26.2! Didn't think I'd ever be able to do this!!!! BUT I DID.... My official time was 4:25:09! (10:06 average pace) I was thinking 4:45, Jeff and Jeff were thinking 4:30. My garmin died at mile 10, so that drove me crazy! It was fully charged, must be time for a new one. I had to bug a runner during the race to check my pace. But maybe it was a good thing I didn't have it. Weather was perfect for Ogden... Whoo hoo!!
I've never been so nervous for a race. I was so worried about cramping and never ending drama of stomach issues. I knew I'd have to stop and I did! @ M 3 & 13. I really needed to stop at mile 12, but there was a line and figured I could make it to mile 13, knowing there were be plenty of porta-johns. Mile 12 was tough. It was inevitable. Oh well.
I listened to Jeff's words and walked through each aid station while taking my water and gatorade! I took a GU every 5 miles. I also ate oranges every chance I had. I really think this helped and I was able to make it without any cramping... Thanks Jeff..
I didn't hit the WALL at Mile 20! Thank goodness!!!!
Scott met me at mile 23 (thank goodness) and ran with me the last miserable 3 miles!!! I was so happy to see him and gave him a big hug (all sweaty and stinky, sorry Scott). Miles 22-25 were horrible, I'm not gonna lie! I did a lot of walking at mile 23-25 but I knew this would probably happen. Once we hit Grant Avenue I told Scott to make sure I didn't stop running!! Well, I didn't and somehow managed to find a little bit of remaining energy. Man, I wish I had my garmin to see how I did on my last 1/2 mile. I hit it as hard as I could....
Overall, it was an awesome experience. While the 18 weeks of training was VERY time consuming, it all paid off in the end. The 26.2M didn't seem so bad... One of the best experiences of my life!!! Well worth it and glad I can officially cross this off my bucket list! :)
SPLITS:
7M - 9:23
1/2 - 9:43
18M - 10:15
23M - 9:59 | 