Last Saturday I finished the Top of Utah Marathon up in Logan, UT. It was my first time running a Marathon and it was a great experience. The course started at Hardware Ranch, came 14 miles down Blacksmith Fork Canyon to Hyrum and then wound its way North up to Logan. Great course. Beautiful scenery. Fantastic weather.
It probably didn't help that I hiked Neff's Peak with a ~4,500 vertical net rise three days prior and was still sore from the hike when the race began. The running felt great for the first 15 or so miles. A friend of mine from the neighborhood (Ryan) ran the first half of the Marathon with me and then blazed ahead at mile 13 when I told him that my left leg was tightening up and I started to come off our sub- eight-minute-mile pace. At mile 16 both of my legs were tight at mile 21 walking at the aid stations didn't relieve the pain - so I just ran. I felt like an old granny at the end. Thousands of people were out cheering and provided a nice boost. Ryan ended up qualifying for Boston in the process (sweet!) while I limped in to finish with a 3:49. Hey, at least I beat Oprah!!!!
Comments