Remembering Boston Marathon 4/15/13

This morning I have been reflecting on the Boston Marathon - 1 year ago. Coming home from Boston last year, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to run Boston in 2014.   I love the Boston Marathon!  There is something special about this race.  There is an incredible energy that surrounds the Boston Marathon and those who come out to watch, cheer, and support fuel that energy.  People have asked me if I am worried to return.  Not at all!  I am determined to run more than ever.  I will run to honor the victims, the victims' families, and the survivors.  I will run to show that as a running community we are united and strong!  Boston 2014 is going to be AMAZING!  I can't wait! 

One of my running friends, Jennifer, invited me to join her to do a live interview on the KSL morning show -remembering Boston 2013. We did a radio interview as well.  I am grateful to Jennifer for the opportunity!  Scott Stoddart joined us as well.  This will be his first Boston.  You will love Boston, Scott!   Here are the 2 segments that we did: 

Segment 1

Segment 2

Rage Triathlon

I was looking at my training schedule after the Buffalo Run to see what I needed to get in before HITS Grand Junction full in May.   I knew I had to squeeze in some long bricks so why not add Rage as a training run.  I was a little hesitant signing up, hoping I would be fully recovered from running 50 miles 3 weeks earlier and not wanting to push it too hard knowing that Boston would be 9 days away.  I asked Chad what he thought and he said to go for it!  So I signed up. Rage would be my 2nd half ironman.  I did the Utah Half clear back in August 2011.  Utah Half is flat and fast.  Looking at the elevation charts, I knew Rage was going to be a tough, hilly course.  A good challenge and perfect for training! 

setting up transition

Race day.  I woke up at 4 a.m. to get ready.  I had my traditional green smoothie (yep, I always bring our blender) and a piece of cinnamon swirl bread with peanut butter.  Then I woke the kids up. They are used to the early morning race days and always get up with no complaints and groggily jump into the car. The race start was at Boulder Beach which was about 30 minutes from our hotel so we left a little before 5 a.m.  It was still dark when we reached the race start, but the transition area was well lit up.   The transition area was a long narrow stretch that went from the lake up a slight incline for a couple hundred yards.  There were 3 race distances - Sprint, Olympic, half.  The half distance athletes were designated spots closer to the water.  I set up transition and then danced a little with the kids to the music playing on the speakers until it was time to head down to the water to start.

The female half distance start time was 6:35 a.m.   The swim was in Lake Mead and was a rectangular course.  Stepping into the water, it felt colder than I expected it to be. The swim started and I warmed up quick, all except for my feet, which were cold the entire time.  The water was a little choppy, so I had to make sure to breathe at the right time so I wouldn't swallow too much water.  I am not a great swimmer, but I love open water swimming.  It is so much better than feeling like a ping pong ball going from one side to another in a lap lane at the pool.  I finished the swim and headed up the ramp towards transition. After strapping on my bike shoes and helmet, I clip clopped up the transition area with my bike.  And then I was off!  It was great to see fellow BAM athletes coming back on the bike course that were racing the different distances. BAM rocked it at Rage! 

Bike Elevation

My plan for the bike was just to maintain a good steady effort.  I was testing out my new aero helmet that Chad got for me for Valentine's Day.  You know the helmets that make you look like you have an alien head.  The bike course was an out and back and you were either going up or down.  Even though the hills were a challenge, I was feeling pretty good at the turn around.  Heading back it started to warm up and there was a headwind.  The wind was good and bad.  It did keep me cooler, but it made for a slower ride heading back.  I had about 20 miles left on the bike and I had to pee.  I was going to see if I could wait until before I headed out on the run, but that wasn't going to happen.  I don't like stopping, so when I do have to stop I try to make it quick. 

At the aid station, there was only 1 porta potty and I was just in luck, it was empty.  20 second pit stop and I was back on the bike.  And then things got a little interesting.  My nose started bleeding.  Thank goodness it wasn't gushing, but it was a slow steady flow.  What to do?!  I only had gel wrappers.  That wasn't going to work.  And I was not even close to the next aid station.  So I held my fingers to my nose so it wouldn't drip all over.  Then I sucked up the water from my front water bottle and would spit it out on my fingers to wash away the blood.   I couldn't use my back water bottle since it was filled with an electrolyte drink.   I did this over and over again for the next couple of miles until it finally stopped.  Let me say, it takes coordination and balance to accomplish this going up and down hills and I was lucky I didn't crash.

With 2 miles left on the bike, there was a rider in front of me who kept swerving into the middle of the road. As I got closer, I noticed the “O” on her leg which meant she was doing the Olympic distance. I couldn’t tell what her age was since the marker was smeared on the back of her leg, but she looked like she could be in high school. As I passed by, I asked her if she was OK? She said yes. She was bright red and looked spent. I asked her if she needed anything and she shook her head no. I told her that she had 2 miles left and that she was almost to transition. She gave me a faint smile and I rode on. A few minutes later, I was regretting that I hadn’t stayed behind and made sure she made it to transition.

Getting off the bike, I am always excited to start the run! It is my favorite! As I unclipped and started down the transition chute I looked for the blue flags which were set up earlier on the sides of the transition chute. My transition spot was somewhat close to the last blue flag. They had taken the flags down so I started looking for my bright yellow running shoes. For a second I thought I passed my spot, and almost turned around and started running back up, but then I saw Chad and the kids and they were standing right outside where I was supposed to be. As I was changing into my running shoes, I knew it was going to be hot. It was 85 degrees outside and I was already feeling a little dehyrdrated – probably too much spitting and not enough drinking of the water on my bike.

Run elevation

The run was an out and back. The first half is uphill and then you get the downhill coming back. The first mile is on a rocky dirt road and almost instantly my head started pounding. I knew I needed to hydrate. I was kicking myself for not packing my handheld water bottle. I almost packed it, but decided not to since the aid stations on the run were a mile apart. At the first aid station, I drank some water and dumped some over my head. My head was still pounding and in just a few minutes after leaving the aid station my throat was parched. I could feel blood running down the back of my throat, most likely from my bloody nose earlier. For a split second, I thought of quitting. This was supposed to be a training run and I didn’t need a dehydrating run a week before Boston. But of course there is no way I would quit.  It’s only 13.1 miles and I only had 12 left.  Just go for it!  The next 3 miles were on a paved trail. At each aid station, I started downing 2 cups of water and a cup of Gatorade. It seemed like the moment I left the aid station I was desperately seeking the next one for more fluids. My pace was slow and I plodded along. It was frustrating since I am usually strong on the run.  My legs felt pretty good, but everything else was shutting down. At around mile 4, the course turned into a dirt trail. There were a few old railroad tunnels that we ran through which provided a short reprieve from the hot sun. Running through the first tunnel, I could hear bats flying overhead. It was pretty sweet in a Halloweenie kind of way! There were also beautiful views of Lake Mead from the trail. 

While running, I saw this older guy who was wearing a KONA 2013 shirt.  I told him that doing KONA was impressive.  He said he had done KONA 26 times!!!!  WOW!!!!  aMAzing!  As I passed other runners I tried to offer words of encouragement.  "Keep it up!"  "Good job!" And as I saw a few runners cruising back down the trail, I gave them a high 5 as they passed.  I finally made it to the turn around point and was looking forward to the downhill. I was able to pick up my pace to a faster plod and made my way back to the start. I passed a few girls and some guys as well, but I was still going pretty slow.  The volunteers at the aid stations were great! They were very encouraging and had the water and Gatorade always ready to go.  There was a poster at one of the aid stations that said, “smile if you are peeing right now.” That brought a smile to my face. And I had to chuckle when a volunteer shouted only 2 miles left until beer! The miles seemed long, but just over 2 hours on the run I made it to the finish where my family was cheering me in. I ended up with a finish time of 6:23:23. 

My AWESOME cheering squad! :)

After the race, at the hotel, I started analyzing the race. I was so disappointed with my run. I didn’t plan on going all out, but I at least wanted a halfway decent run. I could run a marathon at the end of Vineman in 3:35 in 85 degree weather, but today my run sucked and I only ran half the distance. I was about to put on my running shoes and go run another 13.1 in the air conditioned fitness room on a treadmill.  Chad reminded me that I had Boston coming up and that going for another run was probably not the best idea. He told me that I was being way too hard on myself. He was right. I need to take the bad with the good and focus on the positive. 3rd in my age group isn't too bad for a training run. :) And next up is BOSTON!!!

Winter Wrap Up

SLTC

Winter is over!  Who says you can't train, race, and have a little fun just because it's cold outside!?  Here is my winter wrap up.
This winter I joined the Salt Lake Tri Club.  The club consists of athletes of all levels who have a love for triathlons.  I love being a part of a group that focuses on being active, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and supporting each other in reaching training goals.  As a team, we participated in the USAT club challenge.  You basically logged your miles for the swim, bike, and run for the months of December, January, and February.  December-swim focus, January- bike, February- run (yay for running!!).  On one of the Saturdays in December, SLTC held a swim challenge to help boost our numbers.  Swimming is NOT my strong point, but I was able to finish 60 x 100's  -the farthest I have ever swam. :)   It was fun to log miles and have your training miles count for something.  SLTC ended up #1 in our division and region!  Woot, woot!!  I also signed up for a 6 week computraining class at the BAM Wattage Cottage.  An hour and a half class at 5:30 a.m. twice a week.  An excellent way to get bike training in during the winter.  Matt Farva was our AWESOME instructor - "bump it up!"  The class was a blast!!

Poppin' Tarts

UTAH LAKE RUN

My craziest winter adventure - running across Utah Lake!  I tried to convince Chad to go with me, but had no such luck.  So I found a few other crazies to go with me - Jeff and Rob!

Before I left the house, Chad halfway jokingly asked if I was taking a rope with me in case I fell in.   He was a little worried about me running across the lake.  I reassured him that I would be just fine and promised that I would be safe.
 The run started out at Pelican Bay in Saratoga Springs.  We met up with a running group around 6:30 a.m. to run across the lake.  One of the guys in the group was handing out foot warmers to stick in our shoes.  They worked great!  Before you know it we were off and running.  With a layer of ice and snow under our feet, we crunched our way to the other side, Lindon Harbor. 

About 1/2 mile from the other side, there was little snow cover and mostly ice, so we slid our way to the halfway point.  It was 6 miles to get across the lake and then we turned around and ran back.  Somewhere in the middle of the lake were these cool drifts where the water had broken through the ice and refroze.  We took some pictures and then kept running.  When we made it back across, we just had to do snow angels to celebrate!  This is definitely something you don't get to do every day!  A little risky, yes, but sooo much fun!!!  Utah Valley 360 write-up

Tri-States Marathon

And of course I had to add a race during the winter to break it up!  I decided to sign up for the Tri-States marathon in Mesquite, Nevada (12/7/13).  I loved the idea of running a marathon through 3 states - Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.  I thought that heading south for a race during the winter would be a break from the cold, but there were lower temperatures than usual on race day.   It was really cold at the starting line.  Once the race started and I was off and running, I had layered up right and was just fine.  This was a smaller race and my goal was to place in the top 3, so I lined up close to the starting line. The first 5-6 miles, I ran with another girl and a group of guys down the small canyon.  By about mile 7, I was running by myself and happened to be the lead female runner.  The course flattened out and I settled into a good pace and kept on going.  At about mile 16, there was a cattle guard you had to cross.  The gaps between the bars were pretty wide and there wasn't a bar in the middle to run across. On the side of this cattle guard was a cement ledge, so I decided to run on the ledge to get around the cattle guard.  I hopped up onto the ledge and since it didn't go the entire length of the cattle guard I not so gracefully jumped towards the road.  My foot clipped the cattle guard and I went down on my hands and knees and landed on the cattle guard.  Ouch! I got up and tried to start running again.   There was a terrible pain in my left knee and I had to walk.  I knew I wasn't that far ahead of 2nd place and if I continued to walk, I would be passed in no time.  In front of me, was the first of many short steep climbs that were scattered in the last 10 miles.  I couldn't give up!  I started running.  It hurt like no other, but I continued moving forward. 


Each hill was excruciating, but I kept on going.  Finally that last short steep hill and then a turn and then I could see the finish.  As I crossed the finish, I was so glad to be done!  I was able to hold onto first place.  My first 1st place overall finish in a marathon! 3:09:45.  

Bands and Boston

Boston bound in 16 days!!!  Today I decided to make running headbands and one especially for Boston.  I could just go out and buy headbands, but I figured that I could make them for a lot less!  Chad always laughs when he pulls down my sewing machine from the top shelf for a project I decide to do.  He knows my limited patience and ability when it comes to sewing.  I like to think that I can sew, but in reality Chad is right, I am far from a seamstress.  I don't care for sewing, but if I can make something cheaper than what I can buy it for and if it seems easy then I am up for the task.  Thank goodness headbands are super easy to make!!  They aren't perfect, but I am using them for running so it really doesn't matter. :)  My mom has an embroidery machine and added the "Boston Strong" - pretty sweet!

This will be my 3rd time going to Boston.  All my Boston's have been unforgettable.  My first Boston was in 2012.  Chad and my two oldest girls, Lexi and Elise, came to support.  This year it was hot!  I threw out the time goal that I had set for myself and just wanted to stay hydrated and make it to the finish.  At every aid station I dumped water over my head and drank water.  Lots and lots of water!!  I dumped so much water that I soaked my shoes and by mile 13 blisters were forming on the bottoms of my feet and in between my toes.  I tried to be careful from that point on to lean over when I dumped water, and not soak my shoes, but the damage to my feet was already done.  I kept on going.  The last 10k, my legs started cramping.  Ouch!  I was so close to finishing, so I ran through it.  The cramps would come and go.  I cautiously took each step expecting at any moment for the muscle to pull like a tight rubber band.  As I neared the finish, the crowds got bigger and the cheers were louder.  That's one thing I absolutely LOVE about Boston - the fans!!!  They are lined up throughout the entire course cheering you on.  That is part of what makes Boston so special.  The last stretch, where you can see the finish line, is AWESOME!  And then to finally cross is exhilarating!  Even though I was exhausted and dehydrated - I remember thinking, "I just finished THE Boston Marathon!!"  3:49:47.  It was worth the pain!

2012 Boston video - Chad put this video together for me to remember my first Boston.

Last year, 2013, was my 2nd Boston.  Just Chad and I went this time around.  My goal was to set a PR.  (My PR at the time was from Big Cottonwood marathon 3:29:45)  Boston is a harder course than Big Cottonwood, so I needed to have a GREAT race.  The night before the race (as is tradition for all my races), Chad gave me a priesthood blessing of health, strength, and safety.  I was all set!  Race day weather was perfect!!  I started at 10:20 - Wave 2, corral 5.  My race plan was to

maintain around 8 minute miles for as long as I could and not to go out too fast on the downhills at the beginning miles of the course.  This strategy worked well.   I made up a race shirt with a saying that said, “Look, Up!  Therein lies the greatest strength.”  People usually put their names on their shirt or write it with a sharpie on their arms or legs.  Spectators will cheer you on by name all along the course if you have it written on you somewhere.  Throughout the course, I could hear . . . .”Hey, Look Up!”  “Go, Look Up!”  “Look Up!”  This reminded me that as I “look up” to the Lord he gives me the strength I need to do hard things.  My race went really well!  I made it up all the Newton hills with no problem – passing lots of people (probably the ones who went out too fast in the beginning).  I ended up with a PR 3:29:09 / 7:59 per mile (negative split)! 

 After I finished, I hurried through the finish line area, got my medal, food, and bag and found Chad.  We had to hurry and catch the T to the airport because we had an afternoon flight.  At the airport, we started receiving calls and texts from people.  "Are you guys OK?"  "Where are you guys at?"  We were confused a first and then found out that 2 bombs went off near the finish line area by the spectators.   The volunteers and spectators at the Boston marathon are beyond amazing.  What a horrible tragedy!  My heart sank.  As we were glued to the television at the airport, I kept thinking is this really happening?  We were just there.    I was still trying to wrap my mind around it all.   We boarded our flight and once in the air, I was flooded with emotions.  I felt sorrow for the victims and their families.  At the same time, I also felt gratitude that Chad and I were protected and kept safe and extremely thankful for my Heavenly Father’s watchful care.  I felt blessed to have an outpouring of love and concern from family and friends. 

I am excited to run Boston this year. I love being a part of the running community.  Runners are strong!  I have a deep appreciation to those who come out and cheer, support, volunteer, and motivate - they inspire me and push me to the finish line.  I don't know what my thoughts and feelings will be on that final stretch on Boylston Street.  I am sure it will be a mix of emotions.  But I do know that there is strength in unity and on Monday, April 21st - "We Run Together!" 

Moab Red Hot 55k - 2/15/14

 My first race of 2014!!  My plan for signing up for this race was to use it as a training run for my Buffalo Run 50 miler.  I ran Moab Red Hot 55k last year, so I knew that the course was going to be a challenge, but the views are worth all the climbing! Our good friends, the Krommenhoeks came down to Moab as well.  Jeff signed up to run the 33k, his first trail race.  He is always up for an adventure and a challenge!  We were both excited for a beautiful trail run in Moab! 

sporting our funky race hats

Last year I came in at 6:23:32, so my goal was to break 6 hours.  The 55k started at 8 a.m. and the race day weather ended up being perfect!!  As I started off, I decided not to look at my watch and track my pace, but just to run by feel.  And it would turn out to be a good run day!  The first mile of the race was a climb, but I started at a steady pace and was at the top in no time.  The first 10 miles flew by.  It was awesome running up Metal Masher road up to the rim where you could look down and see the start line.  An absolutely amazing view!  Then it was downhill from there to the 2nd aid station at mile 13.  I made sure that I ate at every aid station, either a chunk of a banana or part of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  I was on top of my nutrition the entire race and even though my legs did get tired and sore, I felt that I had the energy to keep going. 

Hitting aid station #3 was the halfway mark of the race and I was feeling great.  I knew the tough part was about to begin - the Gold Bar Rim trail.  Lots of steep climbs, which meant a lot of power walking/hiking.   And then the challenging ups and downs on slickrock of the Golden Spike trail.  On this section it was like a game - "sight the race trail flags."  The course was well marked, thank goodness, because I am known to get lost.  The last aid station was at mile 28.  My legs were starting to really feel it, but I didn't feel totally wiped.  I kept on moving forward to the finish. I told Chad that my estimated finish time was 6 hours.  I ended up coming in at 5:26:24.  Almost an hour faster than last year!  As I crossed the finish line, I looked for my family and couldn't find them.  They ended up at the finish line 15 minutes after I had finished and were shocked to see that I was already done.  I ended up placing #10 out of the women, which I was excited about since it was a stacked field.  Jeff had a strong finish in his 33k completing it in 3 hours 5 minutes. Way to rock it Jeff on a challenging course!  A great race day in Moab!!!  I would love to come back in 2015!

Antelope Island - Buffalo Run 50 Miler -3/22/14

Being my first 50 miler I didn't know what to expect.  50 miles is a LONG way!  The farthest I had previously run was 33 miles (Moab Red Hot 55k) so I knew adding 17 more miles was going to be a challenge.  My goal in any race is to make it to the finish line, but I always have that underlying time goal - the goal I shoot for, but don't want to say out loud just in case I don't reach it.  I came up with my target goal time by looking at the results from last year's race.  The female winner came in just over 8 hours.  Why not shoot for 8 hours and see how it goes!?  Yes, a little crazy to expect 8 hours since I had never ran 50 miles before I had no idea what to expect or how my body was going to feel after hours on end of running, but I decided to go for it.

 The race started at 6 a.m.  It was dark and the wind started to pick up.  The race director yelled, "run, you fools!" and we were off. I ran with a small flashlight that I planned on ditching at an aid station as soon as it was light out.  I decided right from the start to run behind the lead female and if the pace felt right then I would stay with her and let her set the pace.  I tucked in behind and followed her lead up the initial climb until

"Run, you fools"

we reached the first aid station - Elephant Head (about 5.5 miles from the start).  At this point, there were 2 trails that we had to run:  the Elephant Head trail and the Split Rock loop.  You could choose which trail you wanted to run first.  The runner I had been following decided to run the Split Rock loop and I decided that I probably shouldn't get sucked into someone else's pace and run my own race and so I headed off on the Elephant Head trail which was a short out and back (3.6 miles).  After completing the Elephant Head trail, there was enough light out so I pitched my flashlight at the aid station and started out on the Split Rock loop.  At this point, I decided to turn on my i-Pod.  I love running to music!  It always gives me that added spring to my step.

photo by Lori  Burlison

So far, so good!  But I knew it was only going to get harder.  While running the loop, I encountered a herd of bison about 10 yards away off to the side of the trail.  It was pretty sweet to see, but I am sure glad they kept their distance.  After finishing the loop, the course led down a dirt road to the Mountain View trail.  I don't know if it was the wind or my nutrition, but as I hit mile 20 I just was not feeling it and I still had 30 miles left to go!!!   At one of the aid stations, one of the volunteers yelled out that I was the first female to pass by.  As I headed back out on the trail, I looked over my shoulder and could see that 2nd and 3rd were not too far behind.  Around mile 25, one of the girls passed me.  Usually I would try to see if I could pick up my pace and stick with her, but I was not feeling it.  At this point, I didn't care about placing I just wanted to finish.  I looked at my watch I had been running for just under 4 hours and was at the halfway point.  I knew at mile 33, I had my family and Heidi, my AWESOME running partner/pacer waiting for me.  Just hold on for 8 more miles!  My stomach was getting more upset by the minute.  I knew I needed to keep taking in nutrition or else I would bonk, but my stomach didn't want anything.  At one of the aid stations they had a bowl of potatoes and a bowl of salt.  I decided to give a potato a try.  I picked up it up and unsuccessfully rolled it in the salt.  One of the volunteers said, "you have to lick it."  So I licked the potato and then rolled it in the salt and popped it in my mouth.  As I was finishing off my potato I started to wonder how many people before me licked and dipped, but then I was too tired to even care at this point.  I slowly chipped away at the miles, prayed for the strength to keep moving forward, and finally reached mile 33. 

Mile 33

Yep!  This is how I felt!

   It was soooo good to see my family and my sweet kids cheering me on.  And YES, I could have Heidi join me!  I was afraid that I was going to disappoint her and we would have to walk the 17 miles to the finish - I was really feeling sick.   Heidi offered words of encouragement, which gave me the an extra boost, and then we headed out.  At first, we talked a bit and then I decided to run behind her and listen to my music.  I just focused on her shoes and tried to keep putting one foot in front of the other.  It was inspiring to see the 100 milers out on the course.  They had started on Friday at noon.  They were tackling 100 - I was only doing half that.  I knew I just had to dig deep, even though I felt wiped, and I could make it.  Running is definitely a mental state of mind.

The last 17 miles were a rollercoaster.

Photo by Lori Burlison

At one moment, I would start to feel better and could pick up the pace and then the next moment it took all that was in me to keep moving forward.  As the miles passed, I became determined to hold onto my position of 2nd place.  I could do it!  Just follow Heidi!  It didn't matter that my legs were tired, my stomach was upset, and that with every step I could feel the painful blisters forming underneath my toenails, it was the finish line that I was headed for. 

That final mile eventually came and I could see the finish in the distance, so I picked up my pace.
As I got closer to the finish, I could see my family and two of my running friends, Liz and Jenn.  It was AWESOME having them there cheering me into the finish.  I made it!  8 hours 4 minutes 12 seconds (9:41 min/mile)  2nd place female!  I am so grateful to Heidi!!  She was my tender mercy, pushing me to the finish line!  I am blessed with the GREATEST friends!

 The Monday after the race, in my post-race delirium, I signed up for the Pony Express 100 miler in October.  Yes, I am crazy! :)