Sunday, June 14, 2009

the Utah Valley Marathon 4:51:57.7

I had such an awesome experience. The weather was perfect, the course was absolutely beautiful, and I was feeling strong. I was very concerned about the weather since we've been getting a lot of rain, hail, and thunderstorms. However, the cloud cover kept us cool and I only felt a couple drops of rain. I loved, loved the course for many reasons. I didn't have to inhale exhaust from running through a city; the course was secluded to mostly trails (which were amazingly beautiful but I'd never run on them alone because of the seclusion and foliage) and a few quiet streets. The first 10 miles were down Provo Canyon on the road. It was gorgeous. There were a lot of hills up and down. If fact the race began with an uphill. Upbeat music got me through the hills and I tried to run faster on the downhills because I knew once we were out of the canyon, it would get flat. It took me about 30 minutes to get to 3 miles. I got to the halfway point at about 2 hours 16 minutes. And to 21 miles at 3 hours 46 minutes. The last five miles were really, really HARD. But I felt my strongest the first 10 miles and between 16 and 22 miles. I stopped for a short time to take a picture with the boys after the half way point and I walked a short distance to mile 23. After a certain point, it's all mental for me. I really, really want to walk and as I see people who are done, can't help but think how lucky they are.

Chris made these cool t shirts for the boys to wear. Here's A having rice balls for breakfast. We headed to Provo in the wee hours of the morning. They slept in the van before meeting me at the half way point. What troopers!



This is past mile 14 when I first got to meet the crew. They make me smile.

About mile 16

Between mile 21 and 22. Loved these sponges that are soaked in ice, cold water.

For some reason, seeing the end helps me forget my exhaustion and physical pain and gets me to pick things up again.

It truly was an amazing experience and I did well up with tears along the course when I thought about it all.

12 comments:

Leslie said...

Oh my goodness -- congratulations! I am so inspired and your boys are the cutest cheering section that I am sure makes it all worth it. Way to go!

P.S. your running outfit is way cute too - you've also inspired me to update mine...

Lettie B. said...

Look at you go, Nancy! Did you ever think you'd be such a runner when you started? You've got quite a few big races under your belt now. I am impressed. :) Congratulations.

lucy said...

Thanks Ladies! I'm glad I did it and I'm also glad it's behind me now ;0).

CUTRER said...

Your are amazing women!!! How wonderful that your family has been there for you in your passion for running. I have now started Jordan in his running trainning with me. I hope to one day make it to a 1/2 marathon. I am working at it each week.

Emily said...

awesome nance...i'm so happy/proud of you! you are amazing and i honestly admire your strength!

Marisa said...

Wow, I'm so impressed that you can run marathons!!! I only did 6 miles this morning and I don't know if I could have gone much further!

ang said...

wow!!!!! you are tough.

Carson Calderwood said...

Awesome, I'm impressed!

Unknown said...

Nancy, you are amazing girl! Was this your first marathon? You looked like a pro. Serioiusly didn't look any worse for wear at the finish line. My hero.

lucy said...

Thanks so much for the comments; It's the icing on the cake;0). Mishel, this was my second marathon and it was just as exciting.

Supergabesmomma said...

Yay for you! I'm so proud of you and very impressed. I'm telling myself that next year I will do the half in April and a full in June or August. Wanna run with me again?!

Sara C. said...

Congrats!! I still don't know how you do those marathons! Are you doing any more this summer?