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St. George Half 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: St. George Half Marathon (13.23 Miles) 01:57:23, Place overall: 450, Place in age division: 4
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.237.000.000.0013.23

This is the third year in a roll I've run this Half.  I'm glad they finally got it certified with chip timing.  I barely made it to the Dixie Center for one last potty stop.  With no time to stretch or warm up.  I quickly headed to the start line.  Temp was about 31.  Wearing shorts and only a long sleeve Boston shirt I was freezing.  Wish I wore the CW-X tights instead.

1)  8:45  -  In an attempt to warm up my numbed extremities I ran out too fast.

2)  8:52  -  Still a bit fast.

3)  8:31  -  Finally warmed up and got on the trail.  Took gatorade. 

4)  8:14  -  Got carried away as I "hitched" a ride with "Mr. Boston" (he wore the same shirt as mine).  This is gonna haunt me later.

5)  9:01  -  Going uphill.  Kept a steady effort.  No wheezing.

6)  8:40  -  Mr. Boston ditched me at the aid station.  Got in the groove after crossing the bridge.

7)  8:33  -  Saw and cheered the top 8 runners as each one zoomed by.  Didn't see the first woman who BTW was Mary Ann Schauerhammer.  I met her at the condo.  She slept outside my room door on the loft last night.  She looked like a very FAST teenager.  Took Gu.  I really like the tangerine flavor.

8)  9:12  -  Going up the Bloomington neighborhood.  

9)  9:03  -  My least favorite part of the course.  No visible hill, but the elevation gain is there.  I just do not like running in neighborhoods, watching out for traffic.

10)  8:48  -  I had my eyes set on "Mr. Hemmie Tape" (a blue kinesio tape on to his left hemstring).  He looks to be 60ish with very defined muscles, very smooth strides, definitely an AG winner guy.  When I finally caught up to him, we exchanged a few kind compliments.  I don't think he liked to be chicked.  He took off just before the aid station.

11)  9:07  -  When I slowed to grab some gatorade, my shins started to tightened.  

12)  8:55 -  I tried to catch up to Mr. Hemmie Tape but the legs protested.  

13)  9:36 -  This was a very painful mile.  The cramps started at the shins, then the calves, then the hemmies.  I was running with fear that the muscles would go into convulsions any minute.  With each turn or slight change of terrain the muscles would send panicking signals

0.23)  9:13  -  I was so happy to see Huans32 and Fly on the Wall after I crossed the bridge for the last time.  I immediately told Huans32 that charlie horse's chasing me.  He ran with me and supported me through that annoying hair-pin turn section (newly added to make the course 13.1-certified).  Then Fly joined us at the last turn.  I felt safe in their assuring loving support.  THANKS, Mark & Mark!!!  When they got off the course, my left leg muscles started twitching angrily.  I let out a few cries and made it across the balloon arch w/o the legs ceasing up on me.  I kept jogging 'till the muscles calmed down. 

I am happy with my finish time, 4 min. faster than last year.  This race was mentally challenging for me.  I had hoped to finish strong, reeling in runners, instead I became a roadkill and barely made it without a full-blown charlie horse attack.  I am on a quest to solve this bad cramps problem.  Anyone has any suggestions or helps would be greatly appreciated.  BTW,  the backache that was bothering me during the week was not an issue and the cold's all better.

************

I want to thank Marion for hosting us at this great condo.  It was wonderful to finally get to know Marion & David, Kelli & Scott, JonA & Kelly, Leslie & Harold better.  What a great group of friends!  We also met Mary Ann Schauerhammer & her friend Rachel, Colleen & hubby,  Kellie and Tyler Sheppherd.  All awesome runners.  My husband keeps telling me how lucky I am to have met all you wonderful people.  I LOVE YOU!  I can't wait for our next get together or group runs.  

Confessions:  

1)  I am now converted to orange jello with cheese.  It's a VERY GOOD Mormon Jello. 2)  However WONDERFUL and DELICIOUS that dinner was,  I had to make 3 potty (not VPB and very long) stops before the race.  Stinks!  (umm, literally... pardon me. ;) )

3) I should have worn my red and black outfit and be part of the RED HOT PINK CHICKS, but I thought it would be too warm.   I was WRONG!  

4)  I felt bad (but not too bad) about hoarding the master suite.  It was luxurious!

 

 

Night Sleep Time: 0.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 0.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Marion on Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 14:39:54

Your time is PERFECT!!! You did great and you kept those darn horses from running you over! (Have you tried the salt tablets???) I am so sorry about those silly muscles. You showed them!

It was SO wonderful to have you and Larry with us at the condo! You two are an an AMAZING couple and 100% welcome to the master suite. What a GREAT time and what a great blessing to have you as friends!!!

From Kelli on Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 17:20:26

WOW!!! You did awesome! I love reading reports for a race i ran, so I can actually "see" what you are talking about.

Now, about the food....what did we eat that bugged you? That was a PERFECT pre-race dinner for me!!! Maybe I should eat something different to be speedy like you!

Tell your husband I was so happy to meet him, Scott thinks he is a very "cool" guy, but I never really got a chance to talk to him. Scott was very impressed, though! It was fun to be with you guys and just be glad you had the master suite or you would not have gotten much sleep!!!

From leslie on Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 18:23:45

Great Race Smooth!!!! It was so much fun to spend time with you and Larry at the condo, you two are such a cute couple!! I want us all to do all our races together FOREVER!!! It was perfect, even the Mormon jello was to die for!!! Hey, you deserved the master suite!

I don't think you realize what an inspiration you are to me, you are my age and so fit and fast, I need to stop acting like a little old lady and run like you! I appreciate our friendship and can't wait for the next running trip!

From Burt on Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 20:51:00

Good report. I didn't know you had any bathroom humor in you. Your stock just went up.

From Teena on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 00:24:10

Smoothie Q!!

Awesome race. 4 minutes faster than last year. That is FANTASTIC!!

I am glad that you were able to fight Charlie off ... when do you think you will be able to get rid of him for good? Talked to Lowell about it again, he's still convinced that you are a vegetarian. I protested telling him that I had just had a piece of your pizza that had chicken on it (btw, thanks ... it was delicious). He wouldn't hear of it though.

I love you Smooth. It was so much fun having lunch with you and the others.

LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL LLL

From DonGardinero on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 00:24:34

Smooth...

Great race, what an amazing finish time!!! Congratulations!!! Hey, it was great to finally meet you in person after the race. It was nice to meet Larry, too. I'm glad your backache wasn't an issue, but what are we going to do about your cramping issues? We need to figure it out. I've been taking electrolyte tablets and I only drink Gatorade at the races. I also eat a medium sized bag of salted pretzels the night before a race and I never have any cramping issues.

Dale

From Kathie on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 00:34:32

Smooth hey I was so happy to see you at the finish! You made me feel so tall... or did I make you feel short? Anyway great race! You are so ready for Boston. Lets work on this cramping issue and get is solved soon.

From smooth on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 12:38:10

Great race. 4 mins faster than last year is awsome. I enjoyed meetinig your husband aftewards and re-meeting you in the light. See you again in Boston.

From Rachel on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 14:39:58

Smooth- awesome race! even with those 'horses' you finished better than my best 1/2 so YOU ROCK (not that I'm the only comparision, I just look up to you!). I'm hoping to finish around your time in Myrtle Beach in Feb. I'd like to do sub 1:55, but that may be wishful thinking. Keep up the good work and I hope to see you and run with you again soon!

ps-it was the jello that gave you the stomach problems ;) - once I found out what was in jello I could never eat it again. It just grosses me out!

From Smooth on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 at 21:58:29

Marion,

THANK YOU!!! I feel like we've been friends forever already. I am so PROUD of you in accomplishing all your goals. YOU are a blessing to me.

I didn't take any electrolyte tablets. May be that's the problem. I only took them in marathons and when the temp is warm. I need to re-evaluate what works.

Kelli,

I LOVE everything I ate at the dinner. It wasn't WHAT I ate, but HOW MUCH I ate.

Larry thinks you're the funniest girl. We are impressed with how NICE Scott is. He helped me with the dishes and cleaned the whole kitchen. WHAT A GREAT GUY!!!

Leslie,

It was SO SO SO Fun to spend some time with you. It just wasn't enough time. Next time we'll have to ALL stay together.

Don't be silly...you're not acting like a little old lady. I think you're drop dead gorgeous. We don't have to be fast (btw, I'm not fast). We just have to stay forever healthy.

Burt,

Thanks, I think!

Teena,

I am so scared to race because of Charlie. I didn't take any electrolyte caps or the cal/mag/zinc supplements either. If Slick hears about it, he would be mad at me. I just thought I needed that in the warm weather. I'm thinking it's a combination of many things: muscle fatigue (poor pacing on my part), electrolytes and slight dehydration).

That's funny Lowell thinks I'm a vegetarian. I did tell him that I don't like bacon or hamburger. I do eat burgers. As a matter of fact, I had one on the way home and one today after skiing. I just prefer leaner protein.

I love the time we were able to spend together, however little it was. I think of you everyday and pray for you like I pray for all my kids. I love you.

Dale,

I am so glad you stopped me and introduced yourself. I was such an idiot. I could never recognize people even if I've met them before. I wish we could have chatted more. You did awesome! You surpassed your goal. I am so excited for you. 2009 is gonna be your year.

Thanks for the tips on the muscle cramps. I need to be more vigilante in following them. I didn't take any electrolytes or supplements during the race. I thought 13.1 is not necessary. Was I wrong.

Kathie,

It was your purple outfit and your "highness" that I was able to pick you out of the sea of people. I wish we could have chatted longer. I missed seeing the rest of your crew though. You did awesome. You're so FAST. How did Kimmy do? Can't wait to see you again soon.

Rachel,

THANKS!!! Is Myrtle Beach on Feb 14? I am so EXCITED for you. You are going to do great. You totally can run FASTER than me. Stay focus and you'll run your best Half there. Here's to sub 1:55.

The jello was good. I just never eat so much and so many kinds of food the night before a race. Thankgoodness the race started at 9am. If it were at 6am I would've been in trouble. :)

From huans32 on Tue, Jan 20, 2009 at 07:40:34

Great report Smooth. It was great to see you at the end and run with you a tiny bit. Your always so great to be around. Looking forward to our next run/race together. Sorry about the cramps again. Your going do awesome at Boston again this yr.

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