Vigor Half Marathon Results

It was the day of the Provo City Marathon that we got word the Utah Race Pacers had been invited to cover the Vigor Half Marathon the following week. Our pace director made us a deal: full marathon pacers at the Provo City race who came within 30 seconds of their goal time could have first dibs on Vigor, and half marathon pacers at Provo City could have second dibs before the race was opened to the rest of the group. Since I came within 20 seconds on my goal time at Provo, I had no problem securing myself as the 2:10 pacer for Vigor.

The Vigor Half Marathon is an amazing all downhill run through Big Cottonwood. Except for a slight change on the last two miles, this run follows the Big Cottonwood Half Marathon course held in September.

Even though I had paced a 26.2 mile race only seven days before, I felt great during this race. My legs felt fresh, and I hit each mile marker up to mile 12 with 10 seconds to spare. I was so proud of myself that I was going to be within single digit seconds of my goal time until I came around the corner at 12.8 miles, and I was in the finishing chutes! CRAP! The course was short. I slowed my pace as much as I could--I was seriously moving my feet but not moving forward. :) I lingered as long as possible, but I eventually had to cross that finish line at 2:07:36. I have never been more than 30 seconds early as a pacer, but I couldn't buy any more time in the chutes. On the plus side, a lot of the runners around me didn't realize pacers go off chip time instead of gun time so when that clock read 2:09 plus change, they all thanked me for getting them in on time. I simply said "you're welcome" and left it at that. :)

Provo City Marathon Results

Woah, sorry about that little hiatus, blogger world. I've been busy earning a promotion at work (yay!), and I haven't had time to share my latest running endeavors.

Well, some may recall one of my goals for 2013 was to start pacing marathons. In April I was invited to join the Utah Race Pacers--the local team who covers primarily marathons.  When the chance came to sign up for Provo City, I jumped on the 5:00 spot.

Luckily I am familiar with the race--I ran the half marathon last year, which covers the first part of the course. Two years ago I ran the half marathon, which at that time was the second half of the course. Even though I hadn't attempted the full yet, I felt confident tackling the route.

I have to be honest, I was nervous going into this race. I know I am more than capable of running a 5:00 marathon, but every worst case scenario kept popping into my brain: What if I cramp up? Can I really maintain an even effort the whole race? What if I miss my 30-second finishing window? etc.

When that starting gun went off, I realized all I could do was take a deep breath, trust my training and all my previous pacing experience, and go for it.

In less than five miles, my anxiety had completely subsided. I found my rhythm, and had absolutely no problems holding that steady pace for the full 26.2 miles. I crossed the finish line in 4:59:40!

There is one thing I will do differently in future full marathon pacing, and that's wearing my SPIbelt. I always carry two extra GUs when I'm pacing as well as extra safety pins and hair ties in case any of the other runners find themselves in need. In the full marathon though, I realized I should have carried more supplies like Ibuprofen, Vaseline, and Bandaids. Even with such a small event like Provo City, I came across two runners who were in need of these things, and I felt horrible I couldn't help them out.

But besides that one small change, I am thrilled my first experience went so well! I can't wait to take on Utah Valley in two weeks as a full marathon pacer!

Foster Care: Year 4; Month 4

Jake (English Setter, Paws For Life)

Jake was our only foster in April. He had a few health issues we were dealing with so we thought it best to not add any more dogs to the mix for now. He has been pre-adopted (YAY!), and if everything goes through, he'll be headed to his forever home in two weeks!

Salt Lake Half Marathon Results

Well, what a change from last year's race! In 2012, the SLC Marathon experienced unseasonably high temperatures, and this year it was FREEZING cold with a nonstop downpour. I will never let rain, snow, or heat deter me from running, but let me just say, I'm so glad I was only doing the half. :) 

I didn't race this year--my coach had assigned me a 13 miler at a 10 min/mile so I used this course as a chance to get my training run in. I ran the course slightly faster, and finished in 2:03.