Timpanogos Marathon

I originally signed up for the Sogonapmit (Timpanogos spelled backwards) marathon for uphill training.  The appeal was that you start at the bottom of American Fork canyon a few hours earlier than the half marathoners and then run up to the half marathon start.  You try to make it to their start line before they start and then race back down.  Due to a communication error, the U.S. forestry denied the permit request for the runners to run up the canyon.  So they changed the course and the name.  The starting point would be the same as the half marathoners, up at Tibble Fork.  After running down the canyon, the course would be an out an back on the Highland City trails and Murdock Canal trail.  In order to compensate for the change of course, the race organizers offered a Sogo jacket and an oversized finisher's medal.  The jacket is pretty sweet!  I decided to not have my money refunded and go for it!

Race morning:  Boarded a bus at 4:00 a.m. at Lone Peak High School.  I sat by a girl who was doing her first half marathon.  I love talking to people on race day when they are getting ready for a "first."  I get excited for them!  At 4:30 a.m., we unloaded the buses up at Tibble Fork.  The hour flew by and it wasn't long before the marathoners started right at 5:30 a.m.   This was a small race and I knew I may have a chance at placing.  I was going to run this race a little conservative since Kat'cina Mosa 100k is in 2 weeks.  The first 7.5 miles down the canyon were beautiful.  I fell right behind the lead female and let her set the pace.  At the bottom of the canyon, the course turned onto the trail.  I was keeping a pretty good pace and felt good.  I continued to follow behind the lead female.  The course on the trail wasn't clearly marked and about mile 10, a group of us stopped wondering if we were on the right course.  I saw a sign that said Murdock Canal trail.  I thought for sure that we were going the right way.  The girl that I was following and another guy decided to stop and try to figure it out.  A group of guys and I continued on.  Little did I know that the Murdock trail has different forks and we ended up going off course.  After about 2 miles, and seeing no aid stations, we knew we were off course.  We turned around and made our way back and finally got back on the right course.  A 4 mile detour!!!  I hit 13.1, the halfway mark, at just under 1 hour and 35 minutes, but by the time I got back on course I was mentally deflated and slowed my pace.  I kept telling myself that it was ok and that I had my 100k in 2 weeks and I didn't need to push myself.   I didn't want to run 30+ miles, so my plan was to try to figure out and compensate for the miles I got off track.  I knew if I turned short of the turnaround that I would most likely be disqualified, but at this point I was already deflated and chalked it up to being a training run.  I asked a few marathoners what their mileage was at as they were coming back down the trail.  I knew I was way off!  I decided to turn around at mile 20.5.  There was finally a mile marker at mile 22.  At this point, I knew that I would end up with 2 extra miles.  Shortly after mile 22, I saw Chad.  He was waiting for me at the turnaround and when I didn't show up, he was worried that I was injured.  I told him the story - trying to keep it together.  I admit I was a little bummed.  He gave me words of encouragement and I continued on.

I hit mile 26, still 2 miles left, and ended up walking a little with a guy whose leg was cramping up.  I figured I would try to encourage others on their way.  The final .2 was a lap around the Lone Peak High School track.  I could see the 2nd place female just finishing as I entered the track.  I knew I was in 3rd, but didn't feel quite right about it.  I went to the race director and told him that I went off course for 4 miles and then didn't hit the turnaround.  I showed him that I had completed 28 miles. 

He said that I was fine, and I was awarded the 3rd place female.  There were a lot of thoughts going through my mind.  I didn't feel like I deserved 3rd place.  Yes the course wasn't marked well and I did end up doing 2 extra miles, but I wanted to make sure it was a fair race.  And then a part of me was disappointed since I knew that if I had stayed on course I would have placed 2nd or pushed myself and came close to 1st.  Deep down, I know that placing isn't everything and being honest and doing what's right is the most important.  And through all of the craziness of the race, I have to laugh - I am horrible with directions and it is just like me to get lost - a race I definitely won't forget! 

Core Power -  a sponsor of the Timpanogos Marathon - sweet!!