Salt Lake City Marathon
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Salt Lake City Marathon - RunMarathon
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Comments: I run marathons for "fun." Now I know that there aren't very many people who would say that running for nearly five hours would even fall REMOTELY into their definition of fun, but I truly enjoy it. Why? Because it is a marvelous way to get to know a place. There is something so satisfying about completing what, for most people, is the ultimate physical challenge. There are these moments of shared experiences with other runners that are amazing. Furthermore, there are these short term, but important relationships that are built between runners and spectators. I know that sounds corny, but I truly do believe that. The spectators are so very VERY important to those of us on the course. We share a moment...just a brief one, but an important one...as we pass. There are some people I wish I could thank in person, but I can't...so I'll just do it here. Thank you Ron, an elderly gentleman who ran at about my pace for the first 22 miles or so. Every time I passed him he called out "Go Tory!" That meant a lot to me. Thank you to the high school boys and their rock band playing in their front yard. Thank you to all of the children who gave me a high five on the course! God bless you if you cared enough to bring out a hose and spray us down! Thank you to every single person who stood at a crossroads, handed out water and Gatorade, wet us down with sponges, and cheered us on. Thank you to the elderly Hispanic couple who were sitting on the porch in front of their house cheering and beating a ladel on an aluminum paint liner! Thank you to the little red haired boy in Liberty Park who stood silently holding a plate of orange slices while his mom video taped him. Thank you to the five or six bluegrass bands! Thank you to the mimes! Yes, there were mimes...they were "running". It was hilarious! Thank you to the people who made our event their event, with yard parties and signs. Thank you Team in Training! You always support your runners...but not only that, you cheer for everyone! Thank you Hometown Heroes for raising so much money for charity. Thank you Lord for the blessing of a healthy body. What would you do differently?: Hmmmm...I don't think anything in particular. I was very very careful with hydration, succeed caps, and carb intake. I took walk breaks at almost every mile. I took time to enjoy the race, while still pushing myself. Post race
Warm down: I walked around the expo and drank some water and ate two baby bananas. As soon as I got my gear bag I ate one of my Reese's Peanut Butter cups. (It is the post-race treat of champions around the world, doncha know.) I found Lisa and got a much needed hug! That was the best part. What limited your ability to perform faster: My back was bothering me most of the race. Nothing critical, but also nothing unexpected. I have degenerative disc disease so it's going to hurt. Event comments: This was an outstanding race. If I were planning on repeating a race, I would definitely do SLC again! The people are wonderful. The sites are gorgeous. You can't beat the course support. Seattle needs to take some lessons! Walt Disneyworld is still my favorite, but (don't hate me, Seattle), this is my second favorite. By Far! Last updated: 2006-06-04 12:00 AM
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2006-06-04 5:26 PM |
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2006-06-06 7:06 AM in reply to: #442654 |
2006-06-18 1:35 PM in reply to: #444474 |
General Discussion-> Race Reports! |
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United States
Devine
85F / 29C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 1323/1946
Age Group = 40-44
Age Group Rank = 53/81
Work up early in the morning and had my breakfast cookie and some water. I was REALLY nervous before this race, probably because Roy wasn't with me. I had a lot of doubts that I don't think I normally have. Lisa drove me to the U of Utah and dropped me off near the Legacy Bridge. I felt bad that I didn't talk much, but I was really nervous.
As soon as I got there I checked my gear and got in a line for the porta potties. Unfortunately I never did get up there.
The elites were sent off with a lovely rendition of God Bless America at 6:00 a.m. Music was playing and the morning was beautiful. Near me there was a couple wearing tech shirts that said "Groom tonight" and "Bride tonight." That is such a cool way to start a life together!
I gave Roy a quick call and tried not to cry. I so wanted him there and was really REALLY nervous without him. It made no sense since it's not like he runs with me. I think it was just the idea of him being three states away if something happened.
Made my way up to the starting area and found my Clif Pace Group. My goal was a 5 hour marathon. Robin was the leader. She has run 48 marathons! Wow! Chatted a little with the people around me and waited for the start.
Someone sang Oh Canada and then another woman did one of the worst renditions of our National Anthem I've ever heard! Good LORD! It actually has a melody. Sadly she never found it. (I think she was going for her own mix of it, but it's the National Anthem. Just sing it the way it was written, please.)
At 6:45 the air horn sounded. I crossed the mat about 6:50 and we were OFF!