In January I headed down to St. George to complete my first marathon of the year. This would be the start to my training for the Ogden Marathon in May. I was going to go down without the family. Julie and the girls were unable to travel with me. I put out some feelers on Facebook to see if anyone wanted to carpool down with me. A fellow from Logan named Adrian Toledo wanted to join me. His friend Joe also came with us. Adrian is a pacer for the American race pacers. He is very knowledgeable in the field of running. I was able to get great advice as i set in motion to complete the Ogden marathon five months away.
I contacted my cousin Josh and his wife Cindy to inquire about spending the evening with their family. Josh and Cindy have a beautiful family and welcomed me and gave me the spare guest suite to stay in. I am very appreciative of them allowing to spend the evening with them.
The first thing we did as we entered St. George was to go to packet pick up and get our bibs for the race the next morning. I was able to meet more of the pacer team. After packet pick up we headed out for dinner where more of the pacer team welcomed me into the group and more advice was handed out.
The time arrived for the race. The start of the race was chilly at the 8 am start time. I was hoping for better temps but it still was warmer than it was up north as the week before i completed a 10k with temps around 6 degrees. So life was still good. I wanted to come in about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes. I placed myself near the end of the line. i wanted to make sure that I did not start out to fast. I also did not want to fumble the phone and drop it at the start. The gun sounded and we were off. I felt really good and was passing people as I had not placed myself very well according to my goals.The uphills started about mile three and the next set of hills at mile 6 or so. The cold temps were beneficial as I did not need to stop at the aid stations. At mile seven was a long downhill. Prior to this I was slowing down and the mileage was getting to me. As I ran the downhill I found my second wind and at that point I was confident I would make my time goal and a new personal best.
At about the 9 mile mark i got up to the 1 hour and 40 minute pacers. I passed them and still felt great. I now was hoping to put several minutes between me and the pacers.
Around the 12 mile marker I started to slow a bit and runners were starting to pass me. I did everything I could to push on and finish. The goal was to not let the pacer group catch me. At mile 13 I saw the finish arch and made my sprint to the finish. The timer was reading 1:39:? what the crap I actually did it. I also new my time would be better as it took several minutes to reach the start line. I had done it, new personal best at 1:37:?
As I crossed the finish line there was an emptiness as no one was there to meet me. I knew no one and my new friends were minutes behind me. This feeling brought to mind the feeling I would have if I made it to heaven and my family was unable to be there with me. I now have a resolve to teach my girls and guide them on their path. I do not want that feeling ever again.
Running has brought joy and continues to teach me new life lessons
Sunday, June 2, 2013
2013 Running Goals
Following are the goals I set for myself for 2013 in regards to my running
1. Complete 12 half marathons
2. Complete 3 Ragnar relays
3. Complete 2 marathons
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