Top of Utah

So it's far enough removed that I can finally write about my marathon. Ever since I missed qualifying for Boston by 18 seconds, I've wanted to come back with a vengeance. Unfortunately September 17th wasn't my day to do it. I had heard that rain was in the forecast and came prepared with my disposable poncho. It wasn't too cold up at the top of the mountain, thankfully, but about 10 minutes before the race started, it started to pour!! We all huddled close together and tried to stay as dry as possible.

Once we started, the rain let up and about mile 2 I got rid of my poncho and my long sleeve shirt. Mistake number one! About mile 10 the rain started again. It was pouring!! I thought it wouldn't be too bad, at least it wasn't hot, but when it wouldn't let up and then started hailing, it was almost comical, in a sad sort of way. We were all wet and soggy and I my clothes rubbed my skin raw in many places. I also think I started out too fast because by about mile 3, I was already wanting to be done. Mistake number two! There were 23 miles left to go, and no juice in the tank!!

It's fun to weave in and out of the pack and see the same people on the race course as you go. At about mile 5 I heard a guy ask his friend, "Why are we doing this?" At mile 21 I saw him again and told him I was still pondering that question myself. About mile 23 some guy asked me how I was doing. "Oh, pretty lousy. And you?" His response, "Oh, I wanna cry." Wow! That said it all!! We both talked about how we had done Top of Utah before. And wanted to cry then too!!

I'm usually good about keeping running during a race, except for walking during water breaks. I found myself wishing for them sooner and sooner. And I also started hugging people!! My Aunt Sharrell came to cheer me on and I had to stop and give her a hug (I think I really just wanted to do the stopping part). Then I ran into a friend's mom and had to give her a hug. Looking back, I'm realizing I was just a little bit exhausted and delirious at the time. It makes me laugh. I guess I walk for water breaks and hug breaks!!

So, I made it. I am happy I tried and for that day I did my best. I always try to give it my all so that I can't look back and say I could have tried harder - for most of the race, I just didn't have any more to give! My time was my best of 3 Top of Utahs (3:52:02), but not the speed I was hoping for. I love marathon training. I love having a plan, sticking to it, getting stronger and working towards a goal. I've decided I love the training more than the races. I just haven't quite figured the racing part out, but Boston, some day, some how, I will be there!!! (I may have to wait a few years so I can have a slower qualifying time, or even better, maybe one of you can qualify and I can come watch!! Nah...I probably wouldn't go for that!)