I signed up for this marathon because it was in my area and it was cheap. :) The race was supposed to be from Salt Lake to Draper along the Jordan River Marathon but something happened with their permit. A couple weeks before the race, the course changed to an out and back course starting in Draper. I didn't really mind. I live in Sandy and it seems that the wind is always blowing from south to north here so I'd rather run only half the race against the wind, than the whole race.
My goal for this race was a 3:15-3:20. I was well trained for it. I hit all, if not most, of my speed workouts. I felt well rested and strong. I knew I'd have to work for it on marathon day, but I also knew it was within my capabilities.
The gun went off and I took off. As far as I could see, I was the first girl. It was a lonely race. I questioned at times whether or not I had taken a wrong turn. At about mile 6 or 7, a guy came up behind me. We got to talking and found we were both going for the same time. We decided to help each other. He made the next few miles fly by. The wind was blowing slightly at our backs. Quite pleasant.
Approaching the halfway point, it wasn't exactly clear where to turn around. There were racers and random people running on the trail that morning. Some people were turning at one spot and others were turning at another. We chose to go further down and turn. Who knows if we were right? (My garmin did read 1/2 mile longer but who knows, maybe I'm a drunk runner?)
At the turn around, I felt the south wind. It wasn't too bad at first but then as the miles ticked on, it felt harder and harder to keep my pace. At the half, I was right on for a 3:15. I watched as my average pace slipped from a 7:25 to 7:40, to 7:55, etc. I felt the like the wind was getting stronger but then again, I may have just been getting more tired. At mile 15, I couldn't keep the pace and I told my friend to go on. I told myself to just keep him in my sight. At mile 18, I lost him. At this point, I was passing half marathoners and playing mind games to keep myself from stopping. My hamstrings cramped. I got nauseated. The wind seemed to pick up. My legs got heavier. It was painful. I stopped looking at my watch at mile 22. Grin and bear it. If I couldn't endure it well, I'd endure it painfully. :) In the end, I made it. It wasn't pretty as I hobbled off the parkway and made the final loop around the Ebay campus. (I tell you what, THAT is painful, passing right by the finish line and having to make another mile loop.) My cute support crew were there to cheer me on. My 5 year old grabbed my hand and ran me in the last 100 meters. Sad thing is, he could totally outrun me at this point. :) I was happy to have his help!
My race friend was waiting for me at the end and he informed me that I was the first girl. I was pleasantly surprised to get the win. I wasn't expecting to win the dang thing! The perk of smaller races, I guess. It may not have been a pretty win but it was still fun to be the first girl.
I'm still going for that dang 3:15. I tried last fall and didn't do it. Tried again this Spring. Here's hoping 3rd times the charm this fall.
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