Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Day 4: Utah Valley Marathon

June 12


We had to board the buses to the starting line between 3:30 and 4:30 a.m., so the hotel put out breakfast for us at 3:00.  It was bananas, muffins, cold cereal, etc, which is perfect.  Believe me, you don't want greasy sausage or anything heavy in your stomach during a race. 

I forgot to pack my number belt with the pouch for my nutrition, so I safety pinned my Gu to my tank top.  It was actually easier to get to this way.  I just tore it off as I needed it, no need to unclip.  I may start doing this from now on.  I used KT tape on both knees, dressed in layers, and headed out.  It was cold and rainy, so I was happy I threw in an extra rain jacket at the last minute.  I had found a set of jacket and pants at Gander Mountain for $9.99 and someone else at the starting line found an almost identical jacket at REI for $4.99.  At that price, I won't mind tossing it at mile 5 if I no longer need it.  

We huddled next to fires at the start until the gun went off around 5:30.  It was mostly downhill, through the canyon.  The full marathoners passed me near the end.  Almost every one of them had a few encouraging words as they passed.  I finished, and now have a 4th medal to add to my collection.

 I think I saw the Kenyans in my hotel lobby!  They passed me early on the course (we had the same finish line, but started 13.1 miles in front of the full marathon).  I've never seen the Kenyans before.  I should have asked for a picture.            

26 comments:

Lucy said...

Just keep up the good thoughts and have fun. It sounds like a blast.

Vince said...

Good girl, consider that you've received a winding couple of pats on the back.
Mind you I would have thought that starting running at that temp' is just asking for cramp no matter how much warming up you did.

Kelly said...

Congratulations!

jack69 said...

Good report. Enjoyed the entry and glad you made it fine. Congratulations!
Neat medal.

buffalodick said...

Down hill can be harder impact than up hill- how do your knees feel today? Good job! What was the altitude? The ones I was in were at almost sea level...

Brian Miller said...

how cool. congratulations!

the cache was in a cemetary about 2 blocks from our house...the boys had a blast...perfect for their age...

Full-On-Forward said...

Loving the trip- but I have a question, the Watch for Rattlesnakes Sign????

Why would a Rattlesnake need a watch? So it could strike at Midnight. OMG, that was so lame...I'm sorry Jen!

John

Full-On-Forward said...

q

Anonymous said...

So cool! You are awesome! I gave you an award on my blog!

Liz Mays said...

That is so great. You lead a pretty fun life!

Ronda Laveen said...

Very exciting with insider details of the marathon. Congrats on the medal. Rock on!

Jen said...

Down hill is what kills my knees. I walked this one. I'll start running again after my backpacking and roadtripping this summer. I need my knees to hike.

betty said...

congrats!! job well done and Wow your fourth one! you know, San Diego just finished its half and full marathon a few weeks ago. (hint for next year, LOL). What an early start of the day though! I'm sure you just wanted to get running to warm up, LOL. My friend who ran the San Diego 1/2 marathon said they had a similar early start with what time their shuttle was picking them up, but their hotel didn't offer such a nice breakfast like yours did. Again, WTG!!!!!

betty

Tempo said...

Well done Jen, many congratulations to you.

Anonymous said...

oh, keep having fun!
Congrats!



LOVE!

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Congratulations!!! You are awesome!!! I'm so impressed...and inspired too!!! ~Janine XO

Heather said...

Congrats on finishing the race and getting a metal! If there is reincarnation, I want to come back a person with your gusto!

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Between 3.30 and 4.30 am? Surely that should have read pm. Seriously well done you, I'm so impressed.

Heather said...

I will be having something waiting for you on Monday's post. Come on by and get it.

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

happy 4 you.
;)

RoseBelle said...

Congrats! My brother ran a marathon two years ago and his left leg calf cramped halfway and he fell to the ground. He didn't give up though and finished the run. He mentioned that some Kenyan runners came for the marathon too and they were FAST!!

Poppy said...

I admire people that are able to finish a marathon. I could use some of that willpower. :) Congratz!

Unknown said...

congratulations... and yes i was thinking the same thing about the downhill.

Vince said...

I don't think I've seen a list of Americans with so few Irish or Scottish names, generally it's about 1:5. In that list, and granted in Utah, it's about 1:80.

BTW, have you survived.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

just stopping by to say hello.

A Lady's Life said...

Congratulations!! You are some brave gal!:)

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