My St. George Marathon experience

Last February, my dear friend Michelle sent me a message which said, “Do you want to do something really challenging?  Do you want to run a marathon together?”  My initial response was to laugh!  Me?  Run a marathon?!?  I had always admired marathon runners and thought it was a great accomplishment, but I had not imagined myself doing one.  I have been a runner for many years, but 8-mile runs were my absolute max!  But my insightful friend had planted the idea of running a marathon in my mind, and she had confidence in me. . . I thought it might be a fun adventure.  Besides, it was only February, and October was forever away.  The St. George Marathon is a lottery admission, and I figured I probably wouldn't be selected anyway.   At the time, my oldest son, Tyler, was preparing for his mission, and my youngest son, Trent was in kindergarten.  I felt inspired by Tyler’s diligence and hard work to serve the Lord; and I felt a bit of "empty nest syndrome" with Trent in school now, so I decided to go for it!  I registered for the marathon, and started training.  When I found out my name had been drawn and I actually got into the marathon, I said, “Oh no!  Now I really have to start training!” 

The training had its ups and downs:  Sometimes I got to run in nice weather; sometimes it was windy, cold, or rainy.  I had fun workouts with friends.   Sometimes I ran alone, and used this time to pray, to ponder, to plan and dream of the future.  I had feelings of accomplishment, and feelings of discouragement.  I had some injuries along the way, but was able to work through them.  I experienced healing through the power of a Priesthood blessing.  I learned the importance of positive thinking.  A person cannot physically complete the demands of a marathon without having a proper mental attitude.  During the 4 months of training prior to the marathon, I logged over 500 miles of running.  In addition, I continued to attend a weights class at the gym twice a week, a yoga/Pilates class once a week, and a spin class once or twice a week. Surprisingly, training for a marathon ended up strengthening me spiritually and mentally, in addition to physically. 

October came quickly!  The St. George Marathon was held on Saturday, October 5, 2012.  I set my alarm for 3:50 a.m.  David and I were staying in a hotel not far from the bus-loading zone.  He drove me to that point, where I met Michelle; then Michelle and I rode a bus together to the start line of the marathon.  It seemed like it was so far away!  It was dark and cold when we arrived.  There were bonfires to huddle around and keep warm while we waited for the race to start.  There were more than 7,000 people in the race.  It gives me goose bumps to think of the nervous excitement that was in the air. The anticipation of accomplishing something so big that I had been training so hard for was exhilarating!  I felt prepared, and I was excited! 

       

                                                   Michelle and me on our arrival at the start line

The first several miles of the St. George Marathon were easy – I enjoyed the positive energy inside me and around me generated by all the runners.  As the sun rose, the red rock of the mountains was illuminated against the vast blue sky.  It was gorgeous.   It became a beautiful, sunny day -- perfectly suited for running 26.2 miles!  I felt strong and fast, and I was so happy to be there!  At mile seven, I came to Veyo Hill.  I knew what to expect because I had heard about Veyo Hill from friends who had run the St. George Marathon.  It was a steep climb for about a mile, and then it continued to gradually increase in elevation for another 3 miles.  Some marathoners stopped running and started walking the steep hill.  It became quiet around me as people stopped talking; I could hear only the sound of feet hitting the pavement and heavy breathing.  I relied on my positive mental images and thoughts:  I kept telling myself, “I love hills!  I love hills!  I love hills!” The Veyo Hill was really difficult. I had to walk for a little while.  I could see the runners in the distance ahead of me who had already reached the top. They inspired me to keep going.  When I got to the top, the view was breathtaking!  I took a look back behind me, and could see how far I had come.  I saw hundreds of runners now making their way up the hill.  I wanted to shout, “You can do it!  You can do hard things!  Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!  You’ll be there before you know it!” 

In addition to the challenge of Veyo Hill, I experienced other challenges along the 26.2 miles of the marathon.  I struggled with cramping muscles, sore knees and hips, blisters, and fatigue. But I feel really lucky and blessed that my trials during the race were so minor in comparison to what others experienced;  Some runners collapsed due to exhaustion, dehydration, illness, or injury.  Some just gave up mentally.   

In spite of my minor physical challenges, I gained strength and encouragement from my positive mental state, which often included silent prayers to my Heavenly Father.  I also gained strength and encouragement from the thousands of volunteers along the race course, who were at the mile markers and aid stations to offer water, Gatorade, and fruit for the runners to re-fuel.  The volunteers, family, friends and spectators on the sidelines gave encouragement to the runners as they cheered, gave high-fives, and held up signs.

At mile 19, my awesome husband was waiting for me on the side of the marathon route to pass by.  I anticipated that he would be there, so at mile 16, I told myself, “I only have three miles to go until I get to see David!”  This gave me a boost of energy.  When I saw him from a distance, I started running faster.  I found renewed strength and energy!  I forgot all about how tired and sore I was.  It was great to have his support at a time in the race when really needed it.

I also gained strength and encouragement from other runners during the race.  I got to engage in many friendly conversations with people I had never met before as I ran.  And ran.  And ran.  A kind word, a sincere compliment, a shared experience; these were all meaningful and helpful to me in passing the time and keeping me in a positive state of mind.  At one point, there were some people running behind me.  I could hear their conversation, and it was a negative one.  I increased my pace to get far enough ahead of them that I couldn't hear their conversation.  As I passed mile marker 11, I heard someone groan, “.  Ugh! 15.2 miles left to go”  I smiled when someone nearby responded happily,  “Yes!  But look how far we've come!”  These experiences reinforced in my mind the importance of avoiding negativity and staying positive.  It's a lot like life itself:  we just have to stay focused on the good things even when times are tough!

 At mile 19 when I saw David 

As I approached the finish line, with only a half mile left in the race, a man from the sidelines entered the running route and ran beside me.  I’m not sure why he picked me to run with -- he must have seen that I really needed help to finish!  He challenged me to pick up my pace and finish strong.  He said he would stay with me to the end.  He talked with me the remaining distance, encouraging me and inspiring me to push myself.  Before I knew it, I had crossed the finish line, where my family was cheering for me and waiting to embrace me and congratulate me.  I had reached my goal!    

After crossing the finish line:  4 hours 37 minutes

            

My experience training for and running my first marathon was incredible!  I learned so much!  I am thankful for my strong and healthy body and mind that allowed me to accomplish something so difficult.  I know this was a great blessing from Heavenly Father, and that He was with me all along the way.  I am also very blessed to have a supportive family.  I am especially grateful for my awesome husband, who encouraged me and cheered me on and took several days off work to go with me on this adventure.  My Mom and sister-in-law, Barb, took care of our three youngest children back home while David and I traveled to Las Vegas and then St. George for the marathon.   My sister, Darci, her husband Niel, and their daughter, Kensie were waiting at the finish line to congratulate me.  They also allowed David and me to stay with them at their home in Las Vegas prior to the marathon.  My brother, Paul, his wife Lindsay, and their three boys, Ethan, Ben, and Jacob were waiting for me at the finish line too.  They came from Cedar City.
   
                                              

After the race with my finisher's medal, 

my yummy slice of bread from Great Harvest, and my cute little niece, Kensie.

I may not ever run another marathon, but I am sure glad I had the opportunity I had to run this one!  Thanks, Michelle, for inspiring me to "do something really challenging." :)