This was my 10th Ogden Marathon and 50th Marathon overall. The mixed feelings and emotions I have for this race are making it even more difficult to into words how I feel. I was hoping to somewhat redeem myself from my lousy run at Boston but it didn’t happen. Mentally and physically it was a struggle from the start. After only three miles I had to concede to not pushing the pace and going with the leaders because I knew if I did I would crumble early. I really didn't want to suffer again like I did at Boston. For the first six miles I checked my splits and with each one I was more and more convinced that I am not the same runner I was even a year ago when I ran a 2:23. Since I was the only runner wearing mittens and a baselayer I think the weather can only explain 2 to 3 minutes of it. So how do I explain the rest? Maybe my lack of injuries this year, higher miles, and less time cross training is actually adversely affecting my running. Seems counterintuitive but not completely out of the question. Should I just go back to 50 – 60 miles a week and cross train more? There has to be more to the equation that I hope to understand and address. If after some time, rest, and introspection this becomes the new norm, so be it. I still enjoy the challenge of running as fast as I can for 26.2 miles.
In terms of the race, Anthony made it clear at about mile three that he was going for it and only an African runner dared to follow. I wish I could have responsded. Only after the race did I find out that the African runner dropped at around mile 10 because Anthony threw in a few 5:1x miles that apparently burned him out. At about mile seven Riley breezed by me and Josh, who had been trailing me closely, latched on. I never thought I would see either of them again. At around mile 11 I passed a younger runner who had gone out too fast. From there up until mile 17 I ran in no man’s land. At that point I saw Riley in the distance and figured he must have an injury or nutrition problems because I was gaining on him quickly. At mile 21 I finally passed him, as he graciously gave me a high five. At the time I thought he might be injured but fortunately it was only nutrition problems. It took a lot of guts and pride for him to finish the race. When I passed Riley some spectators said I was now in third place which obviously meant that someone had dropped out in the front of me. Knowing that I was now in third provided some much needed motivation for the final miles along the bike path in the city. Those miles were actually some of the most enjoyable miles of the race. I actually look forward to weaving through the half marathoners on the path, as it provides a much needed distraction from the suffering. When I finished I was still just as exhausted as usual and I knew I couldn’t have gone faster.
Despite the weather the fans, organizers, and volunteers were great as usual. There is a reason why I have fun 1/5 of my marathons at Ogden. I look forward to running many more.
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