26.2...Big Cottonwood round 4

Marathon running is an interesting thing. It's amazing and awful and crazy and incredible. Some days I think I will never run another one, and other days I am ready to sign up right this second.

The Big Cottonwood marathon is always tempting. The course is beautiful. It is practically in my backyard. It is a good time of year. A fall marathon keeps me on track all summer.

I ran the marathon again this year. I did a lot of training in the canyon this year. People always ask if I am ready. The answer is always the same-kind of. I ran all the long runs. I drank a lot of water. I tried to get good sleep the week of the race. I picked up my packet and did everything I could to prepare. I don't know if you ever really feel ready.

It was a beautiful day. The canyon was much greener this year than it usually is. It was a little chilly at the start and warm at the end, but overall the day was really nice. 

I ran into Tina at the start. It was fun to see her since I was up there all by myself. 

I got off to a good start. I felt really strong basically the whole way. I ran really hard in the canyon. It was steep and easy to run hard and fast. I lost my steam a little around mile 9, but after taking it a little easier for a couple of miles, I picked up the pace again.

Sharon met me at mile 18 and ran several miles. She was with me on part of the wasatch loop-my least favorite part of the race. It was nice to have a little company for that part.

Andrea met me and ran the last few miles. It was nice to have that company too. I slowed down a bit by then so it was really nice to have someone to push me a little more than I could push myself.

I got closer to the chute and saw Becky and Amanda with animal heads. I was so happy to see them. It's always nice to have a little crowd at the finish line. It was so nice of them to come.

I really love this race. It is steep and hard and also so rewarding to finish. My time did not reflect this, but I felt really strong the whole way. I am not happy with my time, but I am happy with my preformance. Part of me think 12 is a good number to end on, and the other part of me can't wait to do it again.