RACE RECAP: Deseret News Half Marathon

Well ... in short this race could be summed with: "This wasn't the race." But, since this is my blog and it's about running I should dive a little deeper into my experience at the Deseret News Half Marathon. Plus, I'm pretty sure my friend Rick would put out a hit on me if I didn't blog about it. So there's that too.

But, where do I start?

I guess some context to my experience with this race. I've ran the Deseret News races fairly consistently since I started running back in 2010. My first marathon was the Deseret News Marathon in 2012 and then I've done the half marathon in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022 and then again this year. I also did the 10K in 2019.

So since running I've only really missed a Deseret News race in 2011 and 2015. I do love this race, mainly because it's a fun way to celebrate Pioneer Day here in Utah and it's a staple here in the state and running community. They've been doing the race for just over 53 years. It's got a lot of tradition behind it.

When they introduced the half marathon course back in 2013 I really fell in love with the course. It begins just below the summit of Little Mountain, down Emigration Canyon, past the zoo (important piece of info for later in my story) on Sunnyside Ave., along Foothill Blvd. past Rice-Eccles Stadium to 1300 E and then from 1300 E to South Temple which will then take you to 200 E. to run along the Days of '47 parade route until you turn left onto 900 S. toward Liberty Park and the finish line.

You know, instead of writing all of that I should have just shared a race map link. Much easier.

It's easy to see why it's a fun course, especially with a 1680 foot elevation drop. Not only is Emigration Canyon a fun canyon to run with some great scenery, but the best part of the entire race is running along the parade route. As much as I don't like parades, I actually like running in them. Just don't ask me to ride, march or walk in one. But, running? Yes please.

This race holds a lot of memories for me, especially with it being my first marathon. It's really one of those races on my schedule I just plan to do every year. That's why I was excited to run it once again this year. Despite entertaining the thought of doing the 10K again, I stuck with the half marathon because of all the reasons listed above.

Going into race day I felt pretty good. Being on the half marathon comeback tour, I've been feeling really good about my training and body's response. Not only have I dropped 40lbs. over the past couple of months but I starting to get a rhythm back. It's been very encouraging and I wanted to see the improvement during this race.

Because of the heat I was very conscious of my hydration the days leading up to the race, even on race morning I made sure to bring electrolyte powder for the later miles and my pre-race drink. My biggest issue leading up to any race is fueling. I have a hard time eating so early in the morning so I usually will eat a larger meal before I go to bed and then snack lightly before the race. I stuck with this plan, but in retrospect it might not have been the best plan for this race?

After hanging out with my father-in-law for about an hour after being bussed up Emigration Canyon we headed out a couple minutes after guntime and I was feeling good. Really good. I knew I could have flown out much faster, but wanting to conserve my energy I held back just a tad while sticking to my run/walk cycle (03:00/1:45). 

Slowing to do my walk cycle my father-in-law and I parted ways and I focused my attention on my watch and Beach Boys playlist. I quickly found a good groove and I was feeling good enjoying the canyon, which I realized I've only run twice over the past three years. Something I need to change because it's a great canyon to run down.

One thing you might not know about me is that I have a pretty weak gag reflex. It's pretty bad. For example, when I was a kid I once threw up an entire red ICEE all over a nurse after getting a throat culture. The poo nurse looked like Carrie after I was done and my poor mother still talks about it. Because of that I have be cognizant of it, especially unexpected smells. 

The problem is running is full of unexpected smells. I'm not going to list them here, but the number one smell is probably the port-a-potties that are littered along a race course. And, needless to say, my gag reflex is quite offended by the smell.

Well my gag reflex got offended on race day.

As I was running and jamming out to my Beach Boys music I had a head down for a bit and didn't notice a Honey Bucket to my left. Usually when I run past port-a-potties I hold my breath as I run past JUST in case. Unfortunately, I didn't see it in time and got a 'ol big whiff. But, the comedy didn't end there, there was also a deer carcass close by and I got a nice whiff of that as well. 

Cue the gagging and dry heaving.

The unfortunate thing is I didn't have much on my stomach so I wasn't upchucking really anything. When that happens it just messes with my stomach and can make me feel nauseous, which unfortunately it started too. It wasn't immediate so I kept chugging along, still feeling really strong. I've had worse stomach pains in a run before, so I wasn't too focused on the issue ... yet.

I kept up with the three hour pacer fairly well until we exited the canyon around mile 6. I was still feeling pretty good and slowed down a little at the aid station to add some electrolyte powder in my water. Once I did I was off running again trying to catch up with the pacer.

But, then it happened again ... I caught a whiff. Running past the Hogle Zoo and This Is The Place Monument Park I caught the smell of something. I don't know if it was an elephant, rhino, polar bear or what, but it offended the gag reflex and I was once again dry heaving. But, this go around I knew I needed to throw up. Not only because that's what my body wanted me to do, but I knew I'd feel much better if I did. I just didn't have anything on my stomach and that reality just made my stomach feel worse.

Knowing I was a 5K away from 7 Eleven for a planned pit stop I felt like I could make it there to get something on my stomach along with ice cold water, and now, some Tums. So I just kept moving forward knowing I was struggling just a little bit.

Unfortunately this is not the part where I fast forward to the part where I go to 7 Eleven. Less than a quarter mile down the road at the intersection of Sunnyside Ave. and Arapeen Dr. (which goes into Research Park) were two officers directing traffic. Being extra cautious because I didn't see any runners immediately ahead of me I asked the officers if I continue forward (on Sunnyside) or turn right (onto Arapeen). 

They said right.

I needed to go straight.

I don't understand the confusion because the 10K started on Arapeen, but not there. If anything the officers should have been there to make sure we didn't turn right. I thought they were right because I saw a couple of runners ahead of me on the street so I kept going. But, the feeling that I was on the wrong street kept nagging at me. 

Slowing down to ask some runners behind me if this was the right turn, they falsely assured me it was because they have done this race 3-4 times. So I whipped out my course map and looked JUST to make sure and ... I was right. I was off course.

Luckily I was familiar with the area enough that I knew I just had to hook a left onto Wakara back to Foothill. But, the error added an additional half mile to my mileage. Realizing this and getting back on course really killed my mojo. A lot. I was out of my rhythm, my stomach was feeling worse and I lost sight of the three hour pacer. It kind of sucked.

Once I got back on course I was able to tell another officer of the error so other runners didn't get off course and then worked on getting back into some kind of rhythm. But, by the time I ran past the football stadium I was starting to feel more nauseous so I shortened my run/walk cycle to conserve my energy and likelihood of gagging again until I got to 7 Eleven.

As tempting as it was to get a Slurpee I knew that wouldn't sit well on my stomach, so I grabbed not only my Tums but a Pedialyte and Fig Newton knowing those would sit well on my stomach. I drank the Pedialyte fairly quickly along with the Tums and hoped my stomach would feel better. But, no luck. As I turned onto South Temple and the mile 10 aid station I was beat.

I knew I needed to fix this stomach issue either my throwing up or having the Tums work their magic. But, more than that I needed to sit down. So I asked the volunteers at the aid station if they had a chair, thankfully they did and ... well ... that's where my race changed for the better.

One of the volunteers, Andra, was extremely attentive of my needs. Not only did they have me sit down but she got me cold towels for my head and neck, pep-talked me and let me recompose myself. I joked that I felt like I got a spa treatment mid-run. And, quite honestly, I kinda did. It was much needed.

Despite the spa treatment I just wasn't doing well. My stomach didn't stop gurgling and I started having "THAT TALK" with myself about whether or not I should bow out. I have only DNF'd once before (Back in April 2017 during the Salt Flats 50K) and it too was because of gut issues. I knew I could finish the race. But, was it worth it? So, I sat there at the aid station for about 20-30 minutes pondering what I should do.

I came pretty close to calling it a day before Andra, the aid station spa treatment volunteer, offered to run a half mile with me to see how I felt. I took up the offer. Maybe that is what I needed to get going again. I just really hated that my gut was still working against me, but I had to act on what I was going to do next before the decision was made up for me.

So I put one foot in front of the other.

As I moved forward I focused on the goal at hand -- the finish line. Having done this race before I visualized what was ahead of me from the heat, course, crowd and finish line. But, unlike previous years I also had the visualization of seeing my wife at the finish line. I wouldn't allow myself to not have that moment at the finish line. Any reason to keep going helped keep the legs going.

Despite going more than the promised half mile with me, Andra kept going with me. In fact, she did the last three miles alongside me and, quite honestly, I couldn't be more grateful. She kept me focused, distracted and moving forward. She really was an embodiment of The Party in the Back and what I would try doing for runners when I sweep races.

Between miles 11-12, Andra ran into the 7 Eleven on 300 East to get some ice cold water while I kept moving. I didn't expect her to come back with two HUGE 1.5 liter bottles of water, but they were a godsend. Not only did I drink some, but she proceeded to dump most of the water over me to make sure I kept cool in the heat. It really made a difference. 

I was so grateful for the distracting conversation Andra and I had. Like most conversations with running friends I can't really pin point exactly what it all entailed because they're kind of all over the place. But, it was a lot of get to know, talking about MaryAnn, bonding over what we love about Utah and then both of our cats. I've only been a cat person now four months now, but I've definitely gotten comfortable with oversharing about Walt and Roy's personalities, character and quirks.

I'm now that guy.

The distracting conversation and cat bragging really helped keep my mind off the gut and struggle. Not only did Andra and the conversation keep me distracted, but I was also just thinking about seeing my wife at the finish line. I wanted to look somewhat strong crossing that finish line.

Making that last turn toward the finish line I told Andra that she needed to cross that finish line alongside since she helped me get there. Focusing on that line I was able to see my beautiful wife enthusiastically smile and cheer me on, while I crossed that finish line in just over four hours. Not my best time BY FAR, but I didn't care considering my off course diversion and half hour pit stop at Mile 10.

What mattered was I was done. Done, as in, I finished the race.

After taking some parting pictures with Andra she ran back off to her aid station duties and I collapsed underneath a tree besides my father-in-law where we just laid there for another hour or so drinking water, Powerade and refueling while our poor wives just sat there looking at our nasty sweaty selves. 

Thankfully we were able to gain some composure and get back up back to our car, but I was pretty much spent the rest of the day. I had plans to go car shopping with MaryAnn that afternoon but I just went home, took a nap and nursed myself with Powerade and water. I was SPENT.

In retrospect this race was lesson learner for me. I'm still trying to figure out the fueling thing, especially when my gut goes array. But, when the stomach goes all crappy I struggle with little to no answers. In the past that hasn't much, but over the past couple months it's happened 3-4 times. It could be meds and it could be age. Maybe even both? Aging just sucks.

But, I am just thrilled that I finished. I really can't understate how close I was to just calling it a day at that Mile 10 aid station. Self talk is such an interesting thing because I had convinced myself that I was done and really ... this was stupid, especially considering I've done over 200 half marathons. I didn't NEED this race, what was a second DNF? 

Thankfully Andra was there. 

It wasn't so much that she convinced me that I could do it. I knew I could. I knew I had the capacity to finish the race considering what I've done previously in my journey. But, she really helped me just keep going. She helped me get outside of my head and focus on the basics of reaching that day's goal -- one foot in front of the other to that finish line. I really can't thank her enough.

My next race is the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon, but we'll see what I am doing there. As much as I want to do the half, I'm feeling a downgrade to the 5K is more doable (if allowed). But, my next half is the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. I have a few more training runs planned before the September 9th race so I am just working on getting myself there.

But, "THE REUNION TOUR" as I like to call this comeback is slowly, but surely coming together. I might never be exactly where I once was, but the journey can still sure take me to some amazing places and that's what I want to focus on from here on out.

Reflections on 180 ...

 

Today is a special day for me. It was five years ago today that I ran my 180th race of my goal to run 180 races over 13.1 miles. It's honestly a little difficult writing this without getting a little emotional. First, I can't believe it's been five years since the race, but looking at the above picture I see many faces no longer here. That hurts and hits the most.

When I started that journey in July 2011 I made the goal to run 180 races over 13.1 miles for a number of reasons. One, I had at that time lost 180lbs. from my heaviest weight and, two, I wanted to challenge myself beyond checking out a half marathon or a marathon on a proverbial bucket list. I knew I needed a goal that made running more of a lifestyle than a goal. 

Me after my first half marathon in 2011.

What I didn't expect was finding an amazing community with friendships I wouldn't have ever made without undertaking this audacious goal. I was greeted by my sister and brother-in-law at the finish line of my first half marathon. They took some pictures, I grabbed a banana and then went home. Fast forward seven years later and ... I'm overwhelmed. So many people, so many friends, so much love. I wish I could aptly describe those feelings and emotions.

It was an amazing moment.

I had a lot of friends that put a lot of effort into making this a special experience for me. And, boy did they deliver! Trinity made 180 race shirts for not just me but everyone who wanted one, including my family, while Lizz secretly hand delivered the shirts. Then Jill and Amanda made signs with motivational quotes and sayings that they posted throughout the whole race. They really made it special.

Me and my Diet Dr. Pepper

But, what made it truly special was that a number of friends ran alongside me throughout the whole race. I remember joking that I felt like Forrest Gump and his running groupies. We all took turns pushing Reese in his sports chair, we helped a hand cyclist that totally biffed it on Legacy Parkway and then stopped at Maverik at Mile 11 for Diet Dr. Pepper and ICEEs. It truly was an adventure.

Then that last mile was ... was ... something else. I remember taking my thoughts inward and reflecting about the entirety of the journey. I got reflecting about my first race, my first marathon, my 50 miler and this race. I got thinking about those not there namely Robert Merriman who had passed a few months prior. It was a lot of emotion to process.

It wasn't long before I turned the corner toward the finish line to a corral of people specifically there to see me. I was overwhelmed. It's overwhelming even now retelling the moment. Being surrounded by family and friends at the completion of this goal made for a perfect moment.

Then of course as I ran through a paper wall to the finish line I was greeted by my mom and a pie, which went right to my face. A scene I was somewhat surprised she didn't repeat at my wedding. But, it was perfect. Perfect. Perfect. Perfect.

Don, Russ, Sheri and I with our Maverik drinks!

Since that day my running journey has been interesting to say the least. For about a year before Race 180 I had been dealing with foot issues which I found out the following year was a torn tendon and bone spur. So I had surgery on that in December 2019.

Then I got hit by a car the following month, which I won't go into detail here. But, needless to say, that accident caused knee issues that I've had treated with injections and a lot of PT. All of that messed with me mentally, especially having gone from running ultras to having a hard time finishing a 5K within just a few years. The past five years have been hard.

But, on the flip side of that I am in a much better place, especially with MaryAnn by my side. Not only that, but now having a father-in-law that is also a running buddy means the world. It was the kind of bonus I never expected out of marriage. I couldn't be in a better place.

I still have a few people ask what my next goal is? Well, over the past five years it's been hard to answer that question because of health issues. And, I'm still rebounding from those, not to mention the first year of marriage. But, I've been able to cut 40lbs. and I am feeling much stronger, so I am very optimistic about what the upcoming year will be like for me with consistent training.

But, yeah, with that said ... I dunno?

The finish line! 180!

My goal each year since hitting 180 has been to at least do Revel Big Cottonwood. I've done the marathon four times before, but not since 2016. I think next year I really want to do 26.2 again. But, I also want to run a 100 miles at least once. I kind of gave up on the that dream a couple years ago, but it still nags at me at times. That's just a lot of build up and training. 

But, as much as I would love to have a tangible goal to work towards like I did with 180, I really want to grow old with running as best as I can. I am turning 42 in a month and I really want to see myself doing this well into my 50s and 60s if I can manage it. To what extent? That's a good question. But, if I could hobble through some 5Ks at 70 or 80 I'll take it.

I've learned though goals are goals, but what makes them worthwhile and meaningful is the people around you. I want to keep running because I want a reason to be with my friends. I want to cultivate friendships yet realized. I want to be with people, my friends, in a sport that has truly changed my life. 

Is there no other better goal?