Utah Valley Marathon 2012

10 Thoughts on My First Marathon

1. I assumed I wouldn't get much sleep the night before, but actually slept really well.

2. The Marathon was very well organized, making it a pleasant experience. I was impressed.

3. Gary, Brian and Dave's idea of buying sweats at D.I. that they aren't worried about getting back form the start like is a smart idea.

4. The scenery around Wallsburg and Provo Canyon is beautiful. There was plenty of time to look.

5. I was surprised at how many people, including females, went to the bathroom on the side of the road instead of waiting for the next port-o-potty.

6. Stopping to drink a cup of water at each aid station is a must on a marathon (for me anyway).  My legs began to cramp up at around mile 23.

7. There really is a wall you hit at 20 miles.

8. Who ever decided to give out popsicles at the 22nd mile was a genius.

9. I was teary eyed crossing the finish line.  It was very gratifying and euphoric to finish.  There is truth in the philosophy of the spirit being strong when the physical body is week.

10. I have no desire at this moment to do a marathon again.  Ask me in a couple of weeks.

Starting Line: 5:45 AM

Brian Jones, Gary Jones, Dave Jones (we ran together)

 Dave and Ryan

 Dave and Ryan

Dave and Gary

 Brian

 Gary, Brian, Dave (finished)

Ryan (finished) 

Memorial Day Run of Remembrance

Caroline, Bret and I started the morning with a Memorial Day 'Run of Remembrance' 5k.  It was Bret's first, and he did well.  We all finished under 29 minutes.  It had been a while since I've ran a 5k and I enjoyed it.  Thanks for running with me Caroline and Bret.

Ryan & Bret before the race

Caroline, Ryan & Bret after the race

Red Rock Relay Moab

6 team members, 70 miles uphill & down, 10 hours 23 minutes of the funnest race I've participated in.

Red Rock Relay, Moab Utah, 2012

David was in charge of Decorating

Dave Koch, Ryan Jones, Caroline Jones, Macy Jones, David Sanders, Craig Nielsen

Runner 1 & 7: Caroline 

Runner 2 & 8: Macy

Each leg had a sign like with encouragement for the last mile.  This was my favorite of the bunch.

Runner 3 & 9: Craig

Runner 4 & 10: Ryan

Runner 5 & 11: David

Runner 6 & 12: Dave

Ending as a team!

Team Jones

R&C

Ouch!

Not what I wanted to do the week before the Red Rock Relay.  It was actually my calf muscle, don't know why the bruising showed up here.  This happened on Monday, but I was able to run a 3 miles on Thursday, 5 miles on Friday, and 8 miles today.  Should be good for next week.  Not sure what this will mean for the marathon in a couple of weeks.  We'll see how it goes.

17.25

This morning I ran with Caroline and Craig 9.2 miles starting at Timp Caves then following the AF Canyon half marathon course.  Afterwards I had Caroline drop me off at Tibble Fork Reservoir and ran down the canyon again.  17.25 miles total, I was tired after 16.  I am running a Marathon in a month and a half.  I've got some more work to do.  I'm enjoying the training and I'm confident I'll be ready.

(After C dropped me off at Tibble Fork)

Getting Excited for Red Rock

Just one month away!

This video always gets me excited.

American Fork Canyon Run

Started the day with a run down American Fork Canyon beginning at Tibble Fork Reservoir.  Caroline dropped me off in the 19 degree cold weather then left me to make it home.  I warmed up quick enough once I started running.  C took these pictures on her drive back home.  Ended up running 15.7 miles, then spent the rest of the day feeling drained and tired.  Enjoyed it though.