St George 2009- Lindy's version

St George Marathon 2009

I set my phone alarm for 4 am on race morning. This was perfect, as it was the time I set my alarm for on most Saturdays all summer long. Lisa’s husband gave us a ride to the buses. Cynthia, Lisa, and I were all staying at the same condo with our families. We picked up Hannah, and were able find Marcie at the pre-designated spot close to the buses. I was so happy that we got to ride up on the buses together. I only wish I had done a better job of pre-planning so that Yoshimi could’ve met us and bused with us as well.

After the bus dropped us off, the time seemed to go really quickly. I spent the time situating all my stuff. Music, gel, waist-pack, bib, watch, etc…It is my feeling that I have to run with EVERYTHING, so it takes me a while to get situated. I wish I could’ve been more social and relaxed at the start line. We also waited in line to go potty. They started the race while we were in line to drop our “drop bags”.

I felt bad that it got crazy as the race was starting, and I didn’t even get to say “goodbye and goodluck” to everyone. Suddenly everyone was gone in the crowd. Except Marcie. Marcie and I stuck together, and had 7 or 8 good miles together. I felt like we had a really good synchronized rhythm for those first miles. I couldn’t talk much, as I felt the need to conserve energy. But it felt good to have a good friend by my side.

I was trying to hold back in the beginning. I really wanted to get “negative splits”. This means to run the 2nd half faster than you ran the first half. St George didn’t give us our half way time on the results. But my Garmin watch shows me that at 13.1 I was exactly HALF of my finishing time- to the second! So I didn’t get negative splits, but equal splits. Good enough. (Isn’t that weird???)

I think that it takes multiple marathons, for me anyway, to figure out how much to hold back in the beginning. How much to save for the end. I feel like I’m finally getting better at pacing myself- because this 3rd marathon is the first time I didn’t feel like I hit the wall. My personal definition of “hitting the wall” is having to walk a little in the last few miles, because your body and mind feel light and tingly- like if you keep running you will probably pass out and hit the pavement with your face. I’ve never tested it at that point- kept running through that. I walk til it passes, and then go again. But this time- the last few miles were painful, but I could keep running.

The highlight of the race was seeing Noah, Megan, Hannah, Kelly, and Melissa at mile 16. I high-fived all the girls. They couldn’t be any cuter. And Noah couldn’t be any sexier. What a wonderful boost they always are to me.

The weirdest part of the marathon was seeing a girl stand up out of a squat- with her shorts still around her ankles. She was barely off the pavement. She went to the bathroom right off the side of the road. Right in plain sight- no bush!!! Is that okay?

The item I was greatful to have brought along- 2 mini clif bars. Ive never consumed solids during a race. I think this was a good move for me. It’s not easy to chew, but the energy and calories were much appreciated.

The frustrating part of the race- a 5 minute port-o-potty stop. At least it was there when I needed it. But it’s such a time killer!

The beautiful part of the race: St George is amazing. The course is very pretty.

Results: I was wearing a pace band with a finishing time of 3:43. I came in before that time, so I guess I accomplished my 2nd best scenario goal. Best case scenario was a PR, but I wasn’t determined to run myself into the ground for it. My other goals were to finish without having to walk- did it, and to get a negative split- almost did it! So I’m feeling pretty good about things.

Once I stopped running, all my salty sweat slid down into my eyes, and I couldn’t see anything for a few minutes. So I’m stumbling around the finish area- hands out in front of me, in the dark, trying not to run into anyone. I must’ve looked funny. (:

I was so happy to see Yoshimi as soon as I could open my eyes again. She came up to me and looked happy. She got an AWESOME 3:36:35. I knew she’d nail her BQ goal.

I was sad that I didn’t get to see Marcie finish. But upon talking to her later, I was proud of her for getting a PR marathon time. I did get to see Cynthia and Lisa come running in together- the Awesome Green Girls!!! They looked terrific. I was very proud to be their friend. They’ve achieved an experience I have yet to experience- to run over the finish line with a dear friend. Very cool.

And then I saw Hannah in the finish area too. I couldn’t believe how good she looked- just like nothing had happened to her in the last 5 hours. She looked terrific. Very strong!

I enjoyed a bullet pop someone handed me as I made my way through the finishers area. But my favorite post-race food item was the Rockin Refuel Chocolate Milk in Scott’s (Cyndi’s husband) cooler.

Thankyou everyone for grueling out the summer months- I think I speak for everyone when I say- It was so worth it!!!

I hope I get to hear 4 more accounts of this day in the blog! Everyone's experience is so unique!