Sojourners Racing Team

Utah Valley Marathon, 2015

The first weekend in June is the Squaw Peak 50. So I usually spend this weekend pacing people in for the last few miles of the UV marathon. I usually get in over 20 miles running up and down University Avenue. This is great long recovery a week after doing 51 miles and thousands of feet of climbing.

Earlier this year I saw a contest on Facebook to win an entry for the UV marathon. I entered on a whim. Well I won one of the entries. As soon as I won I knew this race was going to be very interesting. I got excited about the opportunity for a personal test of physical endurance and willpower.

After I finished the SP-50 I got an awesome massage. It was so good that I went again on Tuesday afternoon. My legs have never felt so good so quick after the 50.

I did nothing on Monday. Tuesday I did 35 minutes on a stationary bike to loosen the legs with no impact. Wednesday I did 5.25 at an easy pace.  I kept feeling like I should get in some more miles, but I knew I needed recovery.

Reid and I went over to the Expo on Friday. We saw Jason Tucker Thompsen and the famous Shaylee Hurst. We had fun talking with them.

Reid and I agreed that I would pick him up at 02:30. This way we could get over and get on the first bus. I usually take a sleeping pad and other items so that I can get in some rest before the start. I need the time to relax and be calm. As the start time gets closer I get more and more nervous. I was glad that the week before the SP50 I had run the first 20 with the Borgets. Course knowledge is so important. This would definitely be the case for this race.

It was great to hang out before the start with Bryce Peterson, and the Borgets. Brandon was asking me how fast I planned to run it. He was mocking my over preparation and my custom pace charts. Once the call was made for the start we all headed over to the road. At this point we saw many other running friends.

I had a feeling that I could keep my time under 3:00. I had created a pace chart for a 2:50 time. My stretch goal was under 2:45. I actually felt pretty calm before the start.  I wanted to go out easy. I knew the hills could tough if you were not prepared for them.

I wanted to start near the front as the road is not very wide and placing is by gun time and not chip time. I got Brandon to come up closer with me. I also knew that Brandon knew the course well and after Ogden, he was confident and would have a good strategy. He is constantly getting stronger and faster.

A big group went out pretty fast. I saw Richard and several other Masters out there. I kept trying to stay back with Brandon. I often go out too fast and blow up later in the race. My plan called for a 6:37 mile. I felt like I was taking it easy.  The first one was almost 30 seconds faster than the plan. I felt good but I was worried about the lead group getting away. I could feel a problem with my left big toe. I had put my sock on in a rush and I could feel the irritation. I would pay for it at the end of the race.

Miles 2 through 7 were marginally faster than the planned pace. We made the left and started up the first hill. I was able to keep close to the plan. I caught and passed Richard going up to the hill. Along the top of the hill I caught a female runner. We ended up running by each other for a long ways. I held back a bit on the downhill. I made sure I was running the tangents as much as possible. I was amazed so many others stuck to the outside of the corners.

I crossed the half way point in 1:24:44. The fire barrels were still burning from the start of the ½. I did not enjoy running through all of the smoke. It labored my breathing for a few minutes. Not Fun.

I made it down to Vivian park feeling good. I knew the next hill was the one that would eat up a lot of people. Having ran it before I knew what to expect. I kept the pace for the next 2 miles at 6:30. Going down the other side I decided it was time to fly. I ran mile 19 in a 6:07.

I knew that the last 6 miles would be tough.  I had taken a gel at mile 11. Since then I had walked through a couple of aid stations so that I could drink the Gatorade. I would then take a water and dump it on myself. I had learned a few years ago from Brian Beckstead how important it is to keep your body temperature down.

I was now working my way through the ½ marathon walkers. I also saw some other marathoners. I pushed as hard as I could. The last few miles were nothing but will power. There was nothing in the tank and my legs were trashed.  The mile that included the hill at the golf course was my slowest yet.  I ground out a 6:46. At 2200 north I saw my friend, an officer helping with traffic control. Getting a high 5 from him gave me a boost. Right after that I saw my Brother Todd. He had ridden his bike to Provo . He was there once again to help me out. He is such a great support crew.

From there it was just the last 2 miles to the finish. I was able to keep them under 6:40. As we got to the finish line I could see the clock. I saw that if I pushed I would be able to be under 2:50. I gave it my best finish line sprint. I crossed the line in 2:49:44. ‘To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift’. I have to finish with nothing left. If not I know I haven’t given my all.

As I continued through to the chute, I saw a person with the finish medal.  I just kept going and lowered my head and ran through. As she lassoed me the medal banged off my teeth, Ouch. I then saw a chair ahead. I hobbled to it and somehow got down into it. I closed my eyes as the sweat was running heavily into my eyes.  The aid workers were very concerned. I just asked them for something to wipe my eyes.  I finally got my eyes open and then was able to get up.

I went back and headed back up University to see who I could find and help finish. My favorite part is the finish. I like helping others give that last little bit.

Later I found my family. My Mom had run the half. We all waited for the awards. My mom won her age group as usual. I finished 13^th overall and 2^nd in Masters. I even won $150.00. This was a great bonus since I had won the race entry!

Wow, what a day. I knew I could push myself but I wasn’t sure about this one. I am continually amazed at what the human body can do. Now I get in some rest and recovery before getting back to training for the fall. A big thanks to all of my family and running friends.

Don’t push the envelope, Rip right through it!