Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Top of Utah Half Marathon 2012 Race Recap

 I only pay for 2 or 3 big races a year.  With my family situation right now, I have a hard time justifying anymore time or distance or moula.  Someday that might change, but probably not anytime soon.  And it's kind of a pain having to sign up for races months in advance.  Maybe if I was better at checking my schedule I wouldn't have signed up and paid for a half marathon and my trail marathon only a week apart.  I debated even running the race knowing that I would have a hard time keeping myself in check.  And since my hip has not been 100% since my 18 miler I knew it really wasn't smart.  But...I have run this race 4 years in a row.  Not running it was going to be hard.  Luckily I remembered that one of my friends was running it who finished just behind me last year.  I knew if I could stick with her that I wouldn't push myself to that sub 2 half that I've been coveting for so long.  So...I texted with her to make sure it would be o.k. and felt much better knowing that I had a plan.


That morning we waited in line for what seemed like an eternity.  The line just never seemed to end.  We ended up being on the last bus to the start line.  It was perfect timing as it was pretty chilly and I didn't want to freeze just standing around.


Jodi, me and Heather

  

If this picture doesn't show it, it WAS really cold.  I knew we'd be glad though as soon as we started running.  Truthfully it took about 3 miles to feel my toes and for my hands to warm up.  
It was a great race.  I felt great the whole time.  I was able to run beside Jody and Dawn the whole time and just had a great morning.  We finished in 2:13 and even though my hip was a little tight, it wasn't bad.  And I know it would have been so much worse if I had pushed it.  And bonus:  Heather got her sub 2 with her husband!  I was so happy for her!


I got to see Suzette again and run with her for a bit.  She is amazing and it was fun to see her again.


At the end we talked to my idol, Julia McCabe.  She's 81.  They had to create an age category just for her last year.  She started running at the age of 40, ran her first marathon at the age of 49, and has run over 140 marathons.  As she says, "it's never too late to start."  Seriously cool lady.  I want to be like her someday. 


The crew from the neighborhood:
Cheryl, Josh, Heather, Heather, me, Rob, Jody, Doran, Dawn, and Jodi.
I live near awesome people.

Next up:  in 3 days I'll be running up and down and up and down a mountain.  I'm basically scared out of my mind and more than a little excited.  

16 comments:

Katie said...

Congrats on the great half! And good luck on the mountain run.

And a total side . . . Utah is so beautiful! I love the pictures you have on your blog. A friend of mine just moved there and she is always posting incredible photos too! Is there any part of that state that isn't beautiful!?

Yo Momma Runs said...

I'm really jealous of your cold start to a run. I can't even remember the last time I felt cold. Soon enough! That Julia lady is amazing! Wow! And I'm impressed that you stuck with a smart, don't-get-injured plan. You will probably be very happy you did that at your next race.

Cotter Crunch said...

you ladies inspire me so much! great job!

Cotter Crunch said...

you ladies inspire me so much! great job!

Unknown said...

Cold? You should come up her and run the Hypothermic Half marathon n February. Now that's cold! Way to go Jen. I agree with the comment above, Utah is seriously beautiful. Love your posts and your positive energy. Mike

susette said...

Which race are you running this weekend? Is it by chance the Bear Lake Half Marathon?? If so I'm running it too!!

Johann said...

Well done! Running the race with your friend was the smart thing to do. Nothing wrong with your finishing time as well. All the best for the mountain run!

misszippy said...

Congrats! Sounds like you had a fantastic day out there with friends. Great to hear you enjoying it so much!

I want to be like that 81-yr. old! How cool is that?

Tasha Malcolm said...

Congratulations on your great finish. It always makes races fun when you are surrounded by your friends. :-)

Coy Martinez said...

I love that you're so laid back. Sometimes I think I'm going to get an ulcer reading blogs where people are so tied in knots not meeting time goals. I think everything comes when it should and most of the time it sneaks up on you in unexpected ways!
Hope the hip is feeling better! Congrats on a great finish!

Doran & Jody said...

I am SOOO grateful you ran with me to keep me going!!!

I am a little envious, proud and excited for you on this next race, I mean FUN RUN!!

You will be AWESOME!!! I will be wooting for you from afar!

Raina said...

Fantastic job! I like cold starts--as long as I don't have to wait in it for hours.

Hope you have the best of races coming up!

Average Woman Runner said...

Looks like a lot of fun! Congratulations on your race. I think Julie McCabe would be my idol too!

Sweat Is My Sanity said...

Love your banner pic. Good job! I'm moving back to Utah next summer...can hardly wait for the nicer scenery.

sweatismysanity.com

Mommy Run Fast said...

Congrats on your half, Jen! I just asked for race entry fees for my bday. :) I can't do as many as last year, it really adds up.
I am so inspired by Julia- thanks for sharing her story. I love that they had to create a new age category for her!1

Janice {Run Far} said...

That women is such an inspiration. Wow, I hope I'm still running at 81.

How cool you ran the Teton 50k. I was seriously thinking about coming out there for their 100 miler, which I'm not sure was that same weekend or not. I can't Remember. Great job, sounds like a tough course.

I am hoping TOU full is as cold as the start of the half. Bring on the cold temps mother nature. So excited!