This was a last ditch to get in a marathon as the race season is winding down. I was on the fence in doing this race, so luckily with it being a low key event; I was able to register just a couple of weeks ago.
The runners were bused from West Riverfront Park, which is along the Jordan River Parkway, at 11000 S. & 900 W. to the start of the race in the quaint town of Copperton at the foot of the Oquir Mountains. The bus I rode in became lost a couple of times heading out, and even scraped against some low lying trees as made a few tight turns through Copperton. We found some humor in this and were just grateful to have ample time in making it to the start.
This is not a pr course by any means. The first half has some inclines of 4%+. With a pre-race glance of the elevation profile, I knew the hills were coming; but once at the race, they seemed to go on and on! I tried to maintain an even effort as to avoid the buildup of my great nemesis, lactic acid.
I latched on to a comfortable pace throughout the race, and didn't really have a goal time in mind. I just wanted to make the best of the day, given the course, weather conditions (There was a consistent southern headwind that made things interesting!) and my overall state of being. I have been battling a sinus and chest infection (cold) for the last week and a half, and was determined to not let it stand in my way. I did realize that it could affect my lung capacity though, as I've had some congestion. Fortunately enough, my cold seemed to drop off as I ran the race and I didn't perceive any trouble. As I write this however, it has come back to me full force!
All around it was a good day. It was nice to see my wife at the finish, even though she hadn't been feeling well the night before and didn't think she would be there. I enjoyed seeing a few other familiar faces, and drummed up some good conversations. I saw fellow blogger Teri Bean at the finish, and saw that he had a good day, with a second place overall finish in the half marathon.
It looks like I will be running this race next year as much to my amazement; I pulled off a first place in my age division. I received a nice medal for this and will be given a free entry into next year's race. For a second year event, the organizers did an outstanding job and it really showed. | 