Rosswog Running Blog

Recycling what? That is a GOOD hobby!

You are an awesome runner! Great job last Saturday.

Thanks Kelli! Also, awesome job on the Salt Lake Half Marathon! You are correct, 140 lbs for Athena is ridiculous. Good luck in Ogden! I have run the full several times and it’s absolutely one of my favorite courses. However, this year I’m skipping Ogden in order to do some extra studying for the CFA. In regards to my other hobby--recycling--I’m always bugging my colleagues at work to recycle and collecting their recyclable cans and bottles to take home to recycle (i.e., we do not have an official recycling program at my work, yet). I also participate in the Terracycle program by collecting Clif Bar wrappers in which I exchange for $0.02 a piece for my charity of choice (i.e., the Lance Armstrong Foundation).

I read about that program with Clif Bars. I am not a fan of energy bars (I just eat pizza and ice cream, oh, and chocolate) BUT I think that is awesome that they are doing that. It almost makes me want to buy them. Maybe you can recommend some good ones and I will give them a try!

Your story is cool! I taught school for 5 years and just THINK of the paper that was thrown away there. So, I took over the student counsel and we started a recycling program. I graduated for the U in 1997 and I do not recall recycling ever being there, so I always brought my stuff home. But I took a class there a few weeks ago and they had recycling cans everywhere. I thought it was dang cool.

Anyway, it is a major pet peeve of mine when people do not recycle especially now that it is so easy! Why wouldn't you? We will save the planet one wrapper and coke can at a time!!!

And thanks for the well wishes in Ogden. I have not really been training like I should, so a semi-decent finish is all I am really hoping for! I signed up with my husband, he will hopefully be getting that BQ so that we can experience Boston together next year (I qualified in St George last year). I should have just opted to go cheer him on like a good wife!

It’s great to hear there are other people that share my pet peeve! My favorite Clif Bars are the least healthy ones (i.e., Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Almond Fudge, and Chocolate Chip); however, the Oatmeal Walnut Raisin and Apricot ones are pretty tasty. I also love the Mint and Vanilla Clif Builder Bars (i.e., a great source of protein). You may want to try these out on the Wasatch Back; that is, last year I basically lived off Clif Bars during this race.

Also, good luck to your husband in qualifying for Boston! Everyone says that Ogden is a fast course, but I have had two of my three slowest times on that course. The descent down Ogden Canyon and that never-ending straightaway on Grant Avenue got me both times. However, I know of many runners that have posted their best times in Ogden. It will be awesome to have you both run Boston in 2010! Watching the race last week and all the blogging about Boston has sort of made me want to return to Hopkinton next year (I’ll decide later this year).

So, any advice for Ogden then?

If I were to run Ogden again, I would do quite a few downhill training runs (preferably after 8-12 miles of training on level ground) followed by a 1-2 miles on level ground at marathon goal pace (i.e., to get your legs use to the transition from downhill to level ground). The first 20 miles of the Ogden marathon are quite enjoyable, I have just struggled with that late downhill drop, followed by the nearly 3 miles on the on the Parkway trail (this trail can be a little bit technical--not tripping over the tree roots bulging through the pavement--when you are tired), and that mile straightway to the finish. Also, both of the times that I ran it, the weather got pretty hot when I reached the canyon; therefore, sucking all the energy out of me (the same thing happened to me last fall with the humid Baltimore marathon).

As a result, my advice would be to maintain a pace slightly ahead of goal pace (by 2-3 minutes) through the first 20 miles (i.e., don’t expect to makeup time or even maintain your pace due to the 3-mile descent--I think this has been one of my pitfalls). This is very achievable since the weather is usually nice and cool during this part and, with the exception of the climb on mile 14, the course is fast. Also, consistently drink water during this first 20. Then during the last 6.2, just try to focus on maintaining your overall goal pace. As a result, you will be aiming for a slower pace than you maintained during the first 20 miles. In addition, hopefully you should be able to beat your overall goal pace for at least the first couple of miles down Ogden Canyon; therefore, giving yourself positive affirmation that you can achieve your goal pace all the way 25th Street.

Again, all of this advice is from someone that has never had a BQ time at Ogden. Plus, every marathon is just really 26.2 miles of potential disaster. As a result, after all the planning and training, just enjoy the run! I’m positive both you and your husband will rock it!

"Every marathon is just really 26.2 miles of potential disaster."

I like that, so true! Thanks for the advice. I really KNOW nothing about this course, so that is very helpful. I am not even sure what time to shoot for, so we will just see how it turns out!