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St. George Marathon Race Report



Like I've mentioned before: This was my first marathon! I ran one as part of the Challenge Roth back in 2007 but that doesn't really count... This was the real deal and I was super excited to be toeing the line with Colleen, Jess, Coachie, and tons of other crazies! I am not sure why I was so thrilled about the prospect of running 26.2 miles with a gimpy leg and basically no preparation. Granted, I am in decent overall shape but I honestly haven't run more than 14 miles since that day in 2007. At least not that I can remember... It didn't help that my season ended after Vegas and I kinda quit running after that. I still got in trouble for the few miles I jogged at about a 9:00/mi pace but that's a different story... 



The simplicity of running makes me very happy! My friends tried to talk me into all sorts of crazy outfits but I refused. I wanted to feel comfortable and just wear my favorite shorts and shirt. Why make things complicated? I have to admit that I loved Coachie's outfit but I prefer to be a little more... boring. I like boring. I did wear some fun (disposable) arm warmers but because it was such a nice and rather warm morning, I got rid of them before they made it into any pictures. Bummer! 


It was great to be with friends. On the bus. In the port-a-potty line. Before the start. There was always plenty to talk and laugh about. The only goal for this race: Have Fun! This is always my #1 priority but in a triathlon there is usually a bit of (self-imposed) pressure and some sort of performance goal. Not this time! 


Here are the highlights:
  • Colleen. Coachie went off the front, Jess left us eventually, but Colleen and I ran side by side for the first 20 miles. What a treat! This was Colleen's 10th marathon, so she knew what she was doing. We started out nice and slow and she kept reeling us in when we wanted to gallop off. You see that awesome little pack she is wearing? It nicely held everything she and I needed.  Thank you for carrying my salt pills and letting me sip your water! Love that girl! 
  • The weather. Not too cold at the start and not too hot at the finish. High was 82 degrees. Just perfect! When people complained about how hot it was, I just smiled and nodded. Seems like a few people could use a nice little race in Vegas in early September to put things into perspective... Have I mentioned the beauty of this course? I think the pictures speak for themselves...

  • Being absolutely carefree. 4 bathroom stops. Why not? I am certainly not going to pee in my pants unless seconds matter. And here not even minutes mattered... I walked all the aid stations until mile 20. It wasn't warm enough for me to want to get wet. At all. I talked to Colleen. I talked to random people. I never got my heart rate above 130 in the first 20 miles. I felt free. Free from worry. Free from pressure. Who cares that I should've run faster than the people around me? I certainly spent enough time in the pain cave this season during training and racing and I am not planning on going even near that place until some time next year. 


  • Feeling fantastic at mile 20. It sure helps to run rather slow for the first 20 miles... To be honest: The first 8 miles or so were the worst I felt all day. My stomach wasn't settled, my legs weren't warmed up, and I am not a fan of crowds. But I kept feeling better and better and, after one last port-a-potty stop at mile 18, I was ready to hit it. A little 10k race? Yes, please. Colleen realized I was itching to go faster and gave me the green light. And - I let it rip. It was the most fun I've had while running in a really long time. I wasn't going crazy fast or anything but, compared to everyone else at this point, it seemed like I was flying. 


  • The finish. Have I mentioned that I really miss green, lush grass here in Flagstaff? Sitting in the grass under big shady trees, hanging out with friends, and eating all the post-race yumminess was heaven. I wanted to sit there and enjoy myself all day. 

I knew running a marathon would be fun but this race really exceeded my expectations! I figured there might be some low points here and there but they just never came. Despite what a lot of people think concerning my injury and off-season: This weekend was just what I needed! Now I am back to taking care of my leg (which behaved much better during and especially after the race than I feared) and (after a horrible 6-mile slog last Friday) I am committed to taking the next 2 weeks off. No running for me! Karl is leaving town tomorrow morning for 8 days anyway, so this is pretty good timing... Full-time parenting, here I come! 



PS: I have to set this straight for the record: It has been observed that, judging by the last few pics, I actually do have some boobs after all. What a nice surprise! In case you are wondering: same boobs, same Target bra I wear every day, same me just 5 or so pounds heaver since Vegas... Happy Off-season to me! 




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