#61- The Big Cottonwood Marathon!

Last year when I ran the Big Cottonwood Marathon, it quickly went to the top of my favorite Utah Marathons (and we have a lot of GREAT ones). So needless today I was looking forward to this year's race.

 

On Friday night I started the festivities with visit to the expo, which was a change from last year as they only has a packet pick up last year. After the expo I headed to the Olive Garden for a fun Marathon Maniacs dinner.

Maniacs at the pre-race dinner.

 

At the dinner I met up with my Sarasota friend, Donna Loud. After the dinner we drove back to Bob and Teresa Baker's house. They were so AWESOME opening their home to us. I don't live far, but the Bakers live less than five minutes from the bus pick up/finish line. They invited me over for a weekend staycation!

 

I woke up Saturday morning at 3:30am. Donna and I wanted to be on the 4:30am bus. Once we had our breakfast and were ready to go, I drove us over to the bus pick up.

 

We got on a bus with no issues. People on our bus seemed pretty excited. Then about 3 miles from the start, the third bus up the canyon got stuck as it tried to make the hair pin turn up Guardsman Pass. All the buses after it could not get to the start. There was one bus ahead of the bus I was on. Everyone was sitting on their buses when I saw a man jump of the bus in front of us and run over to the stranded bus. I laughed out loud when I saw it was none other than my pal Galen! MANIAC TO THE RESCUE!!! At this point people were getting off all the buses to try to see what was going on or to help. Runners were actually trying to push the bus off the road, but it would not budge.

This bus is stuck on the road leading to the start.

 

People on the buses were getting antsy and there was talk to start walking the three miles to the start. This never crossed my mind for four reasons:

 

1) It would mean running three miles UP the steepest part of the course;

2) It was cold out there;

3) It wouldn't matter how fast you got up to the starting area, the race could not begin until the bus was moved. It was best to stay on the warm bus until the problem was resolved; and

4) That would just be stupid!  ;-)

 

I was impressed how quickly the RD's  got the problem resolved by having runners walk up the hill about a quarter mile where the two buses that were already at the start came back down  to a place safe to turn around and pick us all up. They also got the bus moved off the road much quicker than expected. The race only started 25 minutes late which could have been much worse!

 

There were lots of Maniacs at this race! I tried to get as many Maniacs together as I could for a photo, but with the bus thing, the original plan went out the window. I tried to get Maniacs together when I saw them.

 

Maniacs at the start!

 

Before we knew it the race had started. We started running down Guardsman Pass which is really steep. I could feel it in my quads in the first two miles!

Runners winding down the canyon!

 

There is no road marathon I have ever run that is more beautiful than the Big Cottonwood Marathon. Big Cottonwood Canyon is just beautiful and we would be spending the next 17 miles there.

 

Running 17 miles downhill seems like a dream come true, but for those not trained for so much downhill running or not used to the high altitude, it can be a quad/lung busting killer.

 

I was feeling really good. I knew I was running pretty fast (for me) when I hit the 10k in 55 minutes! I tried to slow up knowing I would regret it later if I went too fast down the canyon. When I hit the half in 2:07 (even after a bathroom break), I was still feeling great!

The leaves had not changed yet like last year, but the course is still BEAUTIFUL!

 

 

A little waterfall on the course.

I was moving down that hill!

 

This is about 2 miles from the bottom of the canyon.

Me at about mile 15.

Me coming to the bottom of the canyon!

 

At about mile 17 we left the canyon. I really like the change in the course this year. While there were not as many rolling hills, there was some long stretches of very gentle uphill. Now, if I was just out on a run I would probably not notice that I was going uphill, but after running down the canyon for 17 miles, even the flat sections felt hard.

 

I was still feeling pretty good at mile 20. When I got to mile 21, my watch said 3:30! I was so happy. A PR was right there! I kept plugging along.

 

It was getting hot out there at this point which was staring to wear on me. At mile 23 I hit the aid station for some water and a little Gatorade. When I left the aid station all of a sudden, I could not run. My legs just would not go! The wheels fell off!

 

My legs felt a little crampy, but I was not in severe pain. I just could not run. I walked until I felt like I could start running again and then I could only run about 20 seconds. This continued for the next 2 miles.

 

Right after I passed the mile 25 mile marker, I knew my PR was out the window. I wanted to cry. In 61 marathons, I had never hit "the wall" that hard. I needed a distraction. I pulled out my phone and called Teresa (who was at the finish line). I asked her just to talk to me (she gives great pep talks) and get me through that last mile. When she talked to me, I could actually run. She told me that she was sending Bob out to run the rest of the way with me! What a sight for sore eyes he was! Bob ran with me until I turned the corner to the finish chute. Teresa was so great too. As I approached the chute she yelled "I am going to get you a Diet Coke right now!" and she did!

So glad to be done!

 

I finished the race without a PR, but it was the fastest race I had run all year. I guess I can't be too disappointed.

Donna and I  at the finish! Donna kicked some butt and got her a PR!

 

We were pretty wiped and only stayed about 10 minutes at the finish line. We headed back to the Baker's where I has the best post race shower EVER. If you have never been in a steam shower, I highly recommend it! I just sat in there with a cup of herbal tea. It was AWESOME!

 

After our showers, the Bakers took us to lunch at Cafe Rio and then we came back to their home for a nap before we were all heading to University of Utah football game.

 

After a nice nap, we hit a few tailgate parties for some more great food!

Me, Kami (one of our co-workers), Teresa and Donna at one of the tailgate parties we attended before the game.

Had a fun time at the U of U football game!





 

The game ended after midnight so we headed out a little early as we had all hit the wall of tired. We headed back to the Baker's house for a much needed sleep!

 

Sunday morning we said goodbye to Donna as she headed back to Sarasota, I packed up my stuff, picked up my dogs and came home.

 

I would just like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to the Bob and Teresa Baker. I am VERY fortunate to have such generous and AMAZING friends. I can't thank you enough. You gave me a 5 star staycation!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!

 

What a great race and a great weekend! It was so fun to see so many Maniacs! I hope you all had a great time!

 

 

Never Forget.

#60 The Mid-Mountain Marathon

For marathon #60, I chose the Mid Mountain Marathon in Park City. I chose this race for a few reasons, but the main reason was that it was the last race in the Triple Trail Challenge (with the Jupiter Peak Steeple Chase and the Park City Marathon). If I completed this race I would have earned an AWESOME embroidered Marmot jacket (and bragging rights) as a Triple Trail Challenge finisher. All of these races are incredibly difficult.

 

I have run a few trail races and with the exception of the Corner Canyon 50K I ran last year, I have never done a trail marathon, so needless to say I was quite nervous. The Jupiter Peak Steeple Chase left me with a twisted ankle, blisters and a bloody back (from my Camelback) and it was only 16 miles. With the NYC Marathon coming soon, I just could NOT get injured!

 

The race started at 8:00am and thanks to my dear friends Bob and Teresa who offered me the guest room in their Park City condo, I was able to pick up our packets Friday evening (instead of battling the crowds on race morning) and we were able to sleep in until 6:00am (very rare for marathon morning).

 

As we all gathered at the start, it was great to see a lot of Marathon Maniac friends. Some I haven't seen in a while, like Franz Kolb and some Maniacs I had never met like, Sarah Englund and Stacia Brandner Brack Klundt.

 

 

Maniacs at the start.

 

Lining up to the start line. 

 

Before the start the Race Director informed us that there had been a course change that meant we would now be going over Iron Mountain (another 2,000 foot climb). I was not worried about it as I had never run this course before and didn't know what to expect without it, so off we went.





 

Being in Park City, I knew this would be a beautiful race, but even I was surprised at just how beautiful it was.

 

The first few miles were lots of fun as I ran with my fellow Utah Maniacs Bob, Earl, Franz and our new friend Stacia. The boys eventually were a little too speedy for me, but I was really happy to still have Stacia with me. One on my biggest fears is being on the trail alone and falling or running into a wild animal with nobody around to help me.

Runners on the trail.

Amazing scenery on this race.

 

Stacia and I plugged away and were making pretty good time until we hit Iron Mountain. It was steep and there was no tree cover at all. It was so hot going up that mountain that I started to feel dizzy. I knew there was no way we could stop and rest. According to the race instructions we had to be at the fourth aid station at mile 16 in four hours. If you didn't make it, they would take your bib and your race would be done. That would mean no jacket for me. Now in a regular road marathon that would be a piece of cake, but as we kept going, we found out quick that that was a tight cut off.

 

As we got closer to mile 16, we knew it was going was going to be close and every hill we had to hike up closed that gap a little more. I went from being very comfortable about making the cut off to very nervous about getting pulled from the course!

 

When we hit mile 16 we were right at four hours. We saw a medical person and a young volunteer, but no aid station. When I asked the volunteer where the aid station was his response was "three miles up". I told him that I was in no mood for jokes as our race depended on us getting to that aid station. He assured me he wasn't joking, the the reality was, he didn't know.

 

As mile 16, turned into 16.5 and there was no aid station, Stacia and I started thinking of what we were going to say to convince the folks at the aid station to let us continue. At mile 17 we saw the aid station. We were so exhausted and stressed, but when we came in, the aid station workers cheered for us and let us know that we made it in plenty of time. They said that they moved the cut off to 4 1/2 hours at mile 17! It would have been nice to know that in advance.

 

Poor Bob said that he sprinted ahead, using everything he had to get there to warn the aid station that Earl and Franz were close behind so they wouldn't get pulled. It was literally nerve racking. Thank goodness we were all able to get there on time. The next obstacle was to get to the finish line by 3:00pm.

 

At this point were so exhausted. Then we caught Teresa's good friend Katie. I had met Katie a few times so was really glad to see her. Stacia, Katie and I stuck together. We told stories of our families, marriages, divorces, etc. Then we caught our fellow Maniac, Cindy. Now there were four of us banding together to finish this thing!! The miles while tough seemed to go by a lot faster as we all banded together. I am not sure how any of us would have done all alone those last six miles, but I know I was lifted by having these great ladies with me.

 

One mile from the finish, we could see the finish line at the bottom of the mountain. We knew we would make it! As we approached the finish line, the four of us joined hands and crossed the finish line together. This finish was a group effort!

 

The power of friendship on the trail! I was so lucky to run and finish with these great ladies! Katie, Me, Stacia and Cindy approaching the finish line. (Photo by Teresa Baker) 

 

It was so great to see Teresa cheering at the finish! First thing she said was "Go get your jacket!" I went over, picked up the jacket that I had worked so hard to get. I felt great to finally hold it in my hands. I was so excited to get the jacket, I almost forgot to get my medal!

My jacket and I!

 

I was also glad to see my friend Laura and her CUTE little daughter Violet at the finish to cheer for me. I felt bad that it took me so long. I was really nice for her to come!

Laura and Violet

 

I could not wait to get my shoes off and sit in the grass and celebrate with the rest of my friends! Teresa had bought a bottle of champagne (and a Diet Coke for me). We were all pretty excited! 

Stacia, Katie and I (Cindy had left already).

Bob, Galen, Earl and Sue with their Jackets!

Bob, Franz and I at the finish!

Sue and Kim with their jackets!

 

The shirt and medal.

Close up of the bling!

 

I am so excited to have completed this race. It was the toughest marathon I have ever done, but it was one of the most beautiful too. It humbled even the fastest road marathoners. I think I will stick with Nebo next year and cheer for those who go for the Triple Trail Challenge next year.

 

HUGE THANKS to Teresa and Bob for their AMAZING hospitality!! I love you guys!

 



#59 The Pocatello Marathon

For the fourth time I headed back to the Pocatello Marathon. This race not only holds a special place in my heart due to the family connection (my dad was born and raised in the area and my mom and dad lived met in Pocatello), but the race is AWESOME.

 

With Competitor and Disney charging well over $100 to run a race, the Pocatello Marathon put together a race with better perks for the low price of $40!!!

My pal Galen was good enough to drive, letting another Maniac friend Heather and I tag along. We picked Heather up at the airport around 5:00pm on Friday and booked it to Pocatello in hopes of getting to the expo before they closed.

 

I usually put together a Maniac dinner, but knowing we would be getting in late, deferred those duties to another Maniac this year. Luckily, we got to the expo in time to get our packets and still had a few minutes to stop by the dinner.

Maniacs at the pre-race dinner.

The perks of being fashionably late to the dinner? You get the door prizes! Thanks Cade! (Photo by Heather Zeigler)

 

After getting some dinner, we ran to the grocery store for some water and breakfast items, then went back to the hotel for some sleep.

 

The alarm went off at 4:00am and I was feeling super tired. Since I ate dinner later than usual, I wasn't hungry for breakfast at all. I proceeded to get ready and I took a banana on the bus with me.

 

Heather and I on the bus to the start. (Photo by Heather Zeigler)

 

Galen and Aaron on the bus to the start. (Photo by Heather Zeigler)

 

The start is on a sheep farm. We got off the bus and walked up to the barn where we ran into more Maniac friends. About 15 minutes before the start, I realized that we had not organized a Maniac photo. I asked my friend Mary to stop any Maniacs where she was and I would go and gather any other Maniacs I saw. I started yelling "Maniac photo!" and people just gathered! We had a very impressive group photo for only having a few minutes to get people together!

 

Maniacs at the Start!

 

Before I knew it, the gun went off and we were on our way! This summer's marathons have been a little lonely as my girls Teresa and Teota have not been doing many full marathons this summer. I usually have one or both of them to run with, but since neither of them were there, I was gearing up for a lonely run. I should have known better, as I was able to run with a few very nice people!

I ran the first 5 miles with Arizona Maniac Jeff!

 

It is always fun to see Denis on the course!

Gotta love the cow ladies!

The Elevation Chart

 

One of the great things about Pocatello, is the course! I love the first 13.1 miles! It is cool, fast, and downhill. I was making some great time.

 

The second half is more challenging with rolling hills and no shade, and it got a little toasty. Once the heat hit my back, I slowed down a lot.

 

At mile 15, I was running in downtown Inkom, where my dad was born and raised and where I spent many summers as a child with my Aunt May and Uncle Dennis. I got nice shot of energy when I saw my sweet Aunt May and Uncle Dennis clapping for me as I came to the mile 15 mile marker. I was all alone at this point and it really meant a lot to me that they came out to support me.

 

I suffered through miles 18-22 as the heat was getting to me. Thank goodness there were 2 misters and aid stations every mile along the last 6 miles, which cooled me off and gave me an extra boost of energy to finish. 

 

I was really "smelling the barn" those last two miles and just wanted to be done. I could not wait to take off my shoes and lay in the shade! 

 

As I came in the finish shoot I could hear Galen cheering for me! He had done really well and finished long before me. It was nice of him to wait and make sure I came in OK. Thanks G!

 

When I finished, I took off my shoes, laid in the grass, hung out with a few Maniacs, then went over for a pulled pork sandwich and baked potato!

Galen, Dan and I at the finish!

Cade, Mike and I at the finish!



 

 Now, one thing that is hard when traveling to a marathon, is getting back to the hotel after the race in time to take a shower before check out. I would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to the Pocatello Clarion Inn for being so accommodating to the runners. When we checked in we were told that runners were automatically being given a 2:00pm check out! We didn't even have to ask. More host hotels could take a page from them! 

 

I was really hoping to have lunch with my aunt and uncle after the race, but with BYU football starting  at 1:30pm and me not getting back to the hotel until almost just before check out, I didn't get to hook up with them before heading home.

 

After checking out of the hotel, a bunch of us Maniacs headed to the Applebees next to the hotel for a celebratory lunch. It was really fun to hear about how every one's race went and just relax.

Maniacs at the post-race celebration!

 

After lunch, Galen, Aaron and I headed back to Draper. Aaron's plane ticket got messed up so I offered him a place to stay.

 

Once we got home, Aaron and I indulged in a post race dinner of In-N-Out Burger!

I have been trying to cut back on meat again, but cheeseburgers taste so good after a race!

Gotta love the  Pocatello swag!!

 

Gotta love the Pocatello bling!

 

For anyone looking for a fun and inexpensive race, the Pocatello Marathon is for you!  Still the best race I have seen for the price!