Not sure on the official chip time yet. Didn't care to look it up after the race since I was working hard to keep from hurling. There was no way I could have done better than I did. I did everything wrong there was to do between Boston and today. I took days off when I needed to be doing 20's, I ran low weekday miles and then torqued out the high miles three Saturdays in a row before the race, I didn't eat right, and I didn't taper. I was pooped out to begin with and went into today knowing it was going to be a rough ride. Also, because I really had nothing at stake in today's race, I didn't pump myself up sufficiently and ran on pure force of will, without the aid of any adreleline or excitement. Catherine was determined to have an 'easy race' and to stay with me. She wanted to see me through it in exchange for my 'helping her' BQ at Ogden by helping pace her the last 2 miles of her marathon. Well, she paid me back allright, only sevenfold. We enjoyed getting up on the busses, we were relaxed and we joked and chatted with other runners we met. I ran into Marisa and chatted along until we made it to the STart. It was dark and raining while we waited. Once the race started at 5:43 we took our sweet time crossing the start. I was in love with the wide green valley there, the horses galloping around upset by the long 'stampeded of humans', the low dark clouds--even the rain. I loved the rain dripping off my hat in rivulets, I loved how intensely green the mountains were, I was amazed by the flowers and the mist. No one could have possibly reveled in being outside in that perfect cool running weather than I did. I didn't even mind the rain and the soaked shoes and socks. Interrupting the serenity of this running revelry was my very, very upset stomach and my dead-weight legs. I had to stop 4 different times to use the bathrooms. I started going from 8:30's to 10:00's by mile 10. I picked off one mile at a time and did my best to just keep on going. I had a secret plan to send Catherine on ahead, call someone to come get me around mile 20 and then drive to the finish to see Catherine finish. She was so strong, and enjoying her 'slow' marathon, she just kept at it, encouraging me every step and letting me know we were going to do it. I felt terrible for that. I can be miserable and slow all by myself. I never told her, that since about midweek, with how sore my legs had been from the Squaw Peak 50, I truly doubted that I would be able to finish. When I admitted this at mile 23 she said "What? You've been bluffing this whole time?". I responded that 12 minute miles wasn't exactly 'bluffing'. I actually took advil at mile 15 and then again at 21. I rarely do that, and it probably added to my stomach issues (not to mentione pending kidney failure....). Around mile 24, I saw Kelli running backwards, and to my surprize she joined us and offered to run me in. I warned her she was joining my train wreck, but she was easy. Kelli and Cath got me to the end, distracting me and encouraging me to get going a little faster for the end. I just really wanted to finish and get it done, but truly didn't have the energy or the kick to finish with any pride. I am looking forward to getting myself back in order. I've felt put out and slightly obligated to run UVR--and I wanted to have more fun. YOu'd think that a four-and-a-half marathon would be fun and easy breezy. It made me appreciate how well I'd prepared for SG'09 and Boston '10. When I run a sub 4, it is not an accident. It takes an incredible about of preparation and focus--neither of which I have excersized since April. It will be nice to get my weekday miles and good eating under control before I start even thinking about another race. I still can't get over how beautiful the course was. So fresh, so green. I venture to say it's the prettiest course in Utah (now they changed the course to take you higher up the canyon). I'm glad I did it, glad I finished, glad to give Catherine a reason to take it easy and support a friend. It was humbling to be supported when I was feeling so weak, and unworthy. I guess that's what friends do. | 