1:54:00 AP 8:43 9:00, 8:21, 9:13, 8:52, 8:37, 8:38, 8:42, 8:44, 8:40, 8:40, 8:41, 8:35, 8:40, 1:12 As of yesterday morning, I wasn't going to run the race. My lower right leg has been bugging and I was feeling down in the dumps about it. But I decided last minute I was going to do and try to just get through these next 2 weeks/races (Ragnar is next weekend). I woke up at 2:45am (uggggghhhhhh) and picked up my babysitter at 3:15am (she is a ROCK STAR!!). I drove down to Provo Towne Center Mall. Construction was CRAZY and there were a lot of people on the road (all going to the race, I guess). I made a mental note of where I parked and got in line for the bus. It was dark and cold! It was neat to see all the mile markers on the way up. We were dropped off a mile north of the Sundance turnoff. With all the fires and people, it looked like a cult gathering. I was super grateful for the fire...it was cold. I met some super nice people while we waited over an hour for the start. Some 12 year old kid was running his first race. Wowzer! Finally, I took care of business in the potty and dropped my bag off. It was COLD waiting for the gun to go off! I didn't have any goals considering my lack of training and injuries. I just wanted to finish and enjoy. I found the 2:00 pacer and thought I could maybe hang with him. Only until mile 3. The mile 3 hill wasn't as bad as it looked. It was long but very gradual. I took water at every station and jelly beans at mile 8. My toes were rubbing funny in my shoes. I thought they might be bleeding (and they were). But I can't really stop. By mile 11.5, I was starting to loose alittle steam. I was getting to puke zone...I hate puke zone. I just kept saying to myself, "Puke at the finish...Puke at the finish".
It was hard to see the finish line from mile 12. One of the things that bugged was the lack of cheering from the crowds at the finish. I ALWAYS cheer for runners and it was SILENT. Maybe I just need to be a bit more entertaining! At the finish, I bent over and put my hands on my knees ready to puke. I had an old friend come up to me. She had just finished too and was feeling the same way I was. It was a funny conversation. The race was very well organized (except the shirts were ugly). The aide stations were great and well stocked. The finish line food was outstanding. I drank my first chocolate milk after the race (Thanks Smooth and Rachel for the good advice). I don't drink milk, but chugged it down. It actually tasted great. I got a massage...gotta get my money's worth. Got my drop bag and changed into my sandels.....my feet were a bloody mess. Ate lots of Creamies and watched a few of the marathoners come in. I had to leave and relieve the babysitter, so I was sad to miss seeing fellow bloggers come in. Took an ice bath (Thanks again Smooth and Rachel) and am going to get pedicures with my big girls!
A great race...glad I did it!
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