After a disappointing race at St. George marathon two weeks prior, I decided to give this race a shot. It finishes ten minutes from my house. I figured all I had to lose was the entry fee if it didn't work out.
I got on the 5:15 bus and headed to Copperton for the 6:45 am start. I stayed warm by the heat lamps and chatted with some other runners while we waited. It was about 40 degrees. My only concern was the wind from the south. At 6:25 we were warned if we wanted to use the porta potties, we better get in line. I did and had just enough time to take off my warm clothes and line up.
When the gun went off we started running at an uphill grade. I tried to hold back a little. I caught up to the 3:45 group at about one mile. I stayed with them until the long two mile uphill section at mile 5. I let them go and tried to conserve my energy. At about mile 7, we reached the top and started the two mile descent. I really liked this part. By mile 9, the 3:45 group was in sight. I was feeling really good. I hit the 1/2 around 1:52. At about mile 17 we started the uphill climb in front of the temple and into the wind. This section really took a lot out of me. By mile 19, I could feel the wall coming. Miles 19-21 are mostly uphill. Cheris was waiting to cheer me on at mile 20. She is so awesome. I wish I felt better when I saw her. Cheris and Michelle met me again at mile 22. They are the best. I was so happy to see them. I was telling them goodbye and tripped on a hole cover. I caught myself, but that really hurt my sore hamstring. Taylor and Gary met me at mile 25. They tried so hard to push me, but I just couldn't go any faster. My body was done. Jerry was at the finish to see me. I could barely walk for the next 15 minutes. Taylor said after seeing me finish, she didn't know if she ever wanted to do a marathon. She won the 5k that morning.
I didn't get the 3:45-3:50 time I wanted, but I don't regret giving it a shot. I learned some valuable lessons.
I need to do my last long run 3 weeks before the marathon, not 2. This was only my 3rd out of 24 marathons that I didn't stop to use the porta potty. Here is what I did.
Thursday: I ate a bigger lunch and dinner with less fiber than usual
Friday: Breakfast - Scrambled eggs and cheese with one pancake. Lunch - 2 torillas and a side of shredded chicken from Cafe Rio. I made them into two tacos with gaucamole. Dinner- spaghetti with plain tomato sauce. Dessert/Snack- Special K cereal with a little milk. I also snacked on pretzels throughout the day.
Morning of race: (at least two hours before the race) two slices white Grandma Sycamore bread with strawberry jam, a banana and 1/2 c. chocolate milk. I sipped on Gatorade until the race started. I also had 2 Immodium AD when I woke up.
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