“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever
achieve greatly” – Robert Kennedy
The Ogden marathon has become more of a tradition run than a
race for me, as with most things running it was my Mom that got me started
doing this one. I ran the ½ twice before doing the full. It is a well-organized
race with beautiful course.
Sometimes I think that I over prepare for races. It must come
from my many years as a Scoutmaster. I was prepared for any weather conditions.
I was worried that the drop bag they gave us would never be big enough for all
of the items I would take with me to the start.
We spent Friday night with my Aunt and Uncle in Clinton. They
are so very gracious and accommodating to us crazy runners. I woke Saturday
morning 30 minutes before my alarm that was set for 03:30. My Mom and I
finished our preparations and my Dad drove us over to catch the buses. I went
right to the front to make sure I got on the first bus to leave. I thought that
the driver was joking when he asked if anyone knew how to get to the start. I
had to give him directions, but at least we didn't get lost.
My aunt had told me that the staging area had been paved. I
was so excited to see it, especially after last year’s mud bog with the rain. I
was looking forward to seeing all of my running friends and those from all of
the websites. My problem is that I have some strict habits before races.
On the bus ride I rarely talk to anyone. I just get into my
own head and do mental preparations. I try to run the race in my head a few
times. Once we arrived at the staging area I rolled out my sleeping pad and the
reflective blanket. I lay down, rested and meditated for about 45 minutes. I
then got in line with everyone else to clear the GI tract.
I did get to see and talk with a few people before the start.
Doug from work was there. I talked with Richard Borget, Steve Turley and Chris
Pusey. I was looking for many others but didn't see them.
I had my Go-Pro that I was going to wear as I did last year.
I tried it on and made a game time decision to not use it. It ended up being a
good call. It would have been pretty boring footage. I completed my pre-race
hydration, nutrition and supplements then filled my drop bag.
I saw Blake Pumphrey at the start line. I had given him my
pace calculator to help him create a pace chart for his goal time. I had this
overstretch goal of 2:40 and that is what I had on my pace chart. It was a big
dare but I thought maybe a possibility.
I did a few strides and what not to warm up. I then lined up
close to the front. When the gun went off, a lead group of about 8 shot out and
down the road, I knew I should keep it conservative and stick to my pace plan. This
is one of the most difficult things for me. I hate seeing people out in front
of me. The plan was for an easy start of
6:17 then a 6:14. Everything didn't quite stick to plan, but I wasn't too far
off. My first 4 miles were 6:02, 6:06, 5:50, 5:48.
Right from the start I hooked up with Stephen Anderson. I
also met Peter Kazery from Mississippi. Both he and Stephen looked strong. I
decided to just hang with them for as long as I could. About mile 2 Peter
dropped back to conserve and Stephen pushed ahead with another younger runner.
From mile 2 through 11 Stephen kept a 10 to 50 yard lead. At
mile 7 I saw and received encouragement from Jacob lee. He was waiting to pace
Blake for the middle miles of the race.
With as hot as it was predicted to be I started my “hot race”
strategy at the first aid station. This is to drink some PowerAde at each
station and pour at least 1 cup of water on myself. Sometimes it is better to
keep cool externally than to try and sweat yourself cool. I think it was a good
strategy for this day. Through mile 11, I was close but a little faster than my
planned pace. (4-11 = 5:48, 5:55, 5:51, 5:56, 6:01, 6:09, 6:19, 6:28)
I caught up to Stephen at the half way point, just before the
big hills. We talked and decided that we should work together to get up and
over the next few miles. It was a big help for me to have someone to work with.
I knew I would slow with the hill, but I went much slower than I expected in 12
through 17. (6:23, 6:26, 6:25, 6:51, 6:32, 6:36)
At mile 17.5 we finally hit my strong section of the course.
Downhill, it is my favorite. I just imagine that I am a little kid again and I
just let myself go. The first half of mile 17 averaged 6:40 while after I
turned the corner and headed down I averaged a 5:20.
As we turned the corner I told Stephen that I expected to see
him again at the mouth of the canyon. I knew I could pull away for the fast
downhill, but would pay for it later. All the way to the finish I never looked
back but just kept expecting he, or someone to pass me. It was a motivating
thought, like being chased.
At this point I bagged my pace chart and just pushed my body
with my will and mind. The heat was causing some GI distress and I was not able
to take in any nutrition. My shoe and sock choice was also manifesting the
wrong choice I had made. Either the A5’s did not provide enough cushioning or I
should have worn the double layer socks. I ended up with a blister and hot spots on the
bottom of each foot.
Around mile 19, I started catching up to the ½ marathon
walkers. Most all were great and would clear a path if I yelled out. I only had
to dodge around a few of them. A huge congratulation goes out to everyone who
completed a race, whether it was a run or a walk. I used the downhill to push
for all I could. Splits for 18 through 22 were 6:02, 6:14, 6:20, 6:22, 6:05.
I expected to see my Aunt and Uncle at the tunnel around mile
22.75. I had to sprint to get passed some walkers and didn't see them but I did
hear someone yell out my name. This helped and I had a nice little surge. Mile
23 was a 5:50.
This last 3 miles, which are on the bike path, always eat me
up. It is very twisty, and hilly. This makes it difficult to find a keep a good
rhythm. My pace really started to drop off. I did get a little boost when I saw
Spencer Simpson.
At about 24.5 I felt my calves start to cramp up. I started
getting that electro shock feeling. I was starting a slow crash with my pace slowing
drastically. I just had to hold on for as long as I could. “I can suffer a
little bit longer than the rest” is the mantra I use at these times.
I made the left turn onto the final straight. I was preparing
myself to crawl across the finish line if I had to. Suddenly appearing
alongside me was Brandon Borget. He was amazing. He kept me going. As we went
along he would wave his arms and yell to the crowd to cheer for me. I somehow
pushed passed any physical limits that I had felt before. My pace went from a
high 6 to a finish sprint of mid 5.
Brandon crossed the finish line with me. He and an aid worker
had to hold me up for a couple of minutes. I knew I had given it my all. I
looked at my watch and saw a time of 2:44. Sweet. I am so thankful to Brandon
for giving me the extra boost I needed to finish it out.
Final results: 10th overall, 1st in Masters.
This is also a PR for the Ogden course.
The local paper, the Ogden Standard Examiner posted a picture
of my finish line sprint.
I am looking
forward to some good active recovery over the next few days. The next month
will be an interesting physical test. In 3 weeks I have the Squaw Peak 50 and
the following weekend is the Utah Valley marathon.
"Push your limits until they back down"
Here is a little analysis of the race.
Thanks to Runner’s
Corner for their support and assistance.
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