Each Day Is a Gift

By far the smallest marathon I've ever run (23 women, 29 men in the Full; 44 women, 21 men in the Half).  I was the oldest female running the Full! 

The race website description: 

"The West Mountain Marathon is our answer to $100 entry fees (got free entry, thanks to RAD), and crazy 4:00 a.m. wake up calls to catch a bus in the freezing dark to wait around for a couple of hours before you actually get to run.

Held at the scenic Genola Town Park near the shores of Utah Lake, the West Mountain Marathon is for runners. Our certified loop course which starts and finishes at the same location will feature rolling hills, one sturdy climb and a finish line party at the park with burgers, hot dogs and fun for everyone. Registration is limited to just 500 total runners for our first year as we seek to grow the event wisely."

Yep, it was just as described.  We received emails with race day info on Thurs. reminding us that this is a CUPLESS event.  We're to bring our own hydration device.  There were 8 aid stations spread every 3 miles apart, with water to fill up your own bottle, Gu, pretzels.   The course is very scenic, rolling hills, around the West Mountain with 715 ft of  elevation gain.

Karen picked me up at 6:30am for our drive to Genola (4 miles west of Santaquin).  Got there around 7:30 and Toby was ready to roll.  (The Full starts at 8am and Half starts at 9am.) We hopped on the truck with Dan who was driving out to mark the Half course.  He dropped us off at the Start which was about .75 mile from the finish.  Start temp was 43F, sunny blue sky.  The RD gave a brief instruction/direction of the course which basically runs counter-clock-wise around the mountain at the edge of Utah Lake.

I had done very little training the last 6 weeks since the Woodlands Marathon, with PF issue and lots going on in my life at this time.  I couldn't have done this if not for the patience, love and support of my cherished friends, Karen and Toby. 

The first couple miles were an uphill climb towards the mountain.  Then it's a gentle decline for the next few miles with the vast view of the snow capped mountains to the east and open farm lands of Utah County.  We ran through quiet orchards and farms with quaint houses/homes.  Around mile 10, hubby drove up...I was so happy to see him.  Mile 12 to 20 was along the lake shore dotted with occasional fishermen.  We encountered more cyclists than motorists. 

I bonked badly around mile 17, I was DONE, legs were cramping up, breathing was labored.  They ran out of Gu at that aid station.  Luckily, Tammy, a girl who has been leap-frogging with us, gave me one of her Gu.  We ran together the next 3 miles.  Turned out she's friend/neighbor to the Levine's.  Sis. Levine was one of our missionaries who was hit by a car and is now doing miraculously and remarkably well.  Somehow talking and listening to Tammy got my mind off the pain.  I also took couple of ibuprofen and salt caps.  We took a few walk breaks going up the hill at mile 19-20. 

The last two miles were painful.  Karen did her best to encourage me.  At one point I looked over and saw that she was walking while I was running...how pathetic!!!  My breathing was labored and my legs were dead.  That green finish arch seemed to keep moving away from me.  I kept telling Karen to go on ahead and run her pace numerous times over the entire race, but she would not leave me!  :)  I would've walked a lot and possibly take 6 hours to finish.  No matter how many marathons one runs, the last 5K is always the hardest, and, crossing the finish line is the greatest feeling ever. I am forever grateful for wonderful friends who so lovingly and patiently run with me.  They made it so fun!!!  :)  And what a blessing it was to have my hubby there today.  Marathon #55 done! 

Huge congratz to those who ran Boston!!!  You all did marvelously on such a cold, rainy, windy Patriot Day!  I'll see there next year! :)