Top of Utah

I'm a little sad. Not that I didn't make my goal time of 3:45. But that the Top of Utah Marathon is already over and in the books. I really liked this race. I liked the route and loved the crowd participation. I can see myself running this one again and again. And it's close to home, which is nice, too.

Here are a few highlights of the race:

• Race start was at 7 a.m. Bus loading took place from 5:15-5:45. I caught the bus at about 5:30 and headed to Hardware Ranch in Blacksmith Fork Canyon. I'm glad I layered because it was FREEZING at the start. I stood in line for the porta-potties then headed to the start line where I took off my warm clothes and put them in my drop bag. It was six minutes to start time. Those six minutes went fast. The race started.
• The first 14 miles is running down a canyon. Then the route levels out. But towards the end, it seemed like there were lots of little neighborhood hills.
• About five minutes into the race, a girl came from behind me and said, "I've been following you for five minutes. I think we're the same pace." We ran together for the next 13 miles. Christina is from Providence {right next to Logan} and her goal was 3:40 - her bq time. But it was her first marathon and she said she would be happy just to finish. We talked and talked and it made those first 13 miles go by a little faster. I wish she lived in Salt Lake so I could adopt her as a running partner.
• At fourteen miles, the canyon ends and now we're running through neighborhoods. From this point on, it seemed like there were always spectators cheering.
• At mile 20, I was at 2:47:40. On track for a 3:45 finish. But around mile 22, I was slowing down and my right quad and left calf were threatening cramps. I would walk through the aid stations while downing some gatorade and then run to the next aid station. From that point on the aid stations were one mile apart. That seemed to keep my legs from full-on cramping. As I got to mile 24, I knew I would have to keep up a wicked fast pace to make my goal time and I knew my legs probably weren't up for it. But I kept running.
• Finish time: 3:51:18. Not a BQ but a PR by 22 minutes and 10 seconds.
• I took gu at 6, 11, 14, 19 and 22 miles. I was planning to take it every six miles but decided to take it when I felt like I needed it.
• I carried water until mile 15, then I dropped the bottle at an aid station.

After the race, I headed back to where we were staying and even before I showered, I sat down and called Lindy. I told her that this was an overall pretty good race for me and I didn't think I could get a faster time. This was it. The fastest time I'll get. And she immediately said, "No." And I love her for it! After I thought about it more, I think I have it in me to shave off those six minutes. With a little tweaking to my overall training, I think I can do it. Time will tell. And as long as my body allows, I'll keep trying.

My sweet husband and sister came to cheer me on. So happy to have them there!