Ogden 1/2 Marathon

The week prior to the race, I'd been trying to come up with a goal for the Ogden 1/2 Marathon. I wanted a goal which was reachable, but also one that would challenge me. The two weeks prior to the race I ran two different 10 mile runs. The first run I averaged 9:40 minute/mile pace and the next week I averaged 9:01 minute/mile pace. Based on the fact that each of those runs had considerably more uphill than the race course, I thought an 8:30 minute/mile pace would be a good goal. I then calculated the end time for my run at 1:51:20. Thursday evening prior to the race, I went to Golds Gym and ran just 2 miles, but ran most of it at 8:30 pace in an attempt to key in to that pace.


Race day - I got up at 4:15am to prepare for the race. I didn't dress too warmly because I'd heard that there would be fire pits that the runners could huddle around to keep warm. I learned later that the bag they gave us with our race gear was to be used to put our warmer clothes in just prior to the race and that we could pick them up later. That would have been good to know. Anyway, we got to the start of the race, and the group resembled something from March of the Penguins as we huddled in masses with a select few enjoying the full warmth of the fires. It really wasn't too bad, but I was very glad when it was time for the race to begin.

My preparation for the race included my goal of 1:51:20. Before leaving the house I wrote on my hand 1:51:20 with a marker so I could look down and remind myself of the goal throughout the race. A short time later I discovered that I left my watch and that there would be no way to know whether or not I was on track for my goal. I tried hard to keep up with runners who I thought were keeping a pace quicker than 8:30. Often times while running I looked down at my hand, especially when I felt I was slowing down to look at the 1:51:20 written on my hand.

The course was beautiful. It was an awesome experience running with so many people and looking at some of the beautiful sights. Dropping into Ogden Canyon, I couldn't believe how neat it was to run where I had driven so many times before. The cool of the river was welcome and I have to say the volunteers were awesome in giving out encouragement and drinks, etc. as we came through. Nearing the end of the canyon, I first visualized what it would actually be like to complete the race meeting my goal 1:51:20 and got a little emotional at that thought. I mustered some strength and ran faster not just to finish the race sooner, but to see if I really would accomplish my goal.

As I left the canyon and began down the parkway, I couldn't help but be excited because I knew how close I was to the finish. Much of the remaining miles were a blur however as I tried to speed up and push myself to my goal. Just as we reached the final mile or so, and the last aid station, I felt deep inside that "now is the time" to pick up the pace. I grabbed a water for each hand, dumped one down my back and the other down my throat and felt strangely invigorated as I pushed the final distance. I again imagined 1:51:20 on the clock, and yet again felt an overwhelming emotion that I hadn't previously felt in sports, and wanted desperately to reach my goal.

With just about 1/2 mile to go, I tried to encourage my body to run at sprint speed. I couldn't believe how painful it was to push beyond the "comfortable" pace my body had been accustomed too. Even though I knew the race would be over shortly it took tremendous willpower to urge my body forward. I soon began passing some of my fellow runners, though I noticed that there were runners who had perhaps a little bit more left in the tank pass me like I was standing still! Anyway, as I approached the finish line I scanned the crowd for my family but couldn't see them. Finally I looked up at the large clock above the finish line just prior to crossing and what I saw almost knocked me to the ground... 1 hour 51 minutes 45 seconds! I hustled through the finish feeling pretty good that I may have beaten my goal. I knew my time was slightly better than the 1:51:45 because it took about half a minute before I crossed the starting line, and the clock didn't start counting for me until that point.


Later I discovered that I ran the race in 1:51:08! I was thrilled that I beat my goal, and even more amazed that I did it without a watch. Feeling numb and overwhelmed I slowly walked forward. My family was to my left screaming and trying to get my attention, but I was in sort of a daze. Trying to catch my breath and allow the feeling to creep back into my sore and heavy legs, I caught a glimpse of my mom who was a volunteer at the finish line. Again, my emotions were close as I walked up to her and heard her say, "You did it! 1 hour 51 minutes!" She gave me a big hug, took a few pictures and then gave me my medal of completion. Both Shanda and I felt bad we didn't get a picture with my mom at the finish line.


Not too much later and I found my family, or they found me and gave me a big congratulations. It was fun to have Maleah and Brooklyn look at me somewhat in awe, I must have looked like quite the sight all sweaty and red faced. I was glad they were there to share that moment with me... I have a great family.



Official Results