Each Day Is a Gift

Park City Marathon

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Location:

UT,

Member Since:

Oct 14, 2008

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Age Division Winner

Running Accomplishments:

85 marathons, 5 times Utah Grand Slam finisher (division winner twice).

7 Bostons (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016).

Two 50Ks, one 50 miler (Pony Express).

A handful of AG wins in all distance races.

Marathon PR: 3:57:09 (Boston'08)

Half Marathon PR: 1:48:41 (Bryce Canyon '11)

10K PR: 47:50 (Spectrum 10K '09)

5K PR: 22:31 (Nestle 5K '08)
 

Short-Term Running Goals:

2017 Races:

June 10 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:13:43)

June 24 - Morgan Valley Marathon (5:49:01)

July 8 - Hobbler Half (2:19:37, 2nd AG)

July 24 - Temple to Temple 5K (27:43)

July 29 - Timp Half (2:08:01, 3rd AG)

Aug 26 - Mt. Nebo Marathon (5:16:16, 3rd AG)

Sep 16 - Huntsville Marathon (4:48:53)

Oct 7 - St. Geroge Marathon (4:57:11)

Nov 4 - Canyon City Marathon (5:30:07)

2018 Races:

Jan 13 - St. George Half (2:19:45, 3rd AG)

Mar 3 - The Woodlands Marathon (5:01:35)

Apr 6-7 - Ragnar So. California

June 1-2 - Ragnar Wasatch Back

June 9 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:19:22)

June 30 - Morgan Valley Half

Sep 1 - Pocatello Marathon (6:00:43)

Sep 15 - Huntsville Marathon (5:37:08)

Oct 6 - St. George Marathon (5:25:43)

Oct 20 - SoJo Marathon (5:29:23)

2019 Races:

June 1 - Utah Valley Marathon (5:44:24)

June 22 - Morgan Valley Marathon (6:15:13)

Aug 31 - Pocatello Marathon (5:38:47)

Sep 14 - Big Cottonwood Marathon (6:03:51)

Oct 5 - St. George Marathon (5:57:46)

Oct 12 - SoJo Marathon (5:55:45)

2020 Races:

Jan 18 - St. George Half (2:38:28)

Feb 15 - Sun Marathon (5:51:54)

May 5 - Conquer Covid-19 Virtual Marathon (5:49:07)

May 16 - Clear Creek Canyon Half Marathon (2:32:15)

May 25 - Utah Valley Virtual Marathon (5:33:110

June 9 - Independence Run Virtual Marathon (5:55:22)

 

Long-Term Running Goals:

Run happy and healthy all the days of my life. Be an example and inspiration to my family.

 

Personal:

I'm 64, retired RN, happily married, nana to 14 beautiful grandchildren, mother to 6 children (1 daughter, 5 sons) who are kind, hardworking, caring, wonderful people! Wish they live closer!!!  :)  :)  :)

Picked up running in 2005 at age 50, to stay healthy so I can take care of my husband who had endocarditis resulting in AVR and MVR in 2004, end stage renal failure in 2014, kidney transplant on Dec 30, 2015.  Six months after the kidney transplant, we discovered that he has a rare auto-immune disease that was probably triggered in 2004 with then the undiagnosed infective endocarditis.  The doctors had to make up a name for this rare disease, Monoclono Gammopathy with Renal Significance (MGRS).  It is not curable.  After desperately trying different chemotherapies, the doctor finally found one immuno-therapy, Daratumamab, that works to treat the MGRS.  It is a miracle!!! 

Grateful for the gift of life, blessings, dear friends and loved ones!!! Thankful for the ability to move, walk, jog, and yes run!!!!

 

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Saucony Guide ISO Wide Lifetime Miles: 311.91
Saucony Guide ISO Lifetime Miles: 313.31
Sacony Guide ISO (2) Lifetime Miles: 225.26
Altra Torin (sz 7) Lifetime Miles: 44.49
Saucony Guide 10 (2020) Lifetime Miles: 60.91
Race: Park City Marathon (26.2 Miles) 04:59:36, Place in age division: 4
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
26.200.000.000.0026.20

Woke up once at 1am.  When the cell alarm went off at 4am, I was very groggy.  Karen picked me up at 4:45am.  Ate breakfast of banana and yogurt on the drive.  So glad Karen was driving 'cause I was still very sleepy!  :)

Got to Field House packet pick up...same 'ole purple bag...same gigantic race shirt...that's it!!!  NO freebies, NO coupons, NO gu, lame! :)  Saw Catherine, got a quick hug.  Met RAD at the hotel lobby where we also saw Wendy & Matt Clark,  Emily & Brian Hansen, SueM, DonnaP (Karen's cousin), Fly on the Wall AND Maynard who looks AWESOME, ripped and ready for a GREAT race! :) :) :)  Looked around and didn't see Teena nor Kelli. :( Walked to the start where we saw Bill Mandler.  Then I looked over to the sideline and saw Teena.  Our whole group rushed over there to get a hug from my SSF! :) :) :)  Then it was time to start the race, NO National Anthem nor count down...nothing...lame! :)

It was cold...good sign.  I was sleepy...bad sign.  People were passing me left and right...no hurry! :) :) :)  Catherine ran by and RAD went with her.  Donna ran by, Karen and I visited with her.  Found out Donna's birthday is 2 days after mine.  Her son is leaving for Rome, Italy on a mission next Wed.  She is Karen's "long lost" cousin, so lots of catching up and fun chats.  Matt ran by and started taking our pictures while running backward.  He's such a good guy.  I sure miss him and Wendy and their cute little family.  Then a guy in green GrandSlam shirt  ran by and I hollered: "Is that you, Zimmerman?"  He said: "Oh, didn't recognize you from behind."  I introduced him, Brent, to my running partners.

RAD waited for us at the turn off up the first neighborhood!  :)   What a GREAT friend to stop and wait!  :)  The four of us stayed together like peas in a pod and chatted away the miles, enjoying the sunrise, the wild purple flowers (that match RAD's outfit), the hot air balloons, the beautiful mountain scenery around us.   Met a girl, an organ transplant co-ordinator and talked to her about Easten, a 4 yo boy who recently received a new liver. 

On the Rail Trail, hubby's first cheering spot, Karen and I gave him our jackets.

We stopped and loitered around at every buffet table...pretzels, gummy bear, M&Ms, banana, Gu products!  Girl in print skirt is running to celebrate Easten's new liver.

Smooth, RAD, Karen & Donna drinking and not running! :)

An almost Smooth Sandwitch! :)  BrentZ in the green shirt.

Didn't notice Brent was behind us.  Chatted with him a bit.,,wondering why he'd slowed down so much!  We walked the inclines.  Then he peeled off to use the park bathroom and we never saw him again! :( 

We pointed out the "shoes tree" to the 1st-PCM-timers.  When they asked why the shoes tree, we just made up stories!  :)  Saw Scott and Maynard just before the turnaround tunnel as they were flying down.  It was so fun to high-5 them.  Met shirtless tatooed guy from South Carolina.  He told us he has a stress fracture in his femur.  I was so proud of him running in this high altitude with a sf.  RAD said we better not let him beat us. :) 

Met 19 yo BYU student, Sydney Chartrand, from California, majoring in Public Health.  Very fun to learn about her college life...wish I could line her up with my Bryan. :)  She was running with a friend who's running PCM on a whim...fun kids!

Here's cute Sydney on the Deer Valley loop. 

Just before mile 18 marker, at the open mall sky bridge.  RAD sat down to humor us.  It was getting warm.  Told hubby:  "forget being a paparazzi, BRING the ICE!" :)

I never looked at the Garmin except couple of times, on the uphill to check my heart rate to make sure it stays low and when Karen asked about the time (around 3:59) because she was running Garminless.  We shamelessly walked the 8th St. up to Empire while RAD, the QUEEN (in this case Empress) of Hill sprinted up that thing!  What a hoot! :)

Told Lowell I'd call him when we reach Lowell Ave (mile 18.5).  So I did! :)  He was running the Hobble Creek Half missing out on all our fun!  Told RAD that Toby should be finished her Half by now so she texted her.  I can talk while running but NOT texting! :) :) :)  Super excited to find out Toby ran a 2+min PR!  WaHooo!!!! :)

Got caught by the Paparazzi while exiting the PoP (2nd one of the day).  Why is it when you run slowly you need "to go" more often?...blame it on the buffet tables. :)

A pop/buffet stop is not complete without another pose for an "almost Smooth sandwitch"!  Notice RAD grabbed all the buffet necessities for me.  That girl can carry so much that she ought to be a juggler in the circus.  We then filled our bras and skirts with ice that hubby brought.  When we started running, RAD's ice "pooped" out of her skirts...the funniest sight ever...we were laughing our heads off! :)  Mile 19 split took 15+ minutes!  Holly FUN!!!! :)  Donna left us at this buffet. 

Met Larry Macon who has run like a million marathons.  RAD invited him to run in her birthday marathon 2014 at Myrtle Beach! :) Running through the golf course neighborhood was SO FUN this year.  It was always torturous on this winding rolling part of the course.  (Most runners felt the effects of the previous undulating 18 miles of uphill and then a steep half mile of downhill to this point).  I remember vividly that I cramped up bad here in 2008 and sadly watched my competitors passed by.  Not this time, we checked out the garage sale, RAD yelled "FOUR!" to the golfers who turned and looked...silly RAD! 

Tatooed guy leapfrogged with us.   We finally passed him for good...determined not to let a guy with a sf beat us! 

We also passed Sydney and an Asian girl who started with us.   We gave encouragement to fellow runners who are either battling with ITBs or it's their first marathons.  We even saw one girl resting on a patch of shady grass thinking she had finished her half but she was DNFing her Full.  We understand their pain and anguish as well as the "dig deep" feelings.  When you run at a 5 hr marathon pace, you get to meet and cross paths with many people with inspiring stories. 

RAD and Karen stopped to use the PoP at the soccer field buffet station.  I stopped to eat and asked for ice cream or popsicle.  The two EMT guys whom we've met earlier on the Rail Trail (where RAD forewarned them about my tachycardia) saw me and asked: "still no tachycardia?"  I told them I had my own personal crew who know CPR... :)

I jogged along thanking the EMTs and soon heard fast steps coming from behind, Karen and RAD caught up.  My legs felt pretty fresh at mile 24 when my sister-in-law called.  She had no idea I was in the middle of running a marathon.  Then RAD and Karen spotted hubby with about a mile to go.  At the last cheering spot, he said he'd see us at the finish and I pleaded for him to run us in.  He wasn't dressed in running clothes.  It was getting really warm.  He had thought that we'd be trotting along at 13mm pace in the last mile.  Well, RAD had a different idea...that girl had me "sprinting"! :)  Soon after the mile 26 marker, hubby had to let us go (dang, would've been sweet to finish the run with him by my side...but he couldn't keep up...that mile was the fastest one with the last 0.2 at 9:18).  We joined hands with Karen's daughters crossing the finish with our arms raised in joy!  I was extra elated to see that we finished under 5 hours.  :) :) :)   My shins started to cramp when I stopped.  No flowers for the ladies this year, another lame!

RAD made sure we got our last fill of the buffet! :)  THANKS a million, Rachel!  I couldn't have finished this without you!  You made it SO FUN and got us to sub-5 to boot!  You spread so much JOY and LOVE through this journey!  I LOVE every second of this day with you! :)

Super super happy to see Teena who ran an AWESOME Half and then waited around for SO LONG to watch us finish our run!  THANKS SSF!  It means SO MUCH!!! :)

 ****************

A few thoughts 3 days later:  (I know I'm slow...but I've been super busy with family stuff).

I've been lovingly advised to either not run or be super careful if I do run this marathon.  I figure a difficult uphill marathon course actually makes for a better training run than say a fast downhill half for me.  What can be more safe to run in a marathon with support, not to mention great friends such as RAD and Karen to share the journey with, than to run a 20 miler alone?  My plan was to take it easy and never let my heart rate climbs above 160 (my average heart rate was 154 with the max at 171 in mile 26).  I had a lot of fun, it strengthened our friendships while we made memories along this journey.  We made new friends.  To me, each run is a gift, each marathon has a risk.  I don't know when/what/how my tachycardia will show up and if it is causing myo-fibrosis or leads to persistent a-fib.  I am just so so so so grateful for the ability to run and treasure each and every friendship and the memories we make...that's the reason I run!!!  I am SO SO SO SO BLESSED to have such WONDERFUL running friends! :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Inspire 7 (yellow) Miles: 26.20
Night Sleep Time: 5.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 5.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Carina on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 16:32:59 from 204.15.86.83

Smooth- what an awesome marathon experience!! You are just so great! I enjoyed reading this report, and I've also really enjoyed your sharing some notes from education week! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them :)

From The Quiet Pirate on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 17:09:40 from 71.54.62.185

Smooth- amazing race! Great report, fun photos, and I loved reading it! Congrats on your achievements!! I do know how much better runs are with good friends to keep us company. Glad you had the best for you because you are one of the best too :-)

I love the photo of y'all where there is a caution sign in front of RAD. Are you trying to tell us something???

Again, job well done. Congratulations!

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 17:21:09 from 66.232.64.20

Congrats on another marathon Smooth! Good to see you back running again. Loved the pics and the report.

From Teena Marie on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 17:31:11 from 67.2.117.140

I LOVE LOVE LOVE all the pics in this race report. I also love all of the friends you make during your marathons. :) :) :)

So, question: What were the stories you made up about the shoe tree? :) :) :) Have you read this article? http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home2/52584439-183/tree-park-shoe-shoes.html.csp

Anyway ... you looked AWESOME when you ran into the finish. I have video of you and the girls the last 75 meters or so. I have been trying to figure out a way to post it (but to no avail).

Congrats on another wonderful race!!!

Luvs and lugs! :) :) :)

From Maynard on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 19:43:16 from 71.213.7.33

You are a fantastic race reporter. Wish I'd have run with you guys. I'm so glad everything worked out for you Saturday.

From Chad on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 20:01:55 from 204.113.19.55

What a wonderful day.

From DaleG on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 22:22:39 from 152.216.11.5

You are way too cool, Smoothie!!! I kinda wish I didn't switch to the half a few weeks ago, I could have run it with you three ladies. I'm glad it all worked out nicely and you all had fun.

From RAD on Tue, Aug 21, 2012 at 23:14:50 from 98.202.23.178

I just loved this run! I've told everyone that I won't ever run this marathon if you aren't with me!! This is my "Smooth fill" for the year :) I need a good 5 hours with you to get everything back on line and functioning again. You have NO idea how blessed I am to have YOU in my life! Did you see the Zazoosh pics? I love some of the jumpers! In one of them I look 20 feet tall!! :) I posted a couple on Facebook and my neighbor Steven said that in one of them you look like you're going to spank me! HA! So, I told him that you were a good friend and he said "My friends call me Smooth-Talker-Walker never to be mistaken with Smooth-Runner-Spanker who is your good friend. :)" hahaha! made me laugh and I thought you'd enjoy it! This is the pic:http://www.zazoosh.com/photos/556030658

Oh, and the ice pooping...hahahaha, I still laugh terribly thinking about it!!! What an amazing run! I'm glad you got the BYU girl's name. She was a wonderful young lady. You should totally hook her up :)

Thanks again for a wonderful morning Smooth!! I can't wait for a mini-repeat the first day of September :) I'll catch you for the last few!

From Smooth on Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 12:05:51 from 75.165.251.74

Carina ~ THANKS!!! It was a great week getting my emotional, spiritual and physical tanks filled for sure!!! I'm in awe of all the things you young mothers do day in and day out! You're amazing! :)

QP ~ Ya, that "Caution" sign is SO VERY TIMELY and appropriately placed in front of RAD. :) :) :) Her enthusiasm, exuberance, super-charged energy certainly is very contagious and those who don't know her need to be forewarned! :) :) :)

Maynard ~ Thanks! I like the sound of "race reporter" better than "story teller". Wish you were partying with us too. BUT, you ran an awesome course PR and that makes me super happy! :)

Chad ~ Hey there! Sure miss running the JRP with you this summer! When's your next race? Are you running St George?

Dale ~ Dang it! We would have loved to have your company. How's your training for SGM? How's Amy doing?

RAD ~ Hahahahahahahahaha!!! I LOVE that picture!!! Your neighbor Steven is hillarious!!! :) :) :) Hey, with the rate I'm jogging these days, I'm becoming the not-so-smooth-talker-walker.

THANK YOU for a wonderful PCM!!! Can't wait to see you for a mini-repeat. But first, GO GET'EM at the Utah Half, RACHEL!!! :) :) :)

From Smooth on Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 12:24:44 from 75.165.251.74

Scott ~ How's your mountain adventure going this summer? I'm just so glad to be back on the road. Hopefully no more injuries! :)

Teena ~ Thanks again for being there pre and post race. It sure was a fun morning!

Shoe tree stories ~ RAD said: if you don't finish the race, they take your shoes and hang them up there for all to see. The runners behind us thought that was a niffty idea. They seriously thought it was true. I told Larry: runners throw their shoes up there to pay tribute to the running gods. The roller blades, skates and snow board shoes are up there because the people discovered it's more fun to run AND cheaper! :) :) :)

From DaleG on Thu, Aug 23, 2012 at 13:11:14 from 66.87.67.27

Oh Smoothie, I'm glad you're ok with running five hour marathons. I have also resigned to the fact that I will probably always run five hour marathons. Hey, maybe we can run one or more together. I know you're positive energy would get me through it.

From Kelli on Sun, Aug 26, 2012 at 20:11:09 from 67.172.235.55

I finally made time to read some blogs! This was my first stop---I have been waiting to read this report! I am so glad you were able to do this race and that you had such great company. I knew you would make even more friends along the way, I can not even imagine how many of those runners you helped with your great attitude and cheering. I thought about you guys the entire time I was running this darn race, wishing I could have been with you instead of by my lonesome. I was so happy to see you all finish---and what a great finish with all of you holding hands! It made me cry. ;o)

You are AWESOME! And thank Larry for his cheering at mile 11, I was so happy to see a familiar face!

From Chad on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 10:25:24 from 168.177.153.60

Hey Smooth, no marathons for me for a while. I just don't have the time. 55+ hour weeks, wife at school full time, kids in high school, jr. high, and elementary just doesn't leave enough time for high mile weeks. I'm going to run halfs and shorter for a few years probably. Next race is Utah half the week after St. George.

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