This was an all around enjoyable race. I started out on the bus sitting next to an 81 year old runner named Woody. I felt very privileged to chat with him the entire ride to the top of Big Mountain. I really hope I'm in as great of shape when I'm that age. It was very inspiring hearing some of his life stories and his message of a positive mental attitude. It is at the core of where our lives can take us.
The starting area was quite enjoyable, as I was able to converse with several people I've met over the last few years. It really pumped me up for the race ahead and left me with gratitude in being able to participate in the sport of running. If I look back 10 years, I would have never imagined myself as I am today, doing something I'm really passionate about that feels natural.
The race itself was on par with what I had hoped for and more. The weather conditions were ideal, especially for this time of year, when the late miles can be a real scorcher! I really enjoyed the drizzle of rain and cloud cover. I would run any day in the rain vs. the head/cross winds everyone encountered at Utah Valley last month! I enjoy the course as it is scenic (mostly in the first half before entering the east bench) and offers a variety of terrain. For me, it has the right mixture of hills and flats. I have fared better at this race than many other Utah marathons, and feel the course is conducive to working my legs in varied ways. Although I did not 'hit the wall,' I certainly felt fatigued at the end, and gave what I had for the day's work.
I feel I'm on track from where I was in February when I fractured my pelvis. My training has been more productive and is getting easier. I hope to improve my overall speed and endurance for some events this fall.
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