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.            

Marathon Photos

My marathon photos are available now.  I haven't decided if I will purchase them.  They look better this time than they have in the past, but I don't think there are many people that actually look good in them.  How cute would you be after 13.1 miles?

At least this time the camera guy didn't take a crotch shot or catch me doing something stupid like running with my thumbs out.

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Sunday, November 15

We woke up at 4 am to get ready for the marathon.   I did not wear my new shoes. You shouldn't wear, eat or drink anything new on race day. Stick with the gear you've trained in and the foods you know work without making you sick.           

I had brought my electric skillet so we could make eggs and hashbrowns in our room but neither of us was hungry enough for that since we had a huge dinner.  The hotel was full of runners so they set out their breakfast early for us.  We grabbed a muffin and a banana on our way out. 

We took the shuttle to the start line, checked our bags, and waited for the race to start.  There were a few people in the race T-shirt and I had told her not to wear hers.  I said those people must be newbies and don't know any better.  Besides the nothing new rule, wearing the T-shirt says "look what I did" and you haven't yet.  Wearing a T-shirt from a previous race that you have already finished is fine.

There were 36 corrals with multiple starts.  The first horn was for the elite runners, the second for the runners that were planning the fastest runs, the slower runners after that, and the walkers bringing up the rear.  This is how it is at all the races so that the slower runners and walkers don't get in anyone's way.  This is the first time I have seen 36 different waves.  We waited over an hour in the corral before we even started.  I think the longest I waited before was 15 minutes.  If this is how they start the race every year, I don't think I'll run this one again.  That was way too long.

The race itself was fun.  There were a few people on their lawns cheering for us.  There were bands playing, cheerleading squads, and spectators in costume.  I got high-fives from a gorilla and a giant banana.  We were feeling strong until mile 10, then we started getting tired.  My friend's blister popped at mile 12, so the last 1.1 miles was not fun, but we did it.  She finished her first half marathon and I have a new medal to add to my collection.      

Image from the race website.  Nope, that's not me.           

San Antonio

Saturday, November 14

My friend and I drove to San Antonio for the marathon.  I knew my hotel was near the finish line, but we discovered it was also within 2 blocks of the expo, the Riverwalk, and the buses to the start line.

We visited the expo to pick up our numbers, goodie bags, and check out the booths.  I bought a new pair of running shoes, a number belt with a small pouch to stash small items like keys, cell phone, or Gu, and some sleeves.  Yes, I bought sleeves without a shirt.  It's all about layers.  I've been wanting some of those ever since I saw some of the cyclists in BCO wearing them.  When they get too hot, they just take the sleeves off and put them in their backpack.  I want some tattoo sleeves, like in the pic, but the ones I bought are black with a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series logo.

After the expo, we went to the Riverwalk for dinner.  Pasta with shrimp and scallops.  Yum.  There's no such thing as a diet the day before a marathon.  We consumed as many calories as we could stand.

I priced my new shoes at a store on the way back to our hotel.  I saved 25 dollars off retail.  Yay!