I figured I could get through a couple hours of running if I doctored myself up and got a few good night's of sleep. It worked, I was ready to go early Saturday morning. The start and finish are in different locations so my friends and I planned a car drop and pick up. It's definitely the way to go - no waiting for the train. Ready to start!
I don't usually run with someone during a race because I feel I am way too slow for all my friends but Carmen decided to stick with me and it ended up being a really great run. We are compatible even though she can run much faster than me but neither of us were running for a PR. We wanted a good run outside. The weather was perfect - high 40's to start and mid 60's at the finish. The course is fantastic! It heads north from the University up to 11th Avenue, around and down City Creek Canyon. I didn't have my phone to take pictures but definitely enjoyed the views. As we started the uphill on South Temple, about 5 miles, during one of our walk breaks, a girl asked if she could join us for the rest of the race. She liked the thought of our 4:1 run/walk ratio. Her name is Jenna from Tennessee and this was her first Utah race. It was super fun to have our little trio run together.
On course support was great and the cheering crowds were the boost that suffering runners can always use! And it was fun seeing people on the course that we knew. Although, I was surprised to not have seen more since afterwards I saw dozens of pics and posts of friends that were there.
About 11 miles in, I started coughing pretty bad and had I been alone I might have started walking a little more. I was able to keep on with the feeling of being accountable. When we started I had a finish time in my mind. As the race went on I wasn't sure it could happen. As we turned into the last mile, I was happy to see I was going to make it.
Jenna & me |
me and Carmen |
A few weeks ago, I bought these Hoka beauties because of all the hype I've heard about them. I put about 25 treadmill miles on them and decided to wear them Saturday. They were great and I may just be a convert!
I remember my first few half marathons when the full and half started together. The winner of the marathon would pass me at 9 or 10 miles. The last time it was about 12 miles when they caught me. Saturday, as I was coming down the chute, they announced the winner was coming. With a burst of energy, I was able to cross the finish line a couple of minutes before he did. Yes, I am a slow runner but obviously getting faster every year! Yay for old people!
I loved the course so much that I already registered for next year during the blitz!
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