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St. George Marathon

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Location:

Woods Cross,UT,USA

Member Since:

May 01, 2006

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

Current Running Life:
5k: 17:50 (2010 NSL)
10k: 38:20 (2007 Des News)
1/2 Marathon: 1:23:30 (2009 Provo Half)
Marathon: 2:53:46 (2007 St George)

Short-Term Running Goals:

 

Long-Term Running Goals:

 

Personal:

Daddy to 3 great kids - 16 year old son and 11 year old twin daughters

I do not know what tomorrow will bring but I do know it will start with a run.

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Saucony Grid A2 Lifetime Miles: 125.40
GoRun2 Lifetime Miles: 53.70
Adrenaline 2014 Blue (1) Lifetime Miles: 442.70
Adrenaline 2014 Red (1) Lifetime Miles: 429.20
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
195.7031.20226.90
Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.200.007.20

I didn't feel particularly great this morning.  My stomach seems to be a little unsettled.    I will assume that it is just typical taper madness.

Total Time: 54:55 (7:38/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.002.007.00

Warmed up with 3 miles then ran 2 miles at goal marathon pace.  Went by feel and ended up running a little fast.  Both miles were 6:34 (how's that for consistency).  I could tell it was a little fast but it felt very good.  Finished up with 2 more easy miles.

Total Time: 53:00 (7:34/mile) 

Comments(1)
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Very easy run.  I'm starting to get paranoid with every little thing that doesn't feel perfect.  I'm concerned about my stomach, my throat, my legs all at different times.  The paranoia probably stems from all of the other bloggers that have gotten sick this week.  My biggest concern right now is that my I put on 2 pounds in the past week.  I expected to gain a little during carb loading but this was too soon. 

 Total Time: Went with out a watch so I have no idea but it was probably around 8:00/mile.

Comments(1)
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5.000.005.00

Got a couple of extra hours sleep last night so I got a late start.  My legs had a hard time waking up.  Threw in a few strides during the run just to get my legs going.  My throat feels like it is on the verge of being an issue but I think (hope) that it is allergies.

Total Time: Ran without my watch again but it was a little faster than yesterday. 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
3.000.003.00

Just a quick shake out run.  Planned on 4 miles but had to get back to take my son to school.  Felt really good and am anxious for tomorrow.

Total Time: 22:35 (7:32/mile)

Comments(1)
Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:53:46, Place overall: 129, Place in age division: 31
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0.0026.2026.20

After I ran the St George marathon in 2005 I came up with a 2 year plan: run the Utah Grand Slam in 2006 to gain a lot of marathon racing experience; run the 2007 Boston marathon; take a shot at a sub-3 hour marathon at the 2007 St George marathon. I knocked out the first 2 goals without too much of a problem and only had 1 left. After Boston, I decided to take a break from focused training for a while and only use a 12 week training program for St. George. I maintained decent mileage during the summer and set PR’s in a couple of 5K’s, a 10K and a ½ marathon. Once my 12 week program started, I never really got into a groove. After missing one of the biggest planned training weeks due to illness, I started having my doubts about sub-3. I ran another ½ marathon and got another PR but it was not as fast as I wanted it to be to give me the confidence to go for it. I decided to take training up another notch and ran 4 weeks without a day off. I averaged 75 miles per week and started feeling good Ran one more 5k heading into the taper which wasn’t as fast as I expected and took a blow to the confidence. All my shorter race times predicted close to a sub-3 hour marathon. Some predictors were just over 3 hours and others were just under. Finally decided that since there was not a secondary goal I was going to go for the sub-3 and accept the crash if it occurred. I even painted “Sub-3 or Bust” on the back of my car window before the drive to St George just to put a little more pressure on myself.

I slept well the night before the race and I felt better physically and mentally than I have before any other marathon. Took one of the later buses to the start line so that I didn’t have to sit around in the cold. About 10 minutes before the start of the race, I stripped down, vaselined up and headed to the elite starting corral. Only stood around for a couple of minutes until the bullhorn went off indicating the start of the race. Everything seemed to be perfect.

Because of the nature of the course, my plan was to run a little faster than goal marathon pace for the first 6 miles, give some time back on the climb up Veyo and the smaller climb through Dammeron Valley. Wanted to hit the half in 1:31 and run a 2 minute negative split.

For the first 7 miles I went completely by feel and ignored the mile splits. I averaged 6:35/mile which was 10 seconds per mile faster than I planned. I felt good and well in control of my pace so I wasn‘t concerned about going out too fast. The eighth mile includes the climb up Veyo. Ran this in 7:28 which is exactly what I planned. The next 4 miles include the climb through the Dammeron Valley. I averaged 7:04/mile through this section which, in hindsight, was a little slow. It felt like it was getting colder and I was worried that I was starting to dehydrate. Heard the same comment from another runner so I figured that I was alright. Started to pick the pace up again and ran miles 13 and 14 in 6:39 and 6:40. Hit the half in 1:29:20 which was 1:30 faster than I planned. The strangest part of the race to this point was that the miles seemed to be clicking by faster than any race that I have ever run. In fact, when my Garmin beeped and I went to check my mile 8 split I was actually on mile 9.

Miles 15 and 16 are my favorite miles on the course because they have big downhills and fast splits are exactly what you need mentally at this point in the race. My splits were 6:15 and 6:08. I really struggled through miles 17 through 20 last year so I was kind of expecting the same. I felt a lot better this time although I started to experience the first bouts of extreme leg fatigue at mile 19. Despite the tired legs, I averaged 6:38/mile for the 4 miles. At this point I started doing a million calculations. If I slow down to 8:00/mile, can I still finish under 3 hours? If I continue the same pace, how fast will I finish? Of course at this stage in the race, I’m sure that none of my calculations were right. Hit mile 21 in 6:14 and I started to feel it. My pace no longer felt smooth and my legs were burning. I start to feel a head wind and a few people pass me. I really think that the wheels may be falling off because my hands are starting to tingle and this is the first sign of the wall for me. As the wind picked up, I realized that I was in no man’s land. I see a small group of runners ahead so I surge to catch up to them. It seems that the surge shook loose whatever was holding me back because I suddenly felt a lot better. Mile 22 split was 6:38 and I was ready to open it up for the rest of the race.

Hit the next miles in (surprisingly) 6:21, 6:25 and 6:20. With the 1.2 miles to go I start to lengthen the stride a little and let go. Ran mile 26 in 6:17 and the last 0.2 at a 5:45/mile pace.

Finish Time: 2:53:46

First Half: 1:29:20

Second Half: 1:24:26

Overall Place: 129/5,154

Gender Place: 106/2,926

AG Place: 31/465

I am completely shocked with my finish time. I honestly thought that I would be lucky to sneak under 3 hours. The only regret that I have about the race is the almost 5 minute negative split. The second half of the race was only 30 seconds slower than my half marathon PR which was on a notoriously fast course. I would have never predicted that I could run the second half that fast. Looking back, I really don’t think that there is anything that I could have done differently. Now I have to figure out my plan for the next 2 years.

Comments(9)
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5.000.005.00

Wanted to get out to see how I really feel.  Man, do I hurt.  I haven't been this sore since my first marathon.  I guess that it is a good thing.  Running uphill felt fine but coming back down hurt.  My right ITB seems to be the most sore.  Ran without a watch but imagine the pace was between 8:30 and 9:00/mile.

As I was looking through the SGM results, one thing that really stood out was how many times one blogger finished right after another blogger.  That really shows what a community that this has become.

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5.000.005.00

Just another easy 5 miles.  Legs are still a little sore and I came down with a post marathon cold.  Nothing serious just a little annoying.  One area of my right leg is bothering more than I would like it to but I can't pin point where it is until the residual soreness subsides.  Ran watchless again but I suspect the pace was around 8:30/mile.

Comments(2)
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Woke up, worked for a couple of hours then got dressed to go running.  I got to the front door and just didn't have it in me to go running.  I have no idea what my problem was and it has never happened before but I figured that this is the one week that I can slack off a little.

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8.000.008.00

Soreness is gone but legs still feel heavy.  I wanted a quiet and peaceful run so I ran out to Farmington Bay.  It was very dark and I had a real hard time figuring out how to get past the Legacy Highway construction.  It must be hunting season because I passed a few guys with rifles on the way back.  

Total Time: 1:03:45 (7:58/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
7.300.007.30

Had to cut the run short again to get my son to school.  I really need to get out the door earlier on Friday mornings.  When I started running I was experiencing a strange pain in my right knee.  It felt better once I warmed up but was rather annoying during the first half of the run.  Soreness is completely gone from my muscles.  Just waiting for the soft tissues to get back to normal.

Total Time: 57:53 (7:56/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
12.300.0012.30

Started out with 2 easy miles with the in-law's dog.  That thing has more energy than any creature that I have ever seen.  I was hoping that taking it for a little run would calm it down a little.  Probably should have taken it for the whole 12 because it didn't seem to mellow her out at all.  The rest of the run felt alright except for my right knee.  It was tender all day yesterday and is still sore today.  I think that it is just residual swelling from the marathon.  It doesn't feel like there is any structural damage.

Total Time: 1:37:14 (7:54/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
8.000.008.00

Felt really good during this run. Was able to run at a decent pace and felt very comfortable. Knee soreness is gone and everything seems to have recovered well. The only bad thing was that every time that I started to get in a good groove I would get interrupted by a car, a traffic light or something else.

I've been thinking about my plans for 2008 and am considering the San Diego Rock and Roll marathon.  Has anybody run this or any of the other RNR marathons? 

Total Time: 59:08 (7:23/mile)

Comments(3)
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9.000.009.00

Didn't feel all that great today.  I think this is typical with my marathon recovery.  One day I feel great and the next I'm wiped out.  Will probably continue with general aerobic runs for a couple of weeks then start throwing in some workouts.

I am now officially old.  I just happened to be running by Viewmont High while the kids were driving to school.  I couldn't believe the way these kids drive.  I never thought that I would say something like that.  Next thing you know I will be yelling at kids to stay off my lawn.

Total Time: 1:10:40 (7:51/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.200.009.20

Started out as a prefect day for a run.  Temperatures were cool and the air was clean from the evening's storms.  I decided to run up to Davis Blvd. because I love the smell of the canyon after it rains.  Things quickly turned ugly about 6 miles into the run.  The wind picked up, it started to rain then turned to hail.  Once the lightening started I was getting worried.  I couldn't decide if I should head for cover or get home as quickly as possible.  The wind propelled hail hitting my face was painful and my feet were soaking wet from sloshing through the puddles. Finally made it home soaking wet, freezing and I loved every minute of it.

Total Time: 1:13:06 ( 7:57/mile)

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9.500.009.50

Felt alright.  I'm a little worn out because work is a little hectic right now but nothing major.  Waited to go out until the heavy rain stopped.  I had enough of that yesterday.  Temperatures felt good and it was a nice fall run.

Total Time: 1:14:03 (7:48/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.000.006.00

What a lousy run.  My knee was bothering me this morning and I was short on time so I didn't plan on running very many miles this morning.  I thought that I would be able to run at a decent pace.  I just couldn't get going this morning.  It could have been the wind or the fact that I was overdressed because it was warmer than expected.  For whatever reason, I had no energy.

Total Time: 47:04 (7:51/mile)

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
11.200.0011.20

I actually slept in this morning.  I can't remember the last time that I slept past 7:00 a.m.  It would have been much better if I would have gotten out the door early because it started raining very hard as I was heading out the door.  Ran in a steady cold rain for the entire run.  I felt alright physically once I warmed up but my pace was slower than the perceived effort.  Didn't run as many miles this week as I had planned so I will probably go for a short run tomorrow.

Total Time: 1:27:00 (7:46/mile) - Guessed on the time because my Garmin died towards the end of the run.
 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
5.000.005.00

Just wanted to get out and get in a few quick miles.  Nothing exciting.

Total Time: 34:15 (6:51/mile) 

Comments(2)
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8.000.008.00

The cold weather is really starting to move in.  Since my shoes are still wet from last week, I decided to test out the Asics a bought a few months ago that I gave up on after 50 miles.  I now remember why I stopped wearing them.  They felt clunky and I started to develop a hot spot on one of my heels.  Other than that, I felt alright.

Total Time: 59:54 (7:29/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.000.009.00

Thought of running up to Eaglewood golf course.  As I approached the train tracks, there was an Amtrack train stopped, blocking the intersection.  I waited for a couple of minutes and there was not signs that it was going to move.  I thought that I would run along the tracks past the front of the train to get around it.  I tripped over some barbed wire so gave up on that and backtracked along the road.  Only made it 1 mile up Eagleridge Drive before having to head back home.  It was kind of an odd run and never really got in a groove.  Started to run out of energy at the end which I attribute to being low on fuel because I didn't eat much yesterday.

Total Time: 1:11:38 (7:58/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
6.003.009.00

Warmed up with 3 easy miles then ran 3 miles at a little slower than tempo pace.  Energy was low so I really couldn't get going as quickly as I wanted to.  Averaged 6:38/mile but it was more work than it should have been.  Cooled down with 3 easy miles.

Total Time: 1:06:57 (7:26/mile) 

Comments(3)
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6.000.006.00

Took it easy today.  Had a hard time getting out the door but felt good once I got going.  

Total Time: 46:19 (7:43/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.000.009.00

My wife is out of town so I had to do the loops around the neighborhood again.  My knees were very sore when I woke up and it took a while for them to loosen up.  For the first couple of laps around the neighborhood, my head felt very fuzzy.  I'm not sure what the deal was but it was a very strange feeling.  Eventually, I was able to shake the fuzzy feeling and the last few laps felt better.

Total Time: 1:8:59 (7:40/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
10.000.0010.00

It took everything I had to fight off all of the excuses not to run today and get myself out the door.  It's kind of hard to explain but it feels like there is a void that running isn't filling anymore.  Once I got out the door and was warmed up, I felt better.  Had to stick to the neighborhood loop again because my wife is still out of town.  It's a 1.4 mile loop and isn't as boring as I expected it to be.  Maintained a little quicker pace than I normally run.  Physically, I felt pretty good except my kness are still a little achy.

Total Time: 1:12:28 (7:15/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.000.009.00

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.000.009.00

Ran up to the mouth of Mueller Park canyon.  Knees have been really sore lately.  I think that it is from the change in the weather.  On the way back down, I got a really bad stomach cramp and had to stop for a couple of minutes to let the pain subside.  It was a lot warmer than I expected so I was a little overdressed.  Thought of ditching my outer layers but decided to keep them on just in case.  

Total Time: 1:14:21 (8:16/mile) (41:29 going up, 32:52 coming down) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
9.000.009.00

Since it's Halloween, I thought it was appropriate to run the cemetery loop.  Felt a little better than I have the past few days.  I got a new pair of shoes and decided to get 1/2 size smaller.  I've been running in a 1/2 size too big to save my toes but I want to experiment with the appropriate size to see if it will smooth things out.

Total Time: 1:06:38 (7:25/mile) 

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Slow milesFast milesTotal Distance
195.7031.20226.90
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