This is the fourth marathon I have run since I started running in 2005. My previous marathons were Top of Utah 2006 (3:06 and change), Boston 2007 (3:13 and change) and Mesquite 2009 (2:57 and change). I had a good year at the 10K to half marathon distances and based on my times in those and my training thought I might have a shot at a 2:50 today if all went well. I got all excited, using Paul's pacing chart for 2:50 to prepare, and teaming up with my work buddy Neal Legler and Allie Scott to go after the 2:50. I started right on Paul's pace chart using my garmin, miles 1 and 2 were 6:22 and 6:25. I was worried though because Allie had not gone out with me, and Neal was chasing a lead pack and disappeared, so my little plan appeared to be falling apart. I figured Allie was warming up (I was right) and I was relieved and happy when she appeared somewhere around mile 3 or 4, I can't remember. For awhile we teamed up with another guy wearing nike frees. We were like a trio in an advertisement for nike frees. This section until Hollow road were arguably the funnest I have ever had in a race. Allie pulled ahead of me for a short time at maybe mile 9 or something, I can't remember, as I started to struggle a bit, but then Paul Petersen and Dave Nelson caught me. This confused me since I though they were only chasing 2:59. At this point I got ticked off at deserting Allie and motivated to put on a surge and ditch Paul (yeah take that buddy) and rejoin Allie. We ran together until Hollow road, where my calves and quads started cramping mildly. At this point I lost mental and physical focus and Allie surged ahead. I was disappointed I couldn't stay with her, but happy for her. So I figured, maybe I can get motivation from Paul when he catches me, which he did midway down hollow road. To my dismay, Keith was right on Paul and Dave's tail drafting off them. We smiled at each other, and I knew I wasn't going to be able to hang with their pace, they looked too strong and I was struggling with cramps in my legs and stomach. Fortunately I had Cody waiting for me at mile 18 to bring me in. Seeing him waiting for me was a huge relief, I was even thinking of DNFing if he hadn't been there to bring me in. I was hurting worse than I have ever hurt over miles 18-25. Cody was kind and patient and put up with me being a complete wuss, carrying my drinks and gels, massaging my legs (OK I made that part up..) and helping me take down two guys around miles 24.5 and 25.5 to give me the confidence to get in. First half was 1:24 and chage, second half about 1:31. Final time 2:55:18. I beat my bib number by two places so that is good. Normally I would be really happy with a PR and a 2:55 but when I set goals for myself I really like to achieve them, so I was pretty disappointed I didn't hit at least 2:52 or 2:53. But I still have a lot to learn about the marathon, it is a strange and unforgiving beast. And I also think the TOU course is tougher than people give it credit for. My problems (like in the half) started at the transition from downhill to level/uphill/tight turns/heavy traffic running. I really hate the last 7 or 8 miles of this course, and I hate the cars on the course starting at mile 17. I think I will enter the St George lottery next year so I can try my luck on a more consistent downhill without all the suburban turns and hills. Or, maybe try a sea level flat course like Newport Oregon. Thanks to Cody for bringing me in, and Allie for letting me run with her in the canyon and keeping me going there, I really really enjoyed that, it made the marathon worth it. Much funner than the other marathons where I was pretty much solo the whole way, or ran with people I didn't know, running marathons deaf is tough and it is nice to know people on the course. Kudos to the blog for providing a great community to meet other runners and motivate and inspire each other. And congrats to all the bloggers who did so well today, great day for FRB!
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