Utah Marathon Relay, 9/11/10

On Sep 11th, I ran the first leg of the Utah Marathon Relay with my friends: Scott, Jason, Alicia and Jeff. Each member of the team runs 5.2 miles. It was a beautiful day and lots of people, but not overwhelming, which was really nice. We could still walk around and find each other. Jeff and Alicia set up a canopy and we had some camp chairs to relax. The course ran along the Jordan River Pkwy for a couple miles and then west and then south again back to the relay point. They had some refreshments, booths and a live band, which played seemingly non-stop for the duration of the event. I don't know of any more than perhaps one or two teams that came out to really run fast. Most were like us and just having a great time, which we did. I ran the slowest leg of our team in just over 51 minutes. I'm glad I went first because then I could relax with the Hostess Donuts!!!! This event was really fun and the logistics were pretty simple: run in a circle and hand of the baton, cheer for each other and then drive home when your team is done. Try it.

www.utahmarathonrelay.com

Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon

April 24th, 2010-Thanksgiving Point Half Marathon. I was expecting maybe 200-300 people for this inaugural event, but no...650 runners!!!! We were treated to perhaps the best weather of the year so far, cloudless skies, and by the time I finished I think it was about 55 degrees. We started off through the Thanksgiving Point business section and then meandered through the gardens. I wasn't expecting all the turns and small hills, but it was a real nice change from all the flat, straight training I've been doing. The tulips were in full bloom and it was really gorgeous. Once we got through the gardens we ran along the Jordan River trail and then back up through some neighborhoods to return to Thanksgiving Point. The organization was spectacular and I felt like they were playing to the runners and not just to their cause (to raise money for the new children's museum). I felt wanted and not used. I wasn't too sure how I'd do after running the SLC marathon the previous Saturday, but I was pleasantly surprised to feel really good and felt pretty strong until about mile 11 when I slowed a bit. What I liked the most about this distance is that I didn't feel like throwing up at the end and the day wasn't half over. After grabbing some of the snacks at the finish I was able to still grab breakfast at the hotel and shower before check out time. I wasn't light-headed and only a bit tender the rest of the day. I really, really had a great experience. The medal was very nice, too.

www.thanksgivingpoint.com

Salt Lake City Marathon

April 17, 2010, 7th annual Salt Lake City Marathon. We had some beautiful weather this year. It got up to the low 70's at midday, and even though it was the warmest day of the year, so far, in SLC it wasn't overwhelming. I hadn't trained like I should have since last September and I could really tell. I ran the first half with my buddy, Vijay, who was running the 1/2 marathon. The halfers split off at about mile six and that was the last I saw of him. As it turns out our times for the half were only about forty seconds apart. There were about 1050 finishers in the marathon and about 4500 finishers in the half. So, it got a little lonely after the split from the crowd. Just after mile 16 I was almost done with the Van Winkle hell stretch when all of a sudden got hit from behind by a bike marshall. He must have glanced away and didn't see me. We tumbled all over together and then came to rest in a heap. Thankfully, there wasn't any blood and after a few moments the police helped me up and I was on my way. I didn't feel any after effects from the crash until a few hours after the race. I now have a tender hip and my back is a bit sore, but I expect to be fine in a couple of days. I knew I wouldn't break five hours, so did a bit more walking than usual to preserve myself from exhaustion. I walked all of mile 21 and figured out that at that pace I wouldn't be able to break six hours, so I mixed in some running and ended the last few miles by walking a block and then running a block. I love, love, love the finish down the middle of the Gateway with the remaining spectators cheering us on. I was joined by my three youngest and we crossed the finish line together. That is always a real thrill for me. Two major drawbacks this year: NO gels or bars at any of the aid stations (had they announced that I would have brought my own, but they always had them in the past, so I decided to go without my own for the first time.) and no food left at the end, in fact they were taking down the food tables as I walked through the chute. Other than that it is a very well organized race.

www.saltlakecitymarathon.com