Top of Utah kicked my butt! I haven't been this sore and tired after a race in years. I think my 2 months of dealing with PF and cutting back and my worries with Paul had a huge impact. Friday night the chicks and I (Desiree, Lisa, and Jen) went to the expo and pasta dinner. It was really fun. My daughter Jana that lives up there joined us. We laughed and took pictures and had a blast. That night Desiree gave each one of us gift certificates for pedicures at the Shirodhara Day Spa. I had given the girls each running shirts with the "The Running Chicks" on the back so we could run as a team.
We were worried about the weather, and I talked the girls into really bundling up, but it wasn't necessary. The weather was beautiful from start to finish.
We started out together and stayed together for about 9 miles averaging about an 11:30 pace. I could tell from the get go I was going to have a hard time. My legs didn't warm up until about mile 3 and from 3 to 9 I felt okay, but at mile 9 I was wishing I was done. Not a good thing!! The chicks had 2 potty stops and that gave me a chance to get ahead a bit, they had to wait in line, so I took off. I ran with some cute ladies from Toole for most of the race. At mile 14 or so I had a big cheering squad, Lisa and Jen's husbands were there with other family member and cheered for me and gave me high 5s. It was a much needed boost, I was really struggling. They drove the back roads of the course and got out to cheer us on about 5 times. I can't tell you how helpful that was! I kept thinking any minute the chicks would catch up and at about mile 18 or 19 Desiree passed me up. From mile 19 on I felt exhausted, and had to do quite a bit of walking.
I think I crossed the finish at 5:33, the clock said 5:35, but we didn't cross over the starting line until 2 minutes after the gun went off. Jen and Lisa were only 2 minutes behind me. Jenny had horrible knee pain, and Lisa was a rock star to hang with her and keep her company.
It was a great time. I am totally pooped. And my thoughts on TOU is that it is an okay race. The 14 miles down the canyon were wonderful, but weaving around the city was not so fun. I think the Ogden Marathon is much much better, and I am big fan of St. George. TOU was just medicore in my book.
I survived, I am a little nervous about St. George, I am going to have to be happy with a slower time this year I think.
You should check out Lisa's blog, she may give better details. | 