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St. George Marathon

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Location:

UT,

Member Since:

Oct 14, 2008

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

85 marathons, 5 times Utah Grand Slam finisher (division winner twice).

7 Bostons (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016).

Two 50Ks, one 50 miler (Pony Express).

A handful of AG wins in all distance races.

Marathon PR: 3:57:09 (Boston'08)

Half Marathon PR: 1:48:41 (Bryce Canyon '11)

10K PR: 47:50 (Spectrum 10K '09)

5K PR: 22:31 (Nestle 5K '08)
 

Short-Term Running Goals:

2017 Races:

June 10 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:13:43)

June 24 - Morgan Valley Marathon (5:49:01)

July 8 - Hobbler Half (2:19:37, 2nd AG)

July 24 - Temple to Temple 5K (27:43)

July 29 - Timp Half (2:08:01, 3rd AG)

Aug 26 - Mt. Nebo Marathon (5:16:16, 3rd AG)

Sep 16 - Huntsville Marathon (4:48:53)

Oct 7 - St. Geroge Marathon (4:57:11)

Nov 4 - Canyon City Marathon (5:30:07)

2018 Races:

Jan 13 - St. George Half (2:19:45, 3rd AG)

Mar 3 - The Woodlands Marathon (5:01:35)

Apr 6-7 - Ragnar So. California

June 1-2 - Ragnar Wasatch Back

June 9 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:19:22)

June 30 - Morgan Valley Half

Sep 1 - Pocatello Marathon (6:00:43)

Sep 15 - Huntsville Marathon (5:37:08)

Oct 6 - St. George Marathon (5:25:43)

Oct 20 - SoJo Marathon (5:29:23)

2019 Races:

June 1 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:44:24)

June 22 - Morgan Valley Marathon (6:15:13)

Aug 31 - Pocatello Marathon (5:38:47)

Sep 14 - Big Cottonwood Marathon (6:03:51)

Oct 5 - St. George Marathon (5:57:46)

Oct 12 - SoJo Marathon (5:55:45)

2020 Races:

Jan 18 - St. George Half (2:38:28)

Feb 15 - Sun Marathon (5:51:54)

May 5 - Conquer Covid-19 Virtual Marathon (5:49:07)

May 16 - Clear Creek Canyon Half Marathon (2:32:15)

May 25 - Utah Valley Virtual Marathon (5:33:110

June 9 - Independence Run Virtual Marathon (5:55:22)

 

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run happy and healthy all the days of my life. Be an example and inspiration to my family.

 

Personal:

I'm 64, retired RN, happily married, nana to 14 beautiful grandchildren, mother to 6 children (1 daughter, 5 sons) who are kind, hardworking, caring, wonderful people! Wish they live closer!!!  :)  :)  :)

Picked up running in 2005 at age 50, to stay healthy so I can take care of my husband who had endocarditis resulting in AVR and MVR in 2004, end stage renal failure in 2014, kidney transplant on Dec 30, 2015.  Six months after the kidney transplant, we discovered that he has a rare auto-immune disease that was probably triggered in 2004 with then the undiagnosed infective endocarditis.  The doctors had to make up a name for this rare disease, Monoclono Gammopathy with Renal Significance (MGRS).  It is not curable.  After desperately trying different chemotherapies, the doctor finally found one immuno-therapy, Daratumamab, that works to treat the MGRS.  It is a miracle!!! 

Grateful for the gift of life, blessings, dear friends and loved ones!!! Thankful for the ability to move, walk, jog, and yes run!!!!

 

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Saucony Guide ISO Wide Lifetime Miles: 311.91
Saucony Guide ISO Lifetime Miles: 313.31
Sacony Guide ISO (2) Lifetime Miles: 225.26
Altra Torin (sz 7) Lifetime Miles: 44.49
Saucony Guide 10 (2020) Lifetime Miles: 60.91
Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:58:49, Place overall: 622, Place in age division: 28
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
9.0017.200.000.0026.20

I love SGM!!! I love love love seeing soooooooo many Forumflyers, friends and family!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

I got to sit by BeMo(Julie Ann) on the bus :D ...loved it...the shortest bus ride ever.  The only problem was too busy visiting and ate only a yogurt for breakfast! :|

Ya know it's gonna be a sizzling hot one when you don't need gloves at the start and had to douse w/ water at the first aid station. :roll: Maynard, Kathie and I lined up together in between the 3:50 and 4:00 balloons while I hastily chomped down 3 cliff bloks. Kathie, Da Ms Organizer, printed Cougar's 3:55 pace wrist bands for us. 8-) I warned her that I would jump up and down or hug and kiss her if I PR (I only need to run 3:57:08 to PR:). My training was going well and was able to avoid any cramping until the last mile in the last 2 marathons this summer.  However with the unprecedented heat a PR was doubtful. Nevertheless we were hopeful for sub-4. For the first 10K we were 30-60 seconds ahead of pace. Then we walked a little on Veyo and were back on pace. I carried only one Gu which I took at mile 5 (hoping to use 3 from the aid stations as promised on the runner's guide, they lied :evil: ). I loved running w/ Maynard & Kathie and watching the motor-gliders, helicopters overhead. I had fun harassing Lowell when I passed him. 8-) Mile 1-7: 9:03, 8:56, 8:52, 8:22, 8:34, 8:45, 8:19.

Somewhere around mile 10, Kathie started to see spots. :? We didn't know whether it was the heat or what. Her breathing was not labored, form was good. She doused w/ water at the station...it didn't help...the vision was closing in on her :(. She urged us to leave her when the 4hr balloons were passing us at the half. :( We hated to leave her but hoped that she would soon catch up if we stayed at the 4hr pace. Mile 8-13: 10:13 (Veyo), 9:18, 9:27, 9:23, 10:06, 8:46. We ran the first half in 1:59:xx.

I lost Maynard soon after mile 15. In the past he always found me if he had to take a pit stop. I kept looking back and couldn't see him. Darn this old lady eyesight! :x I spent way too much time at each aid station looking for Gu, filling cups w/ gatorade and water...quite a juggling act :evil:!!!  I had to be smart to stay hydrated. For the entire race I had one cliff bar, one piece of banana which I took w/ a Hammer electrolytes cap, and orange slices. The 4hr balloons would get further and further away after each aid station. I would then gradually reel them in. Mentally I fooled myself into thinking I'm running in mid 50 temp w/ a cooling canyon breeze. I thought of many wonderful blessings in my life. I tried to run w/ a smile. :) I told myself to "run like a horse" as Ed Eyestone inspired us at the Clinic yesterday. I concentrated on good downhill form, running relaxed. Mile 14-19: 10:10, 8:30, 8:48, 8:31, 9:59, 9:23.

It was so awesome to have so many spectators cheering, I side-fived the kids and thanked the "cheerleaders". :D I passed Staci Carroll on Bluff St and felt bad that she was having tummy issue. :( I passed many runners and encouraged walkers to run with me. I passed the 4hr balloons with a little less than a mile to go. :) Phil Struthers, my Ragnar team captain, passed me just before mile 26. As I turned the last corner I saw and passed him. Within a min. he passed me back and wasn't going to let me finish ahead of him...stinker! :mrgreen: That last 4 blocks were painful as my left calf and foot began to cramp up. :? I stomped hard w/ each stride to keep charlie horse from ceasing me. I saw and heard Teena which helped a tiny bit. Then I saw my sweet hubby and almost lost it!!! I didn't dare return his cheer, just focused w/ all my might to keep charlie horse at bay. :cry: Why did they keep moving the finish arch away from me?!!! :twisted: I crossed the finish and was elated to see my Garmin reading 3:58:51. My chip time: 3:58:49 (1 min 40 sec short of a PR). But I was and am very HAPPY with my effort. I "ran like a horse".  I did my best, no regrets!!!!   Mile 20-finish: 9:26, 8:30, 9:40, 9:08, 8:16, 8:39, 8:41, 9:13.

The elation was short-lived as I stopped at a shady spot next to the p-o-ps within min. of finishing. I collapsed in a heap of pain and cried like a big baby as the vice-grip-like angry cramps ceased my entire lower legs including the feet. Two kind souls, Larry and Ian, helped me passively stretch them out, got me ice bags and even bought me a bottle of gatorade. I laid on the grass for what seemed like eternity as my legs went into involuntary convulsions. :( I was soooo HAPPY and relieved when Maynard and RAD found me and helped me get up on my feet and walked gingerly out of the finisher corral. I found my hubby and had to wait 'till after the award ceremony at 1pm to receive my Grand Slam division award along with Canyon (Marcie) and Teena. I was bummed that we did not have time to go to Cougar's to say hello to everyone there! :(

A million THANK YOUs to you my dear dear friends for your love and friendship. HUGE CONGRATZ to all of you who finished this sizzling hot SGM 2010!!!! See you on the road/trail soon! :D :D :D

Inspire 5 (4) Miles: 26.30
Night Sleep Time: 2.50Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 2.50Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Calvin on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 16:02:09 from 66.133.117.3

Sounds like you had a great time at the race. Congrats on another great marathon and Slam placement!

From timp on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 16:17:14 from 136.182.2.26

Awesome racing Smooth - as always!

Sorry the cramps hit you so hard at the finish.

From RAD on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 16:24:50 from 67.172.229.125

Amazing race Smooth! I was SO happy to see you, but the happiness turned into devastation as I saw the pain from Charlie :( Despite it all, you run inspiring others and making it happen!! I'm SO blessed to have you in my life.

I too was VERY upset about the gu situation. I didn't pack anything counting on their gu's. I also told my SIL who was running her first not to pack anything - just use theirs and grab an extra. OOPPPPS! DANG. I tell you, I learned my lesson. I was glad I had a few jelly beans with me to make it through.

From AmberG on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 16:39:47 from 75.162.140.62

Oh SMooth! I love your positive attitude and your "running like a horse" visualization! Great job on a tough day, you kept Charlie at bay till the end and pushed through. I heard a ton of people complain about the lack of promised "gu's". I'm sure the city will hear about that. . . you just can't promise runners sugar and then turn them down! :)

It was so great to see your smiling face as always. You've had a solid year of running and you keep improving as you go all the while helping others along the way! Hope you are recovering well!!!

From leslie peterson on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 17:04:02 from 174.52.158.81

You are really my inspiration Smooth! So did I understand you, this was not a PR by a second?? PR or not, that was one awesome run in record breaking heat!!! Well done my friend!!! Recover and then I will meet you in Goblin Valley!!!

From RivertonPaul on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 17:15:22 from 67.42.27.114

Way to be so tough on such a hot day. I'm glad you ran like a horse, but not a dead horse. :) You are incredible.

From JulieC on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 19:11:39 from 70.56.111.1

Another amazing SMoothie Adventure. Great job Woman!!! Sans heat a definite PR was yours!!! No worries, its about the memories!! So now we ran the wettest and the hottest years : D

From Andy on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 20:21:57 from 198.60.22.10

While I would never want you to get cramps at a marathon, I am glad they only showed up after you were done. I was so happy to see you running toward the finish line knowing you were going to come in under 4 hours. Congratulations on a great year of racing.

From Kelli on Mon, Oct 04, 2010 at 20:23:59 from 71.219.65.246

You and that darn cramping, dang it! I am glad it held off until the race was finished, though!

Nice job, yo always have so much fun with friends while you run, I love it!!!

I am so angry for all of you about the GU's. That is ridiculous. Did anyone ask about it?

From Teena Marie on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 00:03:00 from 174.23.122.157

Sweetest, Coolest, Most Lovely, speedy SSF,

You have NO IDEA just how amazing you are! Seriously, NO IDEA!!!!

I would have NEVER guessed you were in so much pain when you were running down that last straight. I feel horrible that after cheering you in that I wasn't there for you when you cramped up. The kids were all over the place and I promised them we would go back to the condo the second I saw you run in. I am so glad that you had people there to take care of you. Then again, why wouldn't you? You are the MOST POPULAR and MOST LOVED girl I know.

You have had ANOTHER fantastic year. You just keep piling them on!!! :) :) :)

I am missing you already. We have had some family stuff come up and I have been unable to be on the blog or email much. Know that I love you!

Hope you are resting! :)

Congratulations again! :)

From flatlander on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 00:22:49 from 72.102.97.34

Great report as usual, very happy for you that at least the leg cramps didn't hit until after the finish. That happens to me that way too. Way to hang in there in the incredible heat.

From jasro on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 00:49:53 from 184.195.247.105

What a great report!! Congratulations on your effort. You should be so proud.

From DonGardinero on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:18:38 from 152.216.7.5

Another notch on the marathon belt. Well done, Smoothie!!! I wish I could have been there to run with all of you.

I didn't see any mention of pickle juice in your race report. Maybe you should carry a little flask with some in it next time. :>)

I also wish I could have seen you, Teena, Marcie and Amber get your Grand Slam awards, but I was feeling so weak that I never even made it to the finish line to spectate.

Are you still planning on the Goblin Valley 50k? Don't forget the pickle juice!!!

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 01:44:51 from 75.165.249.90

Hey Smooth, I looked for you down there, but I must have been just ahead of you most of the race. Great job and I enjoyd the report. You're awesome! I kind of lucked out with the gels. I brought a belt and put on 5 Hammer gels because I know I can stomach them. One of the guys I was with insisted they would have gels, but I took mine anyway. I sure needed them too. I loved that race. :)

From jj on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 14:57:13 from 192.107.247.6

Great job Smooth. It was nice to see you and your husband at the Expo. This was my first St. George and I loved it. Great race. By the way, the pickle juice works.

From Bec on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 14:58:47 from 67.172.233.189

I loved reading your report Smooth. All of the little faces brought beck certain emotions that I had felt on race day as well. Great time with what was handed to you at the end.

I did not know you faced the demon of the cramp again. Nothing stands in your way. You finish what you start and enjoy doing it for the most part. It was a hot day and I think you can blame the cramping on that.

Thank you for the continuous encouragement, inspiration, and energy that you feed to the sport. I have told you this before and I will say it again. You are a role model to me as well as so many others. Thank you.

From allie on Tue, Oct 05, 2010 at 19:52:15 from 174.19.51.35

great job, smooth! i very much enjoyed reading about your sizzling SGM experience. you have had quite an amazing year, and i see that it's not over yet... nothing slows you down! congrats on a great race and an excellent time.

From JohnnyV on Wed, Oct 06, 2010 at 10:57:02 from 204.124.13.151

Great Job. You always amaze me Smooth.

From Smooth on Wed, Oct 06, 2010 at 14:02:20 from 67.41.235.104

Cal ~ THANK YOU! I still need to comment on your race report. I read it on my iPad. You had an awesome race despite the heat.

Tim ~ Thanks! Can't wait to hear how your upcoming race go.

Rachel ~ THANK YOU SO MUCH for being there for me at the finish. You have no idea how much I appreciated that. You were amazing. You ran an AWESOME PR, then went and got baby Adam and came back to help me. You didn't even look like you ran a marathon. I predict more PRs coming your way.

OH! That sweet baby just slept thru everything. He's as amazing and as sweet as you! GOOD LUCK at OBX next! You and your sister are going to have so much fun!

Amber ~ You are the ROCKSTAR!!! I so admire everything you do. You are an AWESOME mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend AND a very talented runner. You balance everything so beautifully and are so humble about it all. I appreciate your kind comments, encouragement and support.

The highlight of SGM this year was seeing you at the award ceremony. You had a WONDERFUL year. You have put in mega miles and worked hard to achieve your goals. You are a true CHAMPION thru and thru. I just love you!

Leslie ~ I was bummed that I didn't go back to cheer you in. We barely had enough time to get the slam stuff and hurried back to the house.

I did not PR...nearly 1.5 min shy. But I am very happy for a sub-4. I think my sub-4 days are over. My goal is to conquer charlie horse. It's painful and frightening.

I am trying hard to recover so I can do Goblin Valley. I feel so unprepared for a 50K trail run. You are the queen of ultras and trails. You are my inspiration! :) I can't wait to party with you. :)

Paul ~ I'm glad I didn't drop like Ed Eyestone did in his speech :) I usually run like a mule! :)

Julie ~ Yes, it's all about the memories! I wish I had started running at a younger age,,,there would've been MORE memories! :) You my friend is my hero! You are AMAZING!

Andy ~ I got to figure out how to keep charlie from showing up at all. It seems like when I RACE I get it. Both times at Boston and SGM I got hit bad after I crossed the finish. It was frightening the last 0.5 mile when I could feel the muscles cramping up. I stomped my feet w/ each stride to keep them from seizing. But once I stopped the muscles just went into involuntary contractions and convulsions dropping me to the ground.

Kelli ~ The GU situation just messed me up. I did not have a good breakfast so I was a bit concerned. But I think the extra time it took me to grab more gatorade and orange etc was probably good for me. I did not bonk or feel dehydrated at all.

Those bad cramps though are very debilitating. My muscles hurt for days! I am grateful that it didn't seize me before I crossed the finish. It seized me at Ogden this year during the last 0.75 mile. If it weren't for Maynard's help (I held onto his arm and he literally dragged me), I would not have been able to finish.

Kel, I am SOOOO HAPPY for your HUGE PR. You are a ROCK STAR! Can't wait to see you at GV!

SSF ~ You always say the nicest things to me! I LOVE YOU too! I was very happy to hear and see you as I was focusing on making to the finish arch. I was so afraid that I would collapse in front of all these spectators. It would be a horrifying sight for Payton, not to mention how UGLY it'd be.

You have had a FANTASTIC racing year. Thanks for being there at all the races this year. I shall always treasure those memories and time spent with you.

THANK YOU for being my personal PT. You have no idea how much I appreciate that.

I pray for you to accomplish all that you have ahead of you. You are an amazing girl w/ busy family, school and still find time to help others. I LOVE YOU! Missing you like crazy!

Flat ~ Oh, I'm sorry you had had cramping episodes too. I would not wish this to my worst enemy. It hurts like hail when those muscles contract involuntarily so hard and angrily. I am grateful for total strangers who would help me even though they were dealing w/ their own post-race fatigue and soreness.

GOOD LUCK to you at Hartford. Hopefully you won't have the severe heat like we had. You are going to do awesome this weekend. Can't wait to read all about it.

jasro ~ THANK YOU!!!

Dale ~ I do not like to wear fuel belt in a race. In hindsight w/ the heat that day and the lack of gu on the course, I should have. I did carry two relish packets (left over from the ones Teena gave me at Pocatello). I took one as soon as I collapsed while the boys were stretching my calves. I was hurting so bad that I couldn't even tear open the second packet and lost it while I was writhing in pain.

Yes I am still planning to run Goblin Valley. I may need to carry a flask of pickle juice. I really don't know if they help or not. We asked Ed Eyestone at the Clinic. He said there's no proof that it helps...may be psychologically it does.

Scott ~ You ran an AWESOME St George debut. You were smart to carry your own. I never had problem w/ that at all the races I ran this year. I can stomach just about any brand they offer. I usually take 4 if I had done a good job carb loading and had a decent breakfast.

josse ~ It was great seeing you and yours at the Expo. I am glad you had a wonderful SG debut. You are a great runner. I am still in awe of your running the Pike Peak Marathon. You're a machine!

Bec ~ THANK YOU for saying such nice things about me. The feeling is mutual. Only you can understand why I keep coming back for more "punishing" demons! :) You are an amazing girl and deserve the very best. I am so happy you ran such a great race and took podium on Sat. Great times are still ahead of you!

allie ~ THANK YOU for reading my report. That's what I love about you...always there encouraging and giving support. Can't wait to read about your 5K slaughter next week. :)

Johnny ~ Thanks! I hope it's GOOD amazement or amusement! :)

From Jon A on Fri, Oct 08, 2010 at 17:48:09 from 67.214.249.195

Smooth, I love reading your blog, your running and your writing inspire me, makes me want to run with a smile! Awesome race! See you on the trail.

From marion on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 13:07:07 from 71.213.126.80

you are a ROCK STAR!!! I can't believe that I know you :) You inspire me! I am so proud of you :) Those darn Charlie horses!!! Who do they think they are??? It must make Larry crazy to see you hurt like that :(

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :D

From Rhett on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 16:40:01 from 184.10.154.226

Another amazing race for the amazing Smooth. I love the part about running with a smile on your face. I find that makes a big differnce for me too. You're the best! Sorry about the tough ending, but you're used to that by now. Good thing a marathon is 26.2 miles not 26.3. :) Although, I bet if you decided to run 30 miles the charlie horses wouldn't start till after you made it.

From Smooth on Mon, Oct 11, 2010 at 17:57:01 from 67.41.235.104

Jon ~ THANKS! :) See you on the trail WITH a SMILE :-)!

Marion ~ Thanks! Larry is used to that by now! He does ask me frequently: WHY do you torture yourself? :)

Rhett ~ Welcome home! Well, my Garmin shows that I ran 26.31, that's the best tangent I've done in SG all these years. Ummm, I am going to run 50K or 31 miles down at Goblin Valley next week, so the charlie horse has better stay far far away! :) One can never get used to the pain...the ugly embarrassment yes, but NOT the charlie horse pain...they hurt like the dickens!

From Doone on Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 13:54:29 from 184.10.153.95

After ditching the blog for 2 weeks I am back and had such a great time reading your race report. It sounds like tough weather conditions. I totally understand how demanding running in the heat is - it changes the whole way you run. I am so glad you were able to finish strong and hold off charlie until the end. You ran a great race and I am so proud of you!!

You truly are awesome. I am inspired by all your running and the way you conduct your life. thanks for putting a smile on everyone's face when we read your blog entries. Tell Larry I said HI!

Congrats on an amazing race.

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