Denouement

Provo 1/2 Marathon

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Location:

Kowloon Tong,Hong Kong

Member Since:

Jul 02, 2007

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Olympic Trials Qualifier

Running Accomplishments:

Unaided:

5K - 17:11 (track Pre-kids and at BYU) (1998)

10K - 35:48 (track Pre-kids and at BYU) (1998)

10K - 35:34 (road - Shek Mun 10k 12/12)

1/2 Marathon 1:19:44 (UNICEF HM 11/12)

Marathon 2:47:08 (ING Hartford Connecticut 10/10)

Aided:

St. George Marathon 2:50:40 (10/08)

1/2 marathon - Hobble Creek 1:17:14 (8/08)

10K - Deseret News 10K - 35:02 (7/08)

Short-Term Running Goals:

PR 1/2 marathon AGAIN


Long-Term Running Goals:

Break 2:46 in Boston!

Personal:

I used to run for BYU, but only after trying out three times and finally walking on, so I was never a star. However, it was wonderful to run with great people and under Coach Shane. When you run with fast people, you can't help to improve! I graduated BYU in 1998, and didn't run a race until 2002, after having my second child. My hiatus and other crazy life commitments have made my competitive running suffer, but the last couple of years I have tried to get back into it the best I can. I have been married since 1996, to Paul Lowry, who is a runner himself. I have three boys (my three rascals), ages 12, 10, and 8.

After a great 2008 season, I was injured and eventually diagnosed and cross-diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of arthritis disease, which precludes running for all but the most stubborn.  So I am on medications, trying to stay healthy, and seeing my PT often.  And running!  Now beating the streets in Hong Kong.

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
NB RC900 Black/yellow Lifetime Miles: 183.31
NB RC1300 Red/Black Lifetime Miles: 195.31
2012 MTR Lifetime Miles: 4035.70
890 Blue Lifetime Miles: 310.55
NB RC 1600 Lifetime Miles: 96.76
RC 1400 Lifetime Miles: 90.60
NB 890 Baby Blue Lifetime Miles: 233.26
NB 890 Electric Blue Lifetime Miles: 319.67
NB 890 Tokyo Turquoise Lifetime Miles: 163.54
Race: Provo 1/2 Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:27:09, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 2
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTrainer 1 MilesTrainer 2 MilesRacer MilesTotal Distance
5.500.0013.100.000.004.8513.7518.60

I got to the Tabernacle with 30 minutes til start time, but the race started late because of some logistical issues. I warmed up for about 2 miles, with two stops at the Provo Marriott for their bathrooms (the race organizers only had about 5 portapotties and there were probably 900 participants between all the events). I saw an old running buddy from BYU who is a really good runner, so I knew I had to kiss the prize money goodby unless she happened to be in bad shape. Turns out she was in great shape and I never saw her after the first mile. I was feeling pretty good before the race, and the temperature was about 44F, so I was able to wear only shorts and a shortsleeve shirt.

So here's how the race went:

1 - 6:37 - the race started out pretty fast and I was headed toward a 6:20, and still behind the leading lady, but I backed off anyway until I felt comfortable, remembering Ted's advice that the first mile is supposed to feel easy. The mile was still faster than my goal of around 6:45 the first mile.

2 - 6:36 - plugging along, trying to draft because there was already a headwind

3 - 6:27 - I start running with a pack of guys and we form an alliance against the wind. We didn't have strict rules on when a person took a turn in the lead, but we each took turns drafting.

4 - 6:39 - The wind is wearing me down, I will feel good for a while then yucky for a while, I tried slow down but was harrassed by my pack of guys I didn't know into pulling back up to them

5 - 6:25 - The wind was hideous at this point, but our pack keeps a good pace, I don't want to slow down because I need their help.

6 - this miles split got messed up, my gps lost its service, my watch says it was a mile at 5:59 but it also says the race is 13.4 at the end, so I think part of the problem is this mile split, this mile had the turnaround so the wind should have been toward our backs but it seemed to still hit our fronts somehow.

7 - 5:33, --just kidding, yeah this mile was obviously short too, I was probably around 6:45, we caught up with a guy and he and a couple of our pack members got chatty so the pace slowed.

8 - 6:54 - pace continued to be off. At about 8 miles I broke from the chatters.  My comment,
"Less chat, more race" didn't phase them.  One said, "You are girl number 2 but I am the 30th guy."  Well actually he was probably more like 20th overall.  Orange shirt from my pack had already broken away, but red shirt and I pick up the pace again for mile 9

9 - 6:30 - I am feeling like I can actually finish the race without crashing and burning

10 - 6:35 - I alternate feeling good and feeling bad.  Red shirt is still with me and he motivates me at times, then I give him encouragement.

11 - 6:46 - uh, yeah, slight uphill and starting to fade

12 - 6:38

13 - 6:57, suckiest mile.  The only uphill in the race was a big overpass over railroad.  I don't think I would have broken 7:00 if Ted hadn't seen me and gave me a good yell, then he turned around and harassed me for the rest of the race (Thanks Ted!  And I'm not being sarcastic either :) ).

.4 - 5:58 pace, this is the last .4  of the race, even though I don't think the race was long. I was able to  increase the  pace.  I don't think it was a true kick but I am glad I was able to hold sub-6 at the end of the race for that long.

 The timing was off and the clock said 1:28:25 or so when I came in, but Ted gave me the good news that my time was actually faster.  My watch showed 1:27:09 and that was what the posted results showed too. 

 The winner got $250, a gold watch, and guaranteed (and I think free) entrance into St. George.  2nd place got a $60 gc.  The winning lady was 1:21:39, way far ahead of me so I didn't have a prayer.  At least I didn't go home empty handed.

 I think I could have pushed it a little more, but I was pleased with the evenness of my effort and that I am starting my post tax season training in pretty good shape.  Races are good because the tell you exactly where you are.  I am in worse shape than Jan 2008, but I am in better shape than Oct 2007.  I have 1 week and two days of tax season to go!

Night Sleep Time: 7.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.50Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Bonnie on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 14:29:48

Great job Michelle -- this is especially great given that it is at the end of tax season. I looks like you have officially fulfilled two of your short term goals!!

Bonnie

From josse on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 14:41:18

Great job!!! I think this was a great thing for you. You can't allways be in peak shape. And this is great for coming off tax season. I am soooo excited for this year of training together and pulling off great races.

From Steve Hooper on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 15:01:57

Hey Great job on your race today. You are on your way to a great marathon year. Keep it up!

From Cody on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 15:20:40

Nice Job! You will still have a great season. Contrary to the evil voice in your head. You ran great and will continue to do so. Well done.

From MarcieJ on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 15:32:02

Awesome race and time! You are such an INCREDIBLE runner, if I could only have your drive and determination! You ROCK Michelle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From James on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 16:48:59

I'd take the $60! Good race today. Where can I find the results for that race?

From Jody on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 20:31:08

Congratulations!! Great race!

From Brent on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 20:43:05

MichelleL - Interesting race report, it seems like a darn smart pacing race to me. From your description of the hills, its seems you did not fade much at all. Impressive given your work schedule, 2nd overall and in the money, hey, thats worth 200 commando points.

Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out

By the way, your right, should have bagged the race today. Tough decision, I may bag the SL half and the Ogden marathon. I just need to get healthy for the summer and fall races.

From Christi on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 21:35:42

WAY TO GO! I'm SO impressed, esp. considering you could pull this off during hectic tax season. Great job!

From dave holt on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 21:37:25

Way to go Michelle and gut it out through a tough wind.

From Lybi on Sat, Apr 05, 2008 at 22:30:13

Yea Michelle! What an awesome race during such a tough time of the year. You are definitely going to have a good head start for this racing season.

It was so nice to meet you again and I APPRECIATED YOUR HELP AT THE END SO MUCH! You were awesome, and you didn't bug me at all! You were a cute pacer, and very motivating.

From jtshad on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 08:24:38

Way to go Michelle! A strong run in windy conditions...way to use the pack to help get you through.

Congrats on the 2nd place finish.

From will on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 08:31:25

Impressive time, especially with your tough work schedule. What will your running form be like when you have normal sleep?!

From Ian on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 08:32:49

Good race Michelle. Despite your tax season work you've kept your base to hold that effort and pace to the end. Well done!

From Jon on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 10:28:06

Gotta hate the first time races when they don't have enough port-o-potties.

Great time today, 2nd place and money! I love how you were ragging on the guys, though someone should slap them to actually make them care. Wasted talent. Anyways, good job- just a bit more and you'll be through the tax season, and then you can really kick some butt!

From Dale on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 11:23:49

Wow, high stress season and still a great race. I daresay this year is going to be a great one for you! Congrats!

From JOhnA on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 14:38:52

Great race. Smart race. Keep it up.

From Lulu on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 18:44:03

Wow Michelle, it sounds like the race didn't TAX you too much! Ok, sorry but I had to. Congratulations on a great race under tough conditions during tax season.

From MichelleL on Sun, Apr 06, 2008 at 20:05:46

Thanks all for your comments and support!

James, Brent and Jon - It wasn't money but a gift certificate. But it was to Runners Corner so it will get used.

James - The results should be linked at www.run13.com but I haven't seen them yet. Are you going to check to make sure I finished the race?!?

Lybi - thanks so much! It was nice to spend some more time with you.

Jon - It always bugs me when people chat in any significant way during a race (a marathon may be an exception). To me it means they aren't working hard enough. Those two chatters didn't end up catching back up with me. If you did speed workouts with me you'd see I'm the same way in those. "Less chatting more running!"

Lulu - corny but funny!

From Benn on Mon, Apr 07, 2008 at 11:28:37

Super job on the race, Michelle. Remember we can't always get a PR, and considering the lack of sleep and lack of being able to log the killer miles you were doing a couple months ago, 1:27 is nothing to be ashamed of. IMO, I don't think 1:27 is even achievable for me lol. So props for managing the busy season at work, little or no sleep, sickness, AND the kiddos!

From Jamie on Mon, Apr 07, 2008 at 17:07:55

Michelle,

Way to go! I have been out of it for the past few weeks (to say the least). I wasn't even aware that you were planning on running this race...and during tax season. Wow!

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