St. George Marathon 2:54:39! This was the most enjoyable marathon I have ever done. My goal all summer long was 2:54:45. I looked at a pace chart last spring, noticed 6:40 pace was 2:54:45 and decided to shoot for that. I must admit I had some serious doubts about it over the last couple of months though.
Melanie and I ran together until mile 23. Our first mile was too fast, but after that we followed the 2:54:45 pace chart fairly well. The miles seemed to go by so fast, mile after mile it was so nice to have a good friend by my side, wind at our backs, beautiful scenary, etc. I thought Melanie might go out slower after having her foot bother her a few weeks ago, but was so glad she decided to "go for it" with me.
This was the best I've ever felt in a marathon. My quads hurt almost the whole time and I felt a little "off" the first 8 miles, I think from the sleeping pill I took the night before, but other than that I felt great. When I got a massage on Wednesday the therapist stretched my quads a little too hard and pulled them. When we crossed the half, faster than we ever have before, I was nervous about how fast we were, but not about how I felt. I thought I could keep up the same effort for 13 more miles.
I was so nervous I would "hit the wall" any second during those last two miles but didn't. When I turned the corner and saw the finish I felt great! As I got closer and closer and the clock came into view I realized I was right on where I wanted to be, 2:54:38, 39, 40... I sped up looking at the clock as I approached the line crossing at what I thought was exactly 2:54:45 gun time. Ended up being 39 chip time. My 9 year old son had so thoughtfully and specifically prayed for me to run a 2:54:45 after I told him that was my goal. I hope my dad saw it. He would really enjoy that.
1st half splits: 6:37, 6:46, 6:36, 6:25, 6:36, 6:29, 6:28, 7:19, 7:04, 6:58, 7:07, 6:55, 6:36. Mile 13 @ 1:27:54
2nd half splits: 6:38, 6:27, 6:19, 6:25, 6:31, 6:54, 6:36, 6:25, 6:47, 6:37, 6:33, 6:32, 6:33, last .2 @ 6:24 pace.
So happy! So so fun! Can't wait to do it again next year! | 