2012 St George Marathon Magic!

* The purpose of this posting is not to call attention to myself, but rather to express gratitude, and to journal this experience, my feelings, and important lessons learned before I forget, and perhaps help someone else along the way.

With the 2012 St George Marathon just 3 weeks away, I tapered my training in earnest, and remained optimistic.  I knew that although it is by no means an easy course, if run smartly, it can yield some very fast times - even individual PR's.  I felt well-trained and rested, and believed that if the weather cooperated (ie: not too hot), I could run perhaps my fastest time this year.


October 6th for me began at 4:00 am with my normal race-day rituals and breakfast, as I caught the bus to the starting area, along with thousands of other runners.   Part of the excitement, fueled by the camaraderie of fellow runners, is the fact that you just never know what race day will bring.  Sometimes the stresses of a race cause struggles and disappointment.  Other times, race-day "magic" can occur... The excitement built to a crescendo until the start time, when the queued-up mass of runner-humanity surged forward toward the starting line and gradually gained momentum, until nearly two minutes later I finally crossed the start line!  The first two miles, I did my best to avoid tripping or interfering with anyone else in the pre-dawn darkness.


My goal time was 3:30, an even 8:00 minute per mile average race pace, which I felt was just within my capability if everything went well, and the wheels did not fall off beyond mile 18.  This goal pace makes it easy to do the math in my head, checking the elapsed time showing on my watch at course mile markers to calculate my average pace, and avoid going out too fast.  My strategy was to run an average of 8:00 minutes per mile the first half, then run a slightly faster second half, and if the stars aligned, somehow finish just under 3:25 - a Boston Marathon qualifying time for my age.  I have always believed that a reverse or negative split (faster second half), is the best strategy, but it requires discipline and patience in the first half - which I often lack, and end up going out too fast.


The day started off cool, with a very slight tail wind, both of which were good omens. Last year there was a warm south breeze in our face from the start.  Veyo hill caused me to slow to about an 8:40 pace, which allowed me to conserve my energy without losing too much time.  I noticed many of the creative roadside signs, including two or three of which were directed at someone named "Matthew S."  I could tell they were not for me, but I still gained energy and motivation from them.  As the road continued with a slight incline the next few miles, the sun came out from behind the hills to the east, revealing the beauty of the desert landscape unfolding around us.

I followed my strategy the best I could and crossed the halfway point at 1:45, averaging exactly 8:00 minutes per mile the first half.  I was feeling pretty good, but had to make a 3 minute bathroom stop at mile 13, causing some doubtful thoughts to creep into my head regarding my lofty goals for the day.  Now 3 minutes behind a 3:30 pace, I did not panic, but used the downhill portions of the course to gradually make up 8 minutes over the next 11 miles.  As the indescribable beauty of Snow Canyon greeted us, it helped take my mind off this difficult pace.

In spite of my challenging pace, and much to my amazement, I did not hit the wall or bonk at mile 18, 20 or beyond, and experienced no cramping.  I had some general fatigue, but still had enough in the tank to maintain a 7:50 pace. As we came into town and approached the boulevard, the sun began to beat down, but thanks to earlier consistent hydration, the heat did not hamper my performance.  I attribute my cooperating legs up to that point to adequate training, a good taper, a smart, well-paced first half,  and regularly taking in water, gatorade and gels from the start to sustain me in the later miles.  I have made it a practice to walk through every aid station, giving my legs a short break, and allowing time to consume adequate fluids.  All of these race habits seem to work well for me, to push back "the wall" to just beyond the finish line.

By mile 24, I came around a corner and suddenly realized that I had somehow caught up to the 3:25 pacers!  In disbelief, the thought of being able to run that fast today really began to mess with my mind.  When they made the qualifying times 5 minutes harder last year, I had already accepted that a BQ time was well out of my reach, that it was just not God's will for me, although I had not given up on the goal.  I told myself that I would not base my success on running so fast, but rather focus more on just enjoying the many inspiring moments that naturally result from running at any speed.  But my naturally competitive nature kept the dream safely tucked away in the back of my mind, never completely ruling it out. Now, with 2 miles to go, here it was within my grasp for the first time in 30 marathons!

Reeling in the 3:25 group seemed to take all of my energy, and I wanted to walk so bad.  From the back of my mind came all kinds of lame, yet credible excuses, my favorite one being, "No one will know if you just walk for a while...there will always be another race... you will get it next time."  I checked my watch, and based on my chip start time, all I had to do was run the last 2 miles at an 8:30 pace and I would have it.  I knew it could be my day, my time, and although my legs were not seizing up, I felt completely spent and exhausted, with an irresistible urge to walk.


I then had the thought, "No one else will know if I let a BQ time slip away, but how will I be able to live with myself if I don't leave it ALL out here on the race course!"  I remembered some of the signs I saw earlier during the race, such as "Runners don't die, they just Smell like it!" or, "Run like you stole something!" or, "Pain is temporary, Pride is forever!" or, "Run, Forest, Run!" or "Lieutenant Dan, you got new legs!"  I thought about Keri, Tanner and Landon waiting at the finish line, and thought about Josh serving the Lord and the people in the Belgium Netherlands Mission.  I then realized, in an amazing "Ah-Ha moment" - that perhaps the only way for a novice, un-gifted, middle of the pack runner such as myself to qualify for Boston, was, after putting in all of the training miles, and doing everything that I physically could to prepare, I must ask and then allow God to make up the difference.


And so, in my mind, I uttered a simple prayer, "Heavenly Father, if it be THY will, please allow me to finish this race with this pace group." I then surrendered to His will, exercised a particle of faith, and suddenly found myself running with the small group, right along side the two pace setters.  Every step was surreal, and I sensed the miracle of the moment, as God had somehow given me the strength to reach mile 25!

With one mile to go, my excitement and disbelief built, as the cheering people lining the streets urged us on to the finish, helping me to push all negative thoughts out of my mind.  I don't remember much more of that dream-like last mile, other than my pace somehow quickened to a 7:30 as I passed the 3:25 pacers with the finish line in sight.

 
As I came down the final chute and crossed the finish line, stopped my watch and checked my time, showing a 3:23:20 chip time!  I was stunned and in disbelief, as the reality of what had just occurred began to sink in.  I had not only run a Boston qualifying time, but also set a new PR by over one minute which had stood for over 10 years! I was suddenly overwhelmed with the feeling of humility and gratitude, as I realized that after trying for over 11 years and 30 marathons, today God made up the difference, and had done for me that which I could not accomplish alone! I certainly did my part, but the strength which carried me the last 2 miles came from a Higher Power.

I received my finisher's medal and then heard Keri, Tanner and Landon yelling for me from the opposite side of the medal area.  As I turned to see them I was overcome with emotion and gratitude for their love and support.  Physically and emotionally spent to the point of near incapacitation, I hobbled over to the side of the retaining barrier to hug them and share the ineffable moment, stunned with disbelief!  Because I had somehow exceeded my estimated "best finish time," they had just barely arrived as I was finishing.


I made my way to the runner recovery area, sipping a bottle of water and some chocolate milk.  I resisted the urge to just lay down and sleep, knowing that my legs would be better off if I continued to walk slowly for 5 or 10 minutes.  I looked at the different recovery foods available, and after 20 minutes my nausea (not uncommon after a hard race) left me enough to allow me to eat half of slice of bread with butter, and an ice cream bar.  Pinching myself to make sure the day had not all been a dream, I checked the posted results, confirming my time of 3:23:20 - Yes, that really just happened!!

I met up with Keri, Tanner and Landon, who had continued cheering the finishers and watching for familiar faces along the final block.  Now I joined in the encouragement, clapping and yelling for the finishing runners, knowing that like me, each one had a story of overcoming not only today's 26.2 mile course, but also our own set of personal challenges handed us by this journey we call life! :-)

*I am filled with gratitude especially to God, but also to Keri, the boys, extended family and friends who have not only tolerated my running craziness, but have also supported me through my own challenges, which I continue to overcome, One day at a time!

*Epilogue:  As I reflect back on my quest to achieve a BQ, in my impatience I have wondered, "what took me so long?"  I have come to the conclusion that it was a combination of reasons, including the following: 1. I needed to learn more patience, 2.  I was not prepared for such success or achievement - in other words I needed to learn more humility before it was God's will that I reach this goal, 3. I had to remove the mental barriers and convenient excuses that were actually preventing me from running faster, and 4. I needed to "let go" of my obsession with a BQ and just enjoy each moment of the journey <]:-)