life and needed to hear anything positive I could, even if it was from myself. 21-5:16, went back in front of Ben here for just a bit and tried to remember the one good workout I had this summer and ride to channel it a bit. 22-5:34, better up the twist than I have been. But I kept slipping off Ben and had to fight to get him. My team was here and I grabbed water from everyone of them and totally doused myself. 23-5:38, this mile should be faster, but my legs are gone. Ben sneaks up a fe steps and I try one last time to go with him. I yell out my mantra of the day of "one more mile", but to no avail. Please stick in there and get the PR, please! I needed a 18:00 minute 5k. That should be so easy. I knew it was going to be very tough. But missing by 1 second last year was such a bummer - I am determined not to let it happen again. Did a quick reset of my watch here also, it was hitting a second or two early each mile and was now 25 seconds fast. 24-5:38, decent dropping into town. Wish it would have been 5:18 or even :28. Mike came back here. I tried for a second to go with him. But not even one step. 25-5:52, last year I went 5;59 here. That was in my mind. I knew I could beat that and if I did I would PR. More than a couple times I found myself really slowing, so I tried to push. But those pushes would only last about 20 steps or so. Battle. I gave a quick glance turning off diagonal to see where Logan was. He wasn't there, no one was. Dang it. Don't relax because of that, push it. I really wanted top 10 again. I really wanted that PR. 26-5:58, one of my worst last miles ever. My legs were so gone. Numerous times my knees and that ankle were giving out. I didn't dare look at the watch, but when I got close enough to the finish to see the time, I knew I had it and was just so happy. Tried to get the crowd cheering and could tell I just had some sort of hideous smile of joy and death-pain on my face. .2-(5:52 pace), my goal now was to not fall at the finish. I came in and said told some oneti grab me because the legs were gone. They were kind of slow and I did a controlled crouch to my knees and they helped me up. Great watchiing Clyde come in. But he got hauled to the medic. They tried to stop me from going in with him and I just pushed through and said that I was his best friend and was going with him. I heard Logan come in then and after we came out saw Steven, James, the Ladies and a bunch of other great finishes. (Kinvara blue 95.75)

Because of how frustrating and draining training has been, The Circle has been saying we are done after this one. It is too early to say for me. I would imagine I will still run the marathon, but maybe with a different focus. But truthfully running this with Ben was the most fun and gratifying experience I have ever had in a marathon. Maybe if I just refocus things during the year and cut down to one mary a year; maybe some more halves... Who knows - time will tell.

Kinvara Blue Miles: 28.00
Comments
From Baggs on Sat, Oct 04, 2014 at 14:38:13 from 209.33.233.47

Excellent work! Stoked for you and that PR!!

From Vis on Sat, Oct 04, 2014 at 16:08:37 from 199.201.102.64

Very nice. #SIF.

From Holt on Sat, Oct 04, 2014 at 17:38:18 from 67.2.255.210

Ha ha ha trav... That is great stuff!

From Superfly on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 08:42:29 from 64.255.82.166

Way to battle and finish like a champ. Proud to finish behind you this time. You earned it out there. A PR???? At your age??? Maybe you better take a rain check on being "done" with racing marathons... justsayin

From steve ash on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 09:34:10 from 67.182.192.44

Congratulations Dave. Wow, a PR. I'd be super stoked too.

From Superfly on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 10:59:45 from 64.255.82.166

Loved your write up. Inspires me... Love the journey we've been on together over the years...I'm guessing "we'll be back"...

From JamesH on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 11:12:56 from 24.49.173.41

Fun report. Glad you are still able to crank out good races even at your "age."

From Ben VanBeekum on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 11:30:26 from 74.211.25.234

Dude, dude, dude! Thanks for everything! We talked and executed our race plan to the "T" and both walked away with PRs. Couldn't have done it without ya, and seriously this was the most fun I have had running STG. The circle is a great group of guys! Thanks so much for treating me like I am part of the group. Hats off my friend and on to the next!

From Fritz on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 12:29:50 from 63.230.1.47

Great job Dave! It was fun to read how it all played out. I just noticed that your previous PR was in 2007. To beat it 7 years later has to feel good. Your hard work and dedication is beyond impressive. Glad we could catch up after the race.

From jtshad on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 13:49:29 from 69.20.183.178

Congrats on a strong race, new PR and top 10 finish. Your are an amazing runner and guy. Great seeing you and catching up a bit.

I too am thinking of other running ideas (trying to keep up with son in 5K's) so good luck and stay focused.

From Trevor Baker on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 19:30:51 from 174.239.64.16

Amazing job!! It was a pleasure to run with you and I applaud your hard work and deserving such a great run! I'll def get in touch with you guys for a run the next time we're down in SG.

From Steve Hooper on Sun, Oct 05, 2014 at 23:31:26 from 174.23.176.206

From now on I'm calling you Digg'n Deep Dave! What a great race - I'm beginning to think you're so mentally strong there's something wrong with you. Thanks for sharing so much in the write up - loved it. Inspiring!

From mikenelson on Mon, Oct 06, 2014 at 06:56:07 from 174.129.27.27

Great work Dave! Congrats on the PR. I really would have liked to run that last half with you rather than 30 seconds behind you! Well done.

From SpencerSimpson on Mon, Oct 06, 2014 at 11:25:10 from 50.192.204.186

nice PR Dave. So good to see you have a great day. Loved the joy you have for your brother and sister accomplishing success today too. Great effort and nice top 10. MIH

From Jon on Mon, Oct 06, 2014 at 12:41:44 from 107.203.52.135

Nice race and a PR, Dave!

From Matt Poulsen on Wed, Oct 08, 2014 at 21:24:42 from 50.168.224.197

Great race, Dave! Congrats on the PR! Just my two cents: don't give it up yet -- you've got more in that tank of yours.

From Jake K on Fri, Oct 10, 2014 at 14:38:10 from 159.212.71.199

The main things that always stand out about your running are

1) consistent high volume with the necessary down periods

2) sensible workouts where you don't kill yourself in the middle of the week

Pay you dues like that and an improvement (even if it's 7 years between) is well-deserved and doesn't happen by accident... it's a by-product of smart running for a long time. You don't race a ton, so you might have been ready for this previously, but as you know - you need a lot of things to line up the right way on the right day.

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