I honestly had no idea how I would do in this race because I half-heartedly started running again about 7 weeks ago. My goal was run and pace Cheryl for another BQ, but in my mind, I wasn't even sure if I would be able to finish. I've had hip/IT/knee problems since I jumped into this "training" with out building up milage. Two Days Pre-Race. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Detroit-LA-LasVegas-St.George. The total travel was 13 hours! I had a huge headache, kink in my neck, and was exhausted by the time I finally got to St. George. Becca picked me up from the shuttle stop. I changed in the bathroom and we ran the last couple of miles of the course and then stretched a little. So fun to see Becca- she was a perfect hostess! Day/Night Before. Family members started showing up at Becca's house. Suz surprised everyone with a visit and homemade marathon cookies! Needless to say that I didn't get much sleep with a house full with 22 people including kids. I just wanted to stay up and talk to everyone. After the expo, Doug, Cheryl, Becca, Suz, and I dumped our bags out and traded Gu, energy, race presents, marathon tips etc. I kind of felt like we were little kids again trading Halloween candy! Doug cracked me up with all of his gear and everything he was going to pack for the race. Becca and I also went to a "Taping Party" hosted by her chiropracter neighbor. This guy taped up my right shin and left IT/hip just to be nice. Thank you, thank you! I've never been taped before, but I'm sure this was one of those extra little things that helped me a ton during the race! Race Morning. Cheryl decided to shoot for a 3:35. I printed off a little paper with the splits and packed tape in my drop bag to make an old-school split bracelet on the bus ride up. Breakfast consisted of an oatmeal pack and banana. I took some Advil, water, and nibbled on a waffle on the bus ride up. The six of us (Doug, Douglas, Paul, Cheryl, Becca, and I) stayed together before the race waiting in lines at the bathrooms. There was a five minute warning call for the race to begin and we all kind of got split up. We heard the start beep and made a mad dash to the drop bag truck. Race. We started about 3 minutes after gun time. I was totally disorganized and was carrying and adjusting stuff for the first 13 miles! It was pretty comical when I think about it. I didn't even tie my shoes until between miles 8 and 9. These are approximate miles because I was completely winging it! 1-3: The course was pretty crowded with people so I couldn't stop to adjust anything. 4-7: Cheryl wore the watch and I was going to take pictures on my iPhone the entire time. What was I thinking? Running with the iPhone was useless. I wish I would have remembered that from Boston. Anyway, I finally untangled my iPhone earbuds just to have the phone fall out of the sleeve and get tangled all over again. I did feel grateful for the few gusts of excellent tailwind. I couldn't help imagining that it was our angel sister, Julie, trying to help us out. 8-9: Once I finally set the iPhone up from not falling out and stuffed all the cords in my tank top, I dropped my arm sleeves. I finally tied my shoes halfway up Vejo hill! Then I took my first energy chomps. Paul Hatch caught up to us around this time and then took off with Becca up the hills. 10-13: We ran with Douglas for a few miles until he sped ahead too. I know my mind was preoccupied with another little project but I can't remember what during these miles. Maybe it was just focusing on getting up the hills. All I know is that as soon as I felt a little organized, I pulled the split bracelet out of my pocket to start checking our times. I love how this marathon gives splits every mile! You don't even need a watch. We were running strong but a little slow on our split at the half. 14-21: Paul H. jumped in with us at the half. His fresh burst of energy lifted everyone around him. Suz was cheering at mile 16! :) I forgot to give her the phone. :( I ate a pack of Jelly Beans. They gave me heart burn. I only had a few sips of Gatorade before aspirating some into my lungs. I don't like hasty stops because I inevitably spill on myself, make a mess with the Gu or start choking on fluids. I took another Gu from the course and stopped at every aid station for water and Icy Hot. 22-26.2: Cheryl and Paul pulled ahead as I took my time with the stops and eating my last Gu. I exerted extra effort to catch up within eye-sight of them. I never caught up to Cheryl. She finished 5 seconds ahead of me. I also had to retie my shoes during one of these miles. The last couple of miles in town were hard. My pace was OK but I didn't feel great. I gave up high-fiving people because it through me off balance. I could barely even hold that wonderful, cold wet towel they offer you at mile 25. I just let it slip through my fingers. I was in a sort of fog. Suz and Mary Claire cheered and ran with me for a few steps before the finish. Suz was the best marathon supporter! (Suz later told me that I looked completely out of it). Cheryl walked me through the shoot and to the exit where a First Aid volunteer asked how I was doing, took my pulse (which was low) and directed me to the First Aid tent. I can't explain exactly how I felt... sore muscles, stiff legs, foggy brain, chest pain, reflux, nausea, emotional. I started crying a little and then a little more after I saw Suz. They forced me to have a bite of something and some sips of water. Final Thoughts. My time was only 30 seconds slower than 2 years before. I realized that I could still push myself with the pace even with my lack of training. The difference, however, was how I felt. Two years ago, I trained harder and smarter. I remembered feeling relaxed, great, and happy the entire race. This time I felt disorganized, like I was constantly trying to "catch up," and not as strong mentally and physically. In Boston, I realized that I don't like the "racing" feeling but do love running when it feels relaxed and easy. This race reiterated the fact that my primary motivation for training hard again would be to take better care of my body and to feel good during races. Possible increased speed would only come as a secondary fringe benefit and not a matter of focused priority. I definitely was not on top of my game with this race, but I still enjoyed the whole experience and running with family! I know that may sound crazy. I also know that I had help beyond my own level of training to help me get through this. I was filled with gratitude that I was even able to finish! I was also happy for everyone else and how well they did in reaching their goals! Becca, Cheryl, and I qualified for Boston, Doug, Douglas, and Paul Hatch beat their goals for their first time marathons. Hearing how well Aubree and Amber did gave me another boost of happiness. I really do love this marathon. Even though there are more hills than you would expect, it is organized, the course is beautiful, and the people are full of positive energy.
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