Marlin

Got to the packet pick up area around 8:20am and I got my bib and chip. Meet Rob and got to talking and got on the same bus to the start. Let me say that is was the coldest race that I have ever ran, there were 2 or 3 inches of snow down and the road was snow covered and ice packed.  Plus the wind was blowing, but they did have a fire going to take the cold edge off and that felt great. I was very determined to make the most of the situation and just do the best I could as we all had the same conditions. I tried not to have any expectations at all and just run. The race was about to start and I wanted to get to the front of the line and not be behind alot of runners with all the ice on the road. We got started and had to take it very careful but was able to run an ok pace for the first mile and even better on the second mile. I got into areas on the road that they had put salt down on the road which made it much better; (slush) but better. Got to the mile 5 aid station and was handed a glass of water . When I went to take a drink the water was frozen and all I could do was giggle about it.  I was able to just get alittle water out of it. The road cleared up and I was able to run without being to careful. I was running a good pace and felt very good and now had a tail wind which helped. Got to around mile 9 and looked over and saw the Century High School.  I remember from the Pocatello Marathon that there was a hill just before it and was wondering if this course had the same thing. It did around mile 10, but wasn't quite as big as the Poc. Marathon. I slowed down but made good time going up it and got to the top and was glad to see the down hill after it. We now had a cold head wind from mile 11 on and rollers the rest of the way. The pace slowed but not to bad. Got to the finish and stopped my watch and it showed 1:30:57.  I was so happy as I was not expecting to do that good with the conditions that were given to us. I am very happy with this run, as I just wanted to do my best and see where my fitness level is at. Finished 13th overall and 3rd in age group. Rob did an amazing job as he finished 2nd overall and just 20 sec behind the winner. GREAT JOB ROB!!!! I was very nice to finally meet you. 1-7:01 2-6:34 3-6:46 4-6:54 5-6:34 6-6:50 7-6:59 8-6:36 9-6:40 10-7:10 11-7:25 12-7:21 13-7:28 .10-.36