Bear Lake back to back marathons

Friday - Bear Lake Marathon - Idaho

 

I love trying something new!  Back to back marathons, why not?!  The closest I have ever ran marathons together was last October when I ran the St. George marathon, 2 weeks later paced the SOJO marathon, and then a week after that paced the Provo Halloween marathon.  This would be a new adventure!  The Bear Lake races were under new ownership this year and with the time crunch after they acquired the race, I thought they pulled it off well.  In the past, the marathon on Friday went around the Idaho side of Bear Lake, but this year the course changed.  The course started and finished at Bear Lake Hot Springs with part of the course running past the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge.  Since the majority of the course was on dirt roads, I decided to wear my trail running shoes.  Race morning!!!!  Before the race, the race director gave a description of the course and a heads up on some of the wildlife we may encounter - skunks, porcupines, and snakes.  Not to worry, the snakes would most likely be dormant on our way out, but no guarantees on the way back.  :)   And he mentioned to be careful crossing over the cattle guards.  Flashbacks of the Tri-states marathon cattle guard "mishap" flashed through my mind and you bet I would be taking extra care to cross each cattle guard.   My initial race plan was to run a 3:45 marathon the first day to ensure that I had something left in my legs for round 2.   After spraying a nice mixture of sunscreen and bug spray, I was ready to go.  Chad and the kids stayed at the hot springs to swim while I raced.  The race started right at 7 a.m.  I love it when races start on time!

The majority of the runners were back to backers.  Even though it was a smaller race, there were several people who were from out of state and a lot of Marathon Maniacs.  I love being around crazy people - well the good kinda crazy people.  The first 6 miles of the course consisted of rolling hills on a dirt road.   Right from the start, I ran with the lead girl who was keeping a pretty good pace.  As I talked with her, she shared some of the past races she had done - 3 Ironmans, Boston and other challenging marathons.  I was impressed.  She was a good runner.  I kept debating whether to stay with her or pick up the pace a bit and see if I could start pulling away.  My competitive side won, and after the first aid station at mile 3, I ran out in front.

Oh, and there were lots of snakes on the road and luckily they were of the squashed variety.  I passed a momma cow with her calf that was eyeing me down as I went by.  Cows don't charge at people, right?!  Well, just to be safe I kept my distance.
  Each aid station was about 3 miles apart and I as I reached the 2nd one I glanced back and the lady I was running with at the beginning and another one were not more than 15 seconds behind me.   Guess I would have to keep pushing the pace.  Just over 6 miles, the dirt roads ended and we ran through the small town of Dingle, Idaho.  Dingle?!  Yes, Dingle!  After just over a mile on paved roads, the course was back on dirt roads.  This section of the course was flat and looped around farm fields on the outskirts of town.  The next aid station - mile 9ish both women were still not far behind.  At this point, I started passing some of the runners who started an hour earlier than the race start time since they planned on walking a lot of the course.   I cheered and encouraged them as I passed by.   There was an older gentlemen that was wearing a shirt and on the back it said how many marathons he had done.   I can't remember the exact number, but it was over 1,000 marathons!  Incredible!!!  

Mile 13.1 - Halfway and both ladies were still right behind.  I started questioning if I should slow my pace since I was running faster than I had originally planned.   The course was a little harder than I had anticipated and dirt roads made for a slower run, but I was keeping a decent pace and my legs felt great.   I kept thinking that I was going to regret it and suffer greatly tomorrow if I kept pushing it, but again I didn't want to be passed and decided to go for it!  At this point, it started to really warm up.  There were no clouds, just the sun beating down.  I finished the dirt road loop, and at around mile 18 had made my way back to Dingle.  I looked back and was surprised not to see the ladies behind me.  Finally, I had gained some distance on them.  All that was left was a jaunt through Dingle and then the rolling dirt road back to the hot springs.  As I hit the dirt road, I slowed my pace and with 3 miles left I slowed down even more to conserve for tomorrow's marathon.  It was good to see the green finishing arch.  I did a little dance coming on in and crossed as the first place overall female - 3:38:14.  There was only one other runner who had came in before me- Garrett Burnett from Cincinnati, Ohio.  I talked with him for a minute - really nice guy and amazing runner.   I told him that I would see him tomorrow for round 2!!!   The lady I originally ran with came in 3rd.  She ended up switching from the marathon to the 10k on Saturday.  The lady who came in second was just racing on Friday and wouldn't be back for another fun-filled day of 26.2 miles.  Both of them made it a great race day!



Sweet hand carved bear and a pair of Altra running shoes

 

Now for recovery.  Sitting in the lake and refueling with Core Power - perfect!   And I just had to come back after the lake and sit in the hot pools - not sure if this was the best thing to do, but it felt great!   Later on, Chad gave my legs a good massage with peppermint oil and I made sure I walked around.    At the end of the day, my left ankle was sore and my muscles were tightening up.  I had no idea what to expect for day 2.  I figured that I had a good run on Friday and that Saturday I would shoot for the finish line and if I could break 4 hours I would be happy.


Day 2 - Saturday - Bear Lake Marathon - Utah

I rolled out of bed at 3:45 a.m.  And yes, I was already awake before the alarm on my phone went off.  Oh man!!!  I was tight!  And having little sleep 2 nights in a row, I was tired!  How was I going to pull off another marathon?  Chad massaged my legs as I downed my green smoothie.  After getting up and walking around a bit, I felt a little better.  Bus loading was at 5 a.m.  Chad dropped me off a little before 5 a.m. and as I loaded the bus I saw some familiar faces from the day before and a lot of new faces as well.  As the busses headed off to the start line, I felt bad that I didn't say much at first to the girl who sat down next to me.  I was tired and was trying to keep my eyes open.  I finally asked her if she had run this marathon before.  She said that this was her first marathon.  Her 1st!  How exciting!!!  I asked about her training and gave her words of encouragement.  The bus ride was shorter than usual since the start line was the same place as the half marathon start.  Stepping off the bus, it was chilly!  It was around 45 degrees and windy.  It was going to be colder than yesterday and wouldn't warm up too much.  Perfect for running! :)  Since it was a little cold standing around, the race director said that whoever wanted could climb in back of the U-Haul that they were using to transport the clothing drop bags.  Sure, why not!  I stayed nice and warm in the back of the U-Haul with a few of the other runners.  You could pick out some of the runners who had run the marathon the day before by the distinguishing scent of Bio-freeze. 

Just before the race start at 7 a.m., the race director gave the run down on the course. 

We would head up the road for 6.55 miles and then turnaround and come back down to the start and then continue the same course as the half marathon to the finish.  This time around, the course was mainly on paved roads which consisted of rolling hills, flat sections, and beautiful views of the lake.  Right at 7 a.m. we were off!  I had my Kinvaras on today and as I started running I felt better than I thought I would.  I was still a little tight and my left quad was sore, but not too bad.  I actually was the lead female for the first 2 miles.   At mile 2, this girl flew by me.  My instinct was to try to keep up, but this lasted for a split second.  She had fresh legs and if I tried to keep up I would definitely burn out quickly.  And then another girl passed me.  My legs were still tight and I kept reminding myself that I had to last for another 24 miles.  Just let her go!  I was already running faster than what I thought my legs would let me. I ran what felt good and kept heading towards the turnaround.   Just like yesterday, the aid stations were about 3 miles apart.  The 2nd one was at the turnaround.  As I got closer to the turnaround, I started to see runners coming back down the road.  The guy in 2nd place was none other than Garrett - the one who won the men's race yesterday!  I yelled out "back to back, woo hoo!!!"  He smiled and yelled back.  A little more than a quarter mile from the turnaround I saw the lead female flying back down. 

I cheered her on!  She was still running at a great pace.  As I went around the turnaround, the lady in 2nd stopped briefly to fix her i-Pod.  I passed her.  At this point, my legs loosened up and I picked up my pace.  I cheered on the other runners heading up the road to the turnaround.  One of them yelled out that I was in 2nd out of the ladies.  And then he said, "go catch her!"  I couldn't even see the lead female and I knew she was running at a pretty quick pace.  I did feel pretty good, all things considering, so I picked up my pace a little more to see if I could close the gap.  At about mile 8, I could finally see her, a small white dot in the distance.  At about mile 9, I watched her turn a corner and then timed myself to see how far behind I was.  2 minutes.  I kept pushing and it seemed with every uphill I was gaining a little more.  By mile 13, I was only 15-20 seconds behind.   I finally caught up to her and passed her.

I kept thinking there was going to be a point where my legs were going to give out and then she was going to pass me again.  I decided to keep pushing forward until my legs decided otherwise.   At about mile 16-17, the course turned and we ran on a dirt road for about a mile.  I looked back and couldn't see the girl that I had passed.  I didn't know how far back she was, so I kept my pace.  The course then turned on to the main highway.  There was little shoulder on the road, so as cars passed I ran on the dirt off to the side.  Even though it was a main highway, all the cars that passed by made an effort to stay clear of the runners.  What was unexpected was the wind!  I ran with my head slightly down so my hat wouldn't fly off my head.  At this point, I started passing a lot of the half marathoners who were still out on the course.  I tried to offer words of encouragement to each runner I passed.

I was surprised that I felt pretty good and could keep my pace up.  With 3 miles left, there was a bike/run path off to the side of the road that we ran on.  I looked at my watch and knew if I continued to push it that I could possibly beat my time from yesterday.  I was sore and tired, but still had enough in me to keep going.  I was elated to see the finish line and to cross as the 1st place female beating my time from Friday - 3:36:21.   I ended up with a 10 minute negative split on the second half of the course - guess my legs loosened up!  I found Garrett after the race to see how his race went.  He ended up taking first as well!  Sweet!!! 


Garrett from Cincinnati - AWESOME!

Another sweet bear, another pair of Altra running shoes, and a Back to Back pin.

 

Lexi's First 10k!!!  A few months ago, I asked Lexi if she wanted to train for something.  She said that she wanted to run a 10k.  She has ran a few 5k's and wanted a challenge.  I wanted to make sure that she had fun and at the same time was willing to work hard toward a goal to finish.  I printed her off a training schedule.  Being self motivated, Lexi stuck to her training schedule and put in the work.  I loved joining her on her longer runs to encourage and support.   Her hard work paid off and she reached the finish line in 53:57.  1st in her age group.  I asked her if she had fun and if she wanted to run one again.   "Yes!!!"  I love that she loves to run!!

HITS Grand Junction 140.6

Grand Junction, Colorado - Iron distance #3.  

Pre-race 

The week leading into the race, I had the stomach flu.  Bad timing!!!!  Feeling drained from that, I debated whether to switch to the half distance.  Finally, at packet pick up on Friday afternoon, I decided to go for the full distance.  With that decision, I knew I had to go into the race with zero expectations and throw out all my time goals.  My new goal was just to survive to the finish line.  I questioned if I had enough energy to even complete the distance, but I wanted to give it a shot.

We arrived at the race site in the morning at 6 a.m. to set up transition.  I thought the transition area was great!  Each racer had a slot for their bike, a stool, and a little "cubby" for their gear.   Usually you are crammed next to other races trying to squeeze all of your stuff into a little area.  There was plenty of room! After setting up transition, we headed down to the water. 

Assigned a spot next to Chris.  Sweet!!!

SLTC / BAM representing!

The Swim - Highland Lake - 2.4 miles - 2 loops.  The swim start was at 7 a.m. after  pre-race instruction and a prayer.   Stepping in the water, the lake felt a lot colder than it had the previous day.  But the water always seems to feel cold at first and then normally I warm up pretty quick.   All the half and full distance athletes started at the same time in one big mass start.  I really didn't mind the mass start.  What's a few more elbows, kicks, and people swimming over and into each other - it's all part of the swim start fun!  Plus there were a LOT more people competing in the half distance and far fewer in the full.  At least for the first loop, I would have a large group to follow and help search out the buoys.

After the countdown, I took the plunge into the water -it took my breath away!  No big deal!  Just the initial shock of colder water.  It took me longer than I would have liked to get my breathing under control and finally I found a rhythm where I could breathe every 3rd stroke.  My feet were cold and getting numb and I didn't feel like my body was warming up.  All things considering the first loop wasn't too bad.  Once I finished the first loop, I got out of the water, rounded the cone, and before I headed out for my 2nd lap I shouted to Chad that I didn't think I had enough pee to keep me warm. :)  The 2nd loop, wasn't as great as the first.  For some reason, my body just didn't warm up.  I felt my muscles in my arms and legs tense up and my swim stroke was rigid and I felt like I was barely moving.  Rounding one of the buoys I looked to my side and this guy popped his head out the water and turned to me and said, "I can't feel my face!"  Just the way he said it made me laugh.  I wasn't the only one freezing my butt off!  I knew by the time I got to the run later on in the day, I would be wishing I was back in the cold water.  Just keep swimming!!!  I finally made it out of the water.  My feet felt like rocks and my body was shaking, which made for a not so graceful fall going up the steps on the beach.  Kind of embarrassing, but looking back it was probably funny to watch.  Chad stripped off my wetsuit and then I put on his jacket since I couldn't stop shaking and headed to transition.  I kept his jacket on for awhile on the bike until I warmed up.  So aerodynamic!!  Again, providing comic relief for all those who were watching.

The bike - 2 loops - 112 miles.  The bike course had 2 out and back sections.  The first section was mostly rolling hills.  The second section was a long slight incline going out and then you came back to the bike start to repeat it all over again.  The inclines and hills weren't anything difficult, it was the changing wind that added a bit of a challenge. 

Into my first loop, around mile 30, I already felt like my "energy tank" was nearing empty.  I had started the race not at full strength and with being sick I didn't know when it would catch up to me.  Well, it caught up to me sooner than I thought.  What to do?!   Keep fueling - keep pedaling and hope for the
best.  I was a little bummed.  I liked the bike course and wanted to push a faster pace, but had to just be grateful that I was still moving forward.  I saw Chad a few times out on the bike course.  He shouted out updates on my friends that were running the Ogden marathon.  They were on their own race journey and I loved to hear how they were doing.  It gave my mind something else to focus on.  I managed to complete both loops of the bike and at that point I was pretty much in survival mode.

The run - 2 loops - 26.2 miles.  The run had a few good hills, but the majority of it was a gentle roll or flat.   The run consisted of dirt and paved roads, which I didn't mind the variation.  Heading out onto the run, my stomach did not feel good at all. 

It was pretty warm - around 82 degrees and not a lot of shade.  My body started to rebel by mile 2 and that is when I started throwing up everything that I attempted to eat or drink.  Even though I couldn't keep anything down, I kept eating and drinking at every aid station (which were well stocked).  I have been at the point in races where I have felt like I was running on fumes, but I was even beyond that point.  I really don't know how I managed to put one foot in front of the other.  I would walk, run, puke, eat and drink and then repeat the cycle all over.  I managed to pass 2 women just before completing my first loop. I so desperately wanted to be done.

As I circled the cone to head out for my second loop, the race director told me that I was the lead female.  I had to press forward.  It was the weirdest feeling.  With the exception of my stomach muscles (which ached), my body wasn't sore, but my mind and body felt completely drained.  Being a smaller race, there wasn't the energy of several racers or spectators on the course to draw from.
That drive to keep going forward had to come from within.
Step by step, I was chipping away the miles to the finish line.  With 2 miles left, I felt really dizzy and sat down on the side of the road.  I knew I had quite the distance on the ladies behind me and wanted to make sure I survived to the finish.  I finally dragged my body off the ground and inched towards the finish.  I was so relieved to see the finish line and my family and friends cheering me in.  It gave me a little boost to dance through the finish line. 1st overall female - 12:53:30.  My slowest time in an Iron distance tri - but I was just grateful to have survived!  For winning, I was hooked up with a wetsuit and sunglasses - pretty sweet!  This was the 2nd year for the HITS Grand Junction race.  I thought that the event was well organized and the venue was great! I hope that it grows into something bigger.

Amber, Chris, and Jeff

Jeff racing the half distance - PR, oh ya! 

Chris racing the full distance - an amazingly fast swim and bike split!  You are AWESOME Chris!

118th Boston Marathon

Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo 

Adidas banner

BOSTON!!!!  Chad and I flew in late Saturday night into Boston, so we headed over to the expo on Sunday morning to pick up my bib#.  Bib #s and wave/corral assignments are based on your submitted qualifying time.  With my qualifying time from the St Geroge marathon (2:58:36), I was assigned to wave 1, corral 4, bib #3865.  The previous 2 years in Boston I started in the 2nd wave, so I was excited to move up a wave this year.  Woot, woot!  Adidas hands out posters every year at the expo that include each racer's name on it.  Since they added 9,000 more runners this year (36,000 total), I was wondering how they would fit everyone's name on one poster.  Problem solved . . . .make 2 posters! Adidas also had large banners to sign and leave messages of support on.  After the expo, we ventured down the street to the finish line area to take some pictures. 

Memorial to the victims

Later on Sunday afternoon, those runners from Utah who could make it, gathered for a picture in the finish line area.  It was so sweet to be part of this group! :)

Utah runners!!!

Monday - race morning!

My Hokinton outfit!

After my traditional 2 hours of sleep, I got up at 5 a.m. to get ready to go.  I don't even know why I set my alarm.  I am always awake hours before it even goes off.   I just get so excited, nervous, and anxious about racing that I can never shut my mind off.  My body is used to racing on little sleep and I usually don't feel the effects of lack of sleep until after the race.  It's the Boston Marathon - who can sleep!?

 In order to get to the start in Hopkinton, athletes are loaded on school buses at Boston Commons.  Bus loading for wave 1 was 6:15 a.m. - 6:50 a.m.  Chad and I took the "T" from our hotel down to Boston Commons. I have always been impressed with Boston's
race organization.  Everything runs smoothly and efficiently.  Bus loading was quick and I was off to Hopkinton, only a 45 minute bus ride away!  This year as part of safety measures, athletes were not allowed to bring bags with them to the athlete's village in Hopkinton. The only gear bags allowed had to be checked and turned in at Boston Commons before boarding the buses. That meant, whatever you wore to stay warm at Hopkinton was donated to Goodwill.  I just loved some of the clothing people were wearing.  Two of my favorites were sported by guys, one wearing Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pajama pants and the other a pink sweater with big snowflakes.  The buses drop you off at Hopkinton High/Middle school.  The athlete's village is set up on a field outside the high school.   Time went by pretty quick at the athlete's village.  The buzz and excitement from the huge crowd of runners was brought still as there was a moment of silence for the victims of last year. 

At 9:10 a.m. wave 1, corrals 4-6 were allowed to leave the village to head to the starting corrals about .7 miles away.   It is a nice little walk down to the starting line to stretch out the legs.  As I entered into my designated starting corral,  I looked around and realized there were only a small handful of girls and I was surrounded mostly by guys.  I started to get a little nervous, thinking that I better keep pace or all these fast runners were going to stampede right over me.  At that moment, I knew I would probably go out too fast.  Just before 10 a.m. they played the National Anthem and then four National Guard helicopters flew over.  The elite men were announced and then at 10 a.m. we were off!  It was a little warmer than I thought it would be.  Not miserably hot, but uncomfortably warm.   And yes, I went out a little faster than I should have, but it was fun to run a quick pace the first 10k (42:20 - 6:52 min/mile).   I knew that I had to slow my pace or else I would suffer the second half of the course, so I did and came in at the halfway mark at 1:31:50.  From the moment I started, I wanted to soak in the Boston experience.  The crowds at Boston are aMAzing and this year even more so! There is so much support and encouragement.  Running this course you feel like a rock star!  There were points in the race where the crowds were chanting "U.S.A" and "Boston Strong!"  It was pretty sweet.   I made sure to give high 5's to the people holding out their hands especially all the little kids.  The spectators go above and beyond.  They hand out orange slices, bananas, otter pops, ice, licorice, etc.  They cheer and push you along the course.  I loved the different posters as well.  A few of my favorite ones - "Run like someone called you a jogger!"  "Runners are our Heroes!"  "We Own That Finish Line!" 

                                                                     Mile 22

In the second half of the marathon come the Newton hills - little speed bumps that slow your pace.  After reaching the top of Heartbreak Hill, the last of the Newton hills, I could start feeling it in my legs, but knew there were only 5 miles left!  It was like a countdown to Boylston Street.  Mile by mile the anticipation, energy, and excitement grew.  And then that final turn down Boylston where you can see the finish line in the distance.   Running the final stretch towards the finish line there wasn't a feeling of fear, but of empowerment.  As the crowds screamed and cheered,  I thought of those affected by the tragic events of last year. 
Listening to the crowds and their enthusiasm and spirit, it was as if they brought sense of healing and strength.  As each runner crossed the finish line it was if it emphasized the sentiment from the crowd -  Boston is strong and resilient - our spirits cannot be broken!   As I passed the finish line and through the finish area, several volunteers were thanking the runners for coming to run the Boston marathon this year.   Thank you Boston for an incredible experience!

Overall:  5,480/31,931   Gender:  651/14,356   Division (18-39): 552/6,979

3:15:55 (14 minutes shaved off last year's time)

Double dose of Core Power for recovery

                                         

Warmth Retention Cape!!!

I had no clue Chad was recording this.  We were waiting

for our hotel shuttle and well I just have to say that being in post

run euphoria AND wearing a cape just makes you want to sing! 

Oh and I know I can't sing, but it usually doesn't stop me :)