I ran this race last year and received a complimentary entry this year, so hitting the starting line was an easy decision. This race has a nice niche as they give out entries to the top three finishers in every age division. I appreciate events that give back to the participants.
The race organizers assign bus times on runner’s bibs in an attempt to avoid a rush on the last busses. I was given a time of 6:30, which was quite nice. I am used accustomed to much earlier times than that, so it meant more sleep! It also meant less time waiting at the start line.
I had a loose time goal of around 3:15 or better. My main objective however, was to run on feel and see what the day would bring. I started out the race with a couple friends, Layne Koldewyn and Juan Caballero. I have run with both of them in multiple events through the past few years. Layne is in a line of work where our paths cross in the furniture industry. Juan is a regular participant in many of the local marathons, and he has run a comparable pace to mine on a consistent basis.
The first 5 miles flew by for me. It’s funny how engaging in conversation can do that. Layne planned to meet another friend at the half, and from there they would both run with crash test dummy costumes on from head to toe. I was excited to see them at the finish. What goofs! By mile 6 I was running on my own as I was in the thick of the course’s most challenging climb. It takes place as the road makes its way to the base of the Bingham Copper Mine. I was really glad to have that over with and to proceed in a more comfortable stride. From that point on, the course follows a mostly downhill trend. I put in a much better pace in miles to come.
Just before mile 12, I started to pass a runner that had been in my sights for a short time. It was to my surprise when he asked: “You’re Mike Epperson, aren’t you?” How did he know me? Well; it turned out that he ran the Grand Slam last year and had competed against me for the top three of our age group standings. We swapped stories for the next couple miles, and Juan briefly joined us. I was feeling good and although I knew a pr was not for this race or day, I just pushed for an even effort.
I felt fairly solitary from mile 15 to the finish. There were occasional runners I was fortunate enough to pass, most of which were doing the half. I guess it feels good to pass someone nevertheless. The course makes a few turns here and there, which feel like more than there may be in reality. I don’t generally appreciate turns in a race, but it did mix things up and it gave us some occasional tailwinds. By mile 18 I started to feel some fatigue and general lack in pushing the pace. Once that feeling begins to take hold, you do what you can with what’s left in the tanking reserves.
Around mile 21 I was beginning to have some side stitches. I can’t say I’ve had them frequently before, but I knew I needed to relax my core muscles and focus on deeper abdominal breathing. I passed through the aid station and allowed myself to walk for a short time, maybe 15 seconds. In doing this, I adjusted my stance and worked on ‘getting to the core of the problem.’ It certainly helped, and although I was losing energy, I had one less factor to inhibit my pace.
The final 5 or so miles seemed to last much longer than I’d hoped for. I find it within myself that a slowing pace also means the distance and time stands still. It’s like a child in a car on vacation asking: “Are we there yet?” My mental dialogue was put in gear and phrases came out such as: “Damn it, don’t be a wimp!” “Dig deeper!” “These miles won’t last forever!” and so on.
The finish was a welcome sight. I reconnected with Melissa and laid down on the grass in a shaded area with my legs propped up. It felt good to be done. Juan came through shortly afterwards and was in good spirits. We then milled about and saw Layne and his friend in their costumes. They were an instant hit and posed for photos. I don’t know how they were able to breathe with the material over their faces, and how they didn’t overheat. Josse came over and introduced herself. I have seen her name frequently on the blog and in race results. It was flattering to be recognized in field of runners. Little did I know at that time; she was the third overall woman in the race. That is a performance to be proud of.
Juan and I were both fortunate to take 2nd place for our age groups, and therefore we received nice medals and free entry into next year’s race. A friend of mine I run with on Tuesday mornings, Dr. Mike Killpac, ran the half and placed third in his age group. I doubt he’ll pass on a free entry for next year!
Now I need to figure out what’s next as the marathon season is coming to a close… | 