St. George Marathon 2017! BQ!

St. Geezy Marathon #3 in the books!

(This is the marathon post about the marathon.  I write these for future reference for myself so if you want the shorter 5K version, scroll down closer to the bottom for my Facebook post.)

 We hit the expo on Friday and it was great as always.  

 

Our traditional expo pix.  The photographer wasn't in a super good mood this year and would only let us get the one. I hate that I am showing my tonsils in the one of me and Robin below but he wouldn't let us do another one.  Well, Robin hated the first one because her mouth was open and so he let us do THIS one as the re-take which was much worse of me.  Haha Oh well.  Better luck next year!  

I won this cute little cookie!  

 I loved this sign about runners.  After the expo we saw these other signs around the town on the course.  They always crack me up every year.

 After chasing all over town and the temple, we carb loaded with the Singleton's at The Pizza Factory.  It was tasty!

Going into this one I didn't feel quite as prepared as I usually do with my other marathons. I'm not exactly sure why because my training miles were almost identical and I got in one extra 20 miler than I normally do and I had a really good 20 miler with my new fuel.  I think the main reason is that I didn't do as much speedwork as I normally do. In 2016 I got up to 6x800's and in 2015 I got up to 8x800's.  Since I KNOW my Yasso 800's are the main thing that sealed the deal when I BQ'd, I guess I was a bit worried I hadn't paid the price this time. I only got in 4x800. My hill repeats were identical to last year, but I didn't do as much downhill as I usually do down Sardine.  I did set a new PR in my 10K at Peach Day's and almost a new PR in a 5K. But... nevertheless, I was a bit unsure if I was prepared as I usually am. I also didn't feel as well rested as I usually do after tapering. And I got a cold!  Ugh!  Dave so nicely shared his with me.  Neither of us really ever get sick, but... we did, and wouldn't you know it, just when the timing was perfect for the marathon. 

However, I did have some good things going for me this round.  
#1 NO INJURY!  Well, it's still there, but it hasn't flared up anywhere near like it did right before the past two marathons!  
#2 FUELING!  I finally figured it out so I don't get nauseated and can finish strong!
#3 WEATHER!  The temperature wasn't going to be near as hot as last year's!  That's a HUGE bonus!  I have been checking the weather three times a day for over a month now! haha  I truly did not want to go through what I did last year when I finished at 86°.  Whew!  

Marathons are always anxiety producing because you train for over four months and it all comes down to four hours!  Anything can happen in that long distance no matter how well you are trained and so the nerves are always a bit tense.  The night before, I started coughing and my nose started to just run like it was trying to win the marathon and so Robin and I rushed to Walmart to grab some Tylenol Sinus so I could actually run faster in the morning than my nose!  We also grabbed some cheap throw away sweat pants (we didn't bring any because we didn't plan on a cold race morning). I was coughing and felt extremely tired like you only do when you have a cold and so I was frustrated but I was hoping the adrenaline would override all that. We were staying with the Singleton's in their condo and that was comforting to be with two others who were also on the same side as nervous as I was. However, I think I was the worse. ;) 

I laid out all my gear.  Then Dave gave me a blessing which he always does before a marathon.  This one gave me great comfort because he blessed me that I would have help that wasn't my own and that I would not be bothered by my injury.  He blessed me that I would be pleased with my effort. I need to start writing these blessings down. It was truly an amazing blessing. It gave me the peace and comfort it said it would. 

We averaged my last two races and I used that as my pace splits for this year.  I got to bed around 10:30 p.m. but had a hard time falling and staying asleep, but that is normal for the night before due to pre-race jitters.  I got up before my alarm at 3:30 a.m. and went in the bathroom and got ready.  I am amazed how long it takes to get ready.  There are SO many details to remember besides just brushing your hair and teeth. You have to body glide or bag balm practically every body part, put on compressions socks, regular socks, clothes, shoes, and tie those shoes perfectly - not too tight or too loose and double knot (do NOT forget to double knot), pull hair back, headband hair, decide whether to wear sunglasses or visor, put on fuel belt, lavish sunscreen on, do makeup, put music on belt, put Garmin on (pray you charged the battery the night before), check weather forecast AGAIN, tape pace bands on wrist, review pace splits, pin bib # on, gather fuel and put in belt or water bottle pockets, fill bottle, then put gum in bottle pocket along with Advil, Immodium, Tylenol (just in case), Run Gum, Jelly Bellies, electrolyte tablet, extra Tailwind packets, then grab protein bar, banana, and yogurt, fill drop bag with gloves, extra pants, space blanket and jacket to toss, force yourself to eat toast with peanut butter at that crazy time in the morning, eat your yogurt, and then take your banana and protein bar with you to eat on the bus, check weather forecast at least one more time even though you can't change it.  I'm sure there's more I forgot.   

Dave got up with us (crazy man!) and then we were off to catch the bus! I hope Dave went back to bed!  It was pretty chilly.  Especially compared to last year.  It was about 49° and only 39° at the start.  We ran into the Law brothers and they got in line with us and then we found Sherrie and Blair. I sat by Sherrie on the bus.  It was Grant's birthday and they were clear in the front and so before he got off I had the bus sing Happy Birthday to him. He high tailed it out of there!  hah  It was windy and cold!  We were freezing!  First thing we did was get in line for the porta potties.  

 We ran into Clark, Sam, and Caitlyn.  

We didn't have much time because we were one of the last buses up there, and so I took my drop bag to the van and tried to gather my thoughts and the stuff I was carrying.  I stopped at a table and they had these cute tattoo's so I had them put one on me.  Running to Boston!  Love it!  I needed the reminder!  

Then I got lined up between the 3:45 and 4:00 pacers. My goal was a Sub 4 but I'd be happy with a 4:05. Ultimately I wanted anything under 4:10 but I really wanted a 4:05... but less would be nice.  They played the Star Spangled Banner (so cool!) and then we were told they had to wait for one more bus.  We stood there all a bundle of nerves waiting for the gun.  It seemed forever and I never did hear the gun, but the pack started to move and so I fell in line.  There is definitely an excitement and energy at the start of a marathon that is hard to explain.  Especially one in the dark.  It's a neat feeling.  

We were off!  

I had no idea where my pals were.  I never saw any of them on the course.  I did see the Law brothers and Bishop Tucker.  The Laws told me they were going to have me pace them. That made me a bit nervous because I hate to have that kind of pressure in a full marathon.  I think they were half joking.  But, we stayed together up until about mile 18.  At least I could see them ahead of me until then. One finished ahead of me and two after.  The race was great as far as temperature. I was actually chilly until mile 3 or so. I kept my gloves on until about mile 11.  I was on pace to finish with a 3:57!   I was feeling great.  No injury pain.  But I did feel my hams right from the get go. They were tight.  But okay.  Veyo went okay.  I didn't feel as strong this year as the past two, but I didn't walk at all through all four (or is it five?) of those non stop hills! I was so happy to see some downhill after those!  It took a lot of my energy! I took a pretzel from a spectator table and that was a mistake.  For some reason it didn't settle well and I started to feel nauseated from that point on.  Dang!  I looked for Dave's Uncle Bob at Diamond Valley at mile 14 but he wasn't there. I was a little disappointed. I looked for Dave at all the spectator spots because he said he was going to be at one.  

I need to just stick with a thumbs up or nothing. Oh my....

Some races I want to chat and be with someone.  Not this one.  I wasn't feeling well and I didn't have the energy to talk or use it for anything else. I did high five the kid spectators and hit their posters that always say "Touch for Power!" but even that took more than I had after awhile.  I loved mile 15-16 because it is a steep downhill! You just fly through it.  But my stomach was not doing too great and I had a hard time even pushing that.  My pace was still good, but by mile 17 I was not feeling well at all. My hamstrings were severely cramping. My legs felt like anchors. Each step was becoming more difficult.  I really felt helpless because I didn't know how to fix the problem.  Just keep running was my only option.  So I did.  I got an Icy Hot rub down at the next few aid stations.  I was having a hard time drinking my fluid which was my sole fuel and that concerned me.  It was just not going down and it made me sick every time I took a sip.  I decided to drink some water at the aid stations but that was minimal.  By mile 18 I had only drank two of my five fuel packs.  Not good.  I mixed the third packet with about half the water as the other two so I could just get it down faster.  I still had some of that left when I crossed the finish line and two full unmixed packets.   I kept looking for Dave but didn't see him. Things kind of fell apart after mile 18-19.  Everything kept going south. My hams started to cramp worse.  My nausea started to get worse.  I kept telling myself I am crazy and I am never doing this again!  And I asked myself why would anyone torture themselves like this?  Mentally, I was feeling defeated because I knew physically I was shot.  I started to pray.  Hard. About that point in every marathon, I do that. You get to a point where you know you have run all the physical strength out of you and it comes down to mental toughness from there on out.  I was asking help from my angels and pleading with them to help get me through. At that point, I had no idea how I was ever going to go nine more miles feeling like that unless I received a miracle and fast.  

This quote came to mind:
"The marathon’s about being in contention over the last 10K. That’s when it’s about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what’s left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon." ~ Rob de Castell

I was thinking a marathon is anything but tremendous at that point. As I came up the hill on mile 21.5, I saw Dave.  I was so relieved to see him. 

He ran towards me and started to run with me.  He told me over and over, "You're doing great! You're on pace for a BQ!  You can do it! You're doing great!"  I told him I wasn't feeling well and wasn't sure I could do it. I told him this was the worse I've ever been.  Whether that's true or not, I'm not really sure.  It was as bad as it's been, I know that.  You tend to forget these things. Kind of like childbirth.  I did tell him that this was the last marathon I was ever doing and that I'm done with this torture.  He was only positive and told me I could do it and that I was strong and keeping my pace. Honestly, I have NO idea how I was keeping my pace with how I was feeling, but I had been keeping up until about then. I even had a negative split at that point.  But it was getting harder and harder to even move let alone run.  There was an aid station right after I saw Dave and I got my third (or fourth- can't remember) Icy Hot rub down at mile 22. My friend Mel ran past and yelled, "Hi Jodi!"  I was so excited to see her and hoped I could catch up to her after the rub down on my hams. Her smile gave me a boost of energy.  We had a great downhill right there and I started to sail down it and was feeling a bit better. My hams weren't cramping as bad.  It was the miracle I had been praying for.  The nausea never left and I couldn't fuel like I needed to but I was able to keep running.  

Then as we got into town, the hams were cramping again.  I was hurting.  I wasn't sure how I was going to get there.  I had to walk. Then I'd run.  Then I'd walk again.  I am sure I had a look of pain on my face and so I forced myself to smile.  I know that if you smile even though you don't feel like it, it tricks your subconscious into thinking you are happy and helps you to feel less pain.  It took a lot of energy to do that and so it didn't last long.  I kept looking at my watch and told myself I had to push myself and dig deeper than ever if I wanted Boston.  By the last two miles, I quit looking at my watch because I knew I couldn't push it any harder than I already was and I didn't want to be discouraged.  I was very surprised how fast mile 22 flew by, but mile 23, 24, and 25 lasted forever.  FOREVER!  I saw my dear friend Michele at mile 25 and she cheered me on like no other.  That helped me so much!  But I couldn't even respond to her other than a slight wave.  I had NO energy to even smile at her. It took everything I had to lift my legs each step. I was just holding on by sheer grit at that point. That last mile went on and on and on.  It felt like it was longer than the first 25!  Finally, I turned the corner where they pass out the wet towels and I knew we were close!  Then I turned the final corner and saw the finish line. I was very disappointed because it was SO far away.  SO SO SO far!  In reality it was only about 200 yards but it seemed like it was as far away as the moon and I would never make it.  I wanted to sprint, but I honestly could not give any more.  The crowds were cheering and that helped a lot but I just could not push it like I usually can.  I saw the clock and it read 4:09.  I remember thinking I have to come in under 4:10 and so I was very determined  to beat the clock which helped me to dig even deeper and run harder.  I heard Grant cheer for me and then I saw Dave and I kept pushing and pushing and finally I reached the promised land!  Hallelujah!  It always amazes me when you think you have nothing left to give...there is always more there if you dig deep enough.  I did beat  the clock.  And thankfully that clock wasn't my real time, but the starting gun time. I was actually three minutes faster than it.  Whew!   

That is the clock time not my net time.  Which means I started over two minutes after the gun went off.

I DID IT!  AND....with a BQ!!!  I qualified for Boston 2019! I finished with a 4:07 straight up! (straight up meaning 4:07 and zero seconds, but it could also mean standing straight up....ya know, without the need for a gurney!) 

Speaking of a gurney... this ↑ one was tempting!  Dave thought he was so funny to take this at the exact time it was going by me.  Such a comedian.  Hmm......

I was so relieved to be done!  Even though I was thrilled I got a BQ, I knew that my 3 minute buffer probably isn't going to be a good enough to get in!  This year you needed a 3:23 or faster and so with a 3:00, I doubt I will get in. That made me feel sad, but at least I BQ'd!  And I made it!  I was very dizzy and not walking super well, but much better than last year and I knew I would be okay.  I couldn't do a jump like the first year I ran it, but I didn't need to be in the med tent like I did last year either.   

I'm never standing too strong after I finish.  But I am trying!  This was taken right after I crossed and got my medal so I was still a bit of a dizzy blonde.

 I talked to Dave and then I went in the runner's corral and got some food and pictures. I was still feeling nauseous so I grabbed some chips and chocolate milk and some fruit. I got some bread, but threw it away because it didn't settle at all.  I ran into Mel and we got a photo. She is my sweet friend who ran Boston the year of the bombings.  I just love her. 

I talked to several people and then went out and found Dave.  He forgot my shirt to exchange and so he headed back to the car to get it and I went and watched runners come in.  There is nothing like watching a marathon finish line to really inspire you. I've never seen one (or ran one for that matter) that I don't want to just cry.  haha  

When he got back, Robin had finished and so I went back in the corral and we got some photos.  She did great. She PR'd by 17 minutes!  I was so proud of her. I know she can get that BQ if she keeps trying and doesn't give up.  She needs to take another 11 minutes off. Grant also BQ'd with a 3:19 buffer.  

I probably should have got a massage but didn't want to wait in the long line and I wasn't feeling too sore at that point. My feet were killing me and my second toe was in a lot of pain, but my legs felt pretty good.  I did get several charley horses in my arches and then a killer one in my calf.  What?!!  I have never felt one like that. Dave tried to rub it out but that brought tears to my eyes!  On a scale of 1-10 it was a 2000! ☺ Sheesh!  But, oh man, I was soooo happy I wasn't feeling like I did last year at the end!  

This guy also deserves a medal!  He truly helped get me to that finish line! He's my #1 athletic supporter!  hehe

On our way out, we tried to stop at a spot where I saw a penny about mile 25 but I couldn't stop to get it while I was running or I would have never got back up.  Unfortunately, we couldn't get inside the spot due to the road blocks.  Oh well, just seeing it helped me to know that Tyson was watching over me and was with me those last miles.  There is no other way I would've got there without some heavenly help. That I know! 

My Garmin said I ran longer and faster than their stats.  I'm fear I'm gonna wish I could go by that instead of the official time when the cutoff for Boston comes out!

Yes, I am disappointed that I was on pace for a PR of a 3:56 - 3:57 but just couldn't pull it off.  But, I am also extremely grateful I finished under 4:10 and got a BQ!   I also know I left it all on the course. I didn't have anything left to give.  I gave it my all and even though I am sure if I don't get in Boston 2019 it will only be by a minute or even just seconds and I will beat myself up for stopping too long at an aid station or for getting those Icy Hot rub downs or for walking those few steps, because if I hadn't done those things, then I would have finished a minute or more sooner.  BUT...I did my very best and I gave it all I had and left it all on the course and if that wasn't good enough, then it wasn't good enough. I will have to do better next time.  It is what it is and I can't change it.  I am so blessed I have already ran Boston and I get to again this spring.  I am going to focus ONLY on those blessings and be grateful for that!  What a great gift!  

This is the only marathon I've run that gives you these cool stats ↑

 Some of my other stats:
 Time: 4:07:00
Pace: 9:25
17th out of 111 in Age Division
831 out of 2216 Females
2108 out of 4720 Overall

Sorry about the picture overload.  I'm adding the "official" ones here to save because they take them off the website and I'm not going to pay $25 a picture to have the watermarks taken off.

FACEBOOK POST: (This is the 5K post)
Marathon #9 in the books! Third time running St. George which is my favorite marathon of all. Running a marathon is like a box of chocolates....you never know what you're going to get. ;) 26.2 miles is a distance that must be respected. You train hard for over four months and it all comes down to four + hours. I was feeling great and on pace for a Sub 4 time until mile 19 and then things kind of fell apart. My hamstings were severely cramping (I'm sure it was dehydration because I wasn't drinking enough due to nausea) and I had to push harder and dig deeper than ever to get to that finish line. I was pretty much ready to quit until I saw Dave at mile 22 cheering and encouraging me on. I think he is the main reason I got to that finish line yesterday. He kept telling me I was doing great and that I was on pace to BQ again. I kept telling him that I was not doing great and wasn't sure I could make it with how I was feeling. I was only half kidding. Even though you question your sanity about mile 18 and always tell yourself you will never do this again, there is something inside a marathoner that makes it really hard to quit a race that you have already invested four months in and fought through many tough miles so when you get close enough to that finish line you somehow find something inside you that you didn't know was there and it pushes you to get there even though you have no idea how you do sometimes. I am certain I also had help from the other side. I am happy to say I reached my goal and qualified for Boston 2019 with a 4:07 finish time. I am also so happy for and very proud of my running buddy Robin Peterson Singleton who got a new PR by 17 minutes yesterday! Overall, it was a great race other than side effects of having to walk down the stairs backwards! ;) Bring on the winter training for Boston 2018! #stgeorgemarathon2017 #sheergrit #heavenlyhelphelps #tyson #BQ#Bostonmarathon2019
*If you survived this marathon post...you deserve a medal! But like always here's the POINT TWO (one of my favorite running qutoes):
"The marathon’s about being in contention over the last 10K. That’s when it’s about what you have in your core. You have run all the strength, all the superficial fitness out of yourself, and it really comes down to what’s left inside you. To be able to draw deep and pull something out of yourself is one of the most tremendous things about the marathon." ~ Rob de Castell

*Sidenote:
I found this online and thought I would add it in case some newbie marathoner is reading this.  This list would have been helpful for my first time.  Like I said, there is so much to think of and remember.

Marathon Check List

A marathon check list will vary from person to person and from race to race, but it’s a good way to prepare for the big day.

All great accomplishments were once just a good plan, and a little preparation goes a long way…26.2 miles to be exact.

Best of luck in your marathon!

THE DAY BEFORE

• Eat carefully.  Don’t eat anything new, different today.  Eat the training meals that you’ve found work well before long runs.
• Drink plenty of fluids during the day.
• Stay off your feet, rest, relax.  Try some light stretching, a little yoga.
• Use visualization during this day while you’re relaxing. Envision yourself on the
  course. Think positively and remember all the work you've put into your training. It will pay off.
• Lay out all your clothing and gear for the race.  Essential items are:
• Race chip. I put it on my shoe the night before.
• Race number. Pin it to your shirt the night before.
• Running outfit, shoes, socks, hat, glasses, nutrition carrier, straps, bands, etc.
• Watch – For timing/pacing in event you get separated from your team.
• Gels (your race fuel) in your nutrition pouch, pockets, or pinned to shorts (but don't sit on them).
• Kentucky Gore-Tex (Lawn and Leaf Bag). Bring even in good weather – makes good ground cloth to rest on while waiting near the start.
• Sport Shield, Body Glide.  Last year, they ran out of Vaseline for the runners who were chafing.  Make sure you put on enough body glide so that you are comfortable, but apply it when you get dressed or you may forget.

Put out what you’ll have for breakfast.

Check your clock and set your alarm.

Pray – For good weather tomorrow, for all the runners, and for strength for yourself.

Sleep - ZZZ, or try too. You should have slept well the previous few nights.

• PRE-RACE:
• Bring your favorite foods with you to the marathon. You might not be able to find them where you are traveling.
• Drink plenty of water and start eating a high carbohydrate diet three days before your race. Don't change your diet dramatically unless you've successfully experimented with the changes before.
• Plan for starting line logistics. Consider bringing an old blanket, sleeping bag or foam mat to lay on in case your wait at the starting area is a long one. This happens often at the NYC marathon and many other point to point marathons. Have your own water and toilet paper available. Try to bring only clothing and equipment that you won't mind loosing.
• Pack plenty of cold weather gear and be sure to bring hat and gloves. These are the most important pieces of clothing for running in cold weather.
• Pack clothes and equipment that you've used before. Don't pack brand new socks, shoes, shorts... that you haven't used at least a couple of times.
• Do not skip any prescribed medications.
• Study the weather reports carefully. Understand how possible changes in weather will effect your race.
• Study the course profile and know the general terrain you'll be racing over.
• If possible, stay in a good hotel near the start. Social obligations and staying with relatives at the race location are interactions that lead to additional stress and lack of focus. See your friends and relatives after the race, not before.
• Eat foods that are normal for you and don't experiment with foods, drinks, power gels, carbo loading formulas, etc., that you haven't tried before.
• Go to bed early two nights before the race. That night's sleep is more important to good racing than the night before. If you've slept well two nights before the race you needn't worry too much about lack of sleep the night before.
• Prepare the night before. Pull out your clothing, number, carry bag, water bottle for pre-race hydration, toilet paper, Vaseline and anything else you'll need in the morning. Put them in a place you can find them easily the next morning.
• Don't worry about sleep the night before. Stay up and watch TV or read until you're so sleepy you can't stay awake any longer. Once you start preparing for bed avoid thinking about or discussing the race. Don't eat at the race "carbo loading dinner" unless this is an experience you just can't live without. Bad things can happen at mass produced dinners and the stress level is usually high. RACE-DAY:
• Wake up early and wake up slowly. Leave yourself plenty of time to execute your race-morning plan. Relax and don't rush.
• Do a short warm up. Do 10-15 minutes of very easy jogging, walking and stretching followed by a few easy striders at race pace. Your muscles should be warm, flexible and prepared to easily run at your planned race pace.
• Review the weather at the start and adjust your race plan if necessary. If the starting line temperature is above 50 degrees and looks like it will warm significantly, then thought should be given to slowing your planned race pace and extra special attention should be given to hydration.
• Prepare your mind
• Review your goals, splits and race strategy.
• Stay relaxed, expending as little mental energy as possible.
• Visualize your success.
• Everyone has negative thoughts. When they occur just push them away and review the positive aspects of your training. Think about the best workout you did in the last three weeks or a recent race where your results were particularly good.
• Prepare your body
• Apply lubricant to areas that will chafe. If the racing conditions will be cold apply it to thighs, forearms and calves.
• Wear cap and gloves, if even slightly cold. You can always discard them during the race.
• If you eat or drink before your race, don't eat anything that you have not tried before. DURING THE RACE:
• Find your mental "zone", i.e. associate or disassociate, as soon as possible.
• Do not "race" during the first 20 miles of the marathon. Start slowly! It's much smarter to be overly conservative and to be passing people at the end.
• Do not panic if the pace seems wrong. Execute your race plan as closely as possible but be prepared to be flexible if the weather conditions change unexpectedly. Many things can happen, it's a long race and there will be plenty of time to make up early slow splits.
• If it's windy stay behind other runners and shelter from direct head winds.
• Run with as little effort as possible, relaxing fingers, mouth, shoulders and neck.
• Do not race through the water stations. Stop if necessary. Drink the full amount, especially if warm. Don't worry about drinking as fast as you can. Carry the cup with you as you run, take your time and drink in small swallows.
• Finally, and most important, HAVE FUN!

       AFTER THE RACE:

• Immediately after finishing you should: try to keep walking for 5-10 minutes to allow your legs to cool down; If the weather is cold, windy, or wet make an effort to get inside or back into warm clothing; keep drinking small amounts of water or sports drink if your stomach will allow it, even when you feel you no longer need to.
• Ice any sore spots immediately. Covering your legs with cold water (and ice) while in a bathtub may be uncomfortable but always produces quicker recovery.
• As soon as you feel like eating, begin with small amounts of easily digestible food that you know will agree with your stomach. You should concentrate on high glycemic foods (high in simple sugars) immediately following the race gradually transitioning to lower glycemic foods and protein. Although carbohydrate replacement is vital, protein is important for rebuilding damaged muscle tissue immediately following the race and for the next few days.
• Keep your legs elevated as much as possible for the 24 hours after the race.
• Anti-inflamitories (aspirin, motrin...) can have a positive effect but be careful taking them immediately after the race on an empty stomach or if you have any sensitivity to them

Congratulations, You did it!

Concentrate on rehydration for 48 hours after the race.