{st george marathon 2011--the rundown}

I ran the St. George marathon this past Saturday. I have been looking forward to this race, and training hard all summer~ There is always this nervous anticipation and jitters before a marathon...for me it is the tapering! a love/hate thing. Also you have put in all this time and training , and sometimes it comes down to the day..... Of course i got a cold the week before, and still had a little of that going on--what in the world??

Marathon morning came with few crappy hours of sleep under my belt:), went through the rituals of all my prep, and met up with some friends to ride the buses up to the start. I love being up at the start--the nervous excitement in the air, the fun music blaring, and all the runners~ It was so warm that we didn't really need jackets or anything up there--and this is always a little bit worrisome, since it means it's going to be flaming hot on the course.

After waiting in the 30 minute potty line {can i tell you how much i hate porta potties--esp at races?--yipes!!} I was lined up and ready to go..wondering what the day was going to bring...The gun went off, and we were off! I got my iPod cranking, relaxed into my pace, and just enjoyed myself--- chatted with some fellow runners, and took in all the gorgeous scenery. By the time i knew it i was all ready at mile 20, and feeling...good....i was pleasantly surprised--I was just keeping my pace in the lower 7's-- taking the hills easy as to have some energy left for the end, and really busting into the downhill. Marathons are such a mental game~ and i really believe that you learn things about yourself and grow as a runner with every race. I have found you need to listen to your body, and run accordingly. My dad came and met me at mile 20 and ran the last 6 with me. It was fun to see his smiling face~ gave me a good boost. I was still feeling great through mile 25, and never hit the wall...which has never really happened--so i expected the pain to hit any minute. Then the last mile is always a little bit crappy--as in any race--you are just wanting to be finished!:) It was fun to see my sweet family cheering me on in the last block as i came through the chute~

finished with a new PR of 3:22.(7:40 avg pace), and my second Boston Qualify. Honestly--the best part was how great i felt..marathons arenever easy--but it's nice not to feel like you will tip over at the finish....the hard training must have paid off...and i met my goal, which was great. Of course I enjoyed a huge burger and fries after...and..... some other crappy food...best thing ever~

I am so grateful for my family and friends. The hubs is so great to support me in all these races and training, and my family...well they are the top notch--my biggest cheerleaders and fans. I appreciate all the calls, texts, and well wishes-- really means a lot friends~