This was my third time to run the Utah Valley Marathon (and my tenth overall). I trained better than I had for any marathon previously, so I was hopeful that I could run faster than my other two times on this course (3:12, 3:31). I was hoping to run under 3 hours, but I wasn't sure how realistic that was.
The weather was warm, but it felt fine for the first half. There was a lot of shade. I felt the warmth more in the second half, but I'm not sure that it affected me much.
I enjoyed the course, as usual. Running through the canyon is amazing. After the race, I questioned why I was trying to run a fast time. It takes away much of the fun of running through the canyon. But I guess I can run in the canyon anytime. It's the stress of pushing yourself that makes it rewarding.
Anyway, here are my splits (I missed some of them):
1 - 6:38
2 - 6:51
3&4 - 13:33
5 - 6:52
6 - 6:34
7&8 - 14:11 (hills)
9&10 - 13:52
11 - 6:48
12 - 7:01
13 - 6:50
13.1 - 0:53 (1:30:06)
14.1 - 6:42
15.0 - 6:07
16 - 7:05
17 - 7:00
18 - 6:57
19 - 7:09
20 - 7:15
21&22 - 14:48
23 - 7:44
24 - 8:01
25 - 7:43
26.2 - 3:06:03 (total time, pace was probably around 7:45)
I was right on pace at the half. I stayed pretty strong until mile 18 or so. Then I just couldn't keep the pace going. My quads were hammered by that point. I didn't predict that this would happen because I had run lots of mileage in training. In hindsight, it would have been better if I had done more canyon running and perhaps more 20+ milers in training.
But I am happy with this outcome. It's my fastest time on this course, and I averaged 7:06 pace per mile. Not to brag, but I find it remarkable that my body can do that.
I'm planning to run another marathon this fall, and 3:00 will be the goal. But I've decided that time goals are fairly arbitrary. It's more about what you put into your races and what enjoyment and learning you get out of them than anything.
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