Top of Utah Marathon

Ryan ran the Top of Utah marathon in Logan, UT today! It was his third marathon and such a great experience for both of us.

To begin with, he registered for the marathon MONTHS ago, but we put off reserving a hotel room until it got a little closer. Mid-July, we remembered that we needed a room. After searching various on-line sites, we snatched up what appeared to be the only vacant room in all of Logan.

Fast-forward to yesterday...Ryan left school early and we left the girls at home with my sister, (their Aunt Moo-Moo, whom they ADORE!). When we arrived at the Logan Econolodge, we realized we had reserved the honeymoon suite for the night--complete with 2-person jacuzzi tub! Now, let's be honest, the Econolodge isn't exactly luxury lodging, so even the honeymoon suite wasn't much to speak of. And, check out was at 11 a.m., which meant that Ryan wouldn't have a chance to shower after the marathon. But, it was 2 blocks from the finish line and a place to crash for the night so we weren't complaining!

We ate at Olive Garden, (so Ryan could carb-load), and then strolled along Main Street to pick up his registration packet. At Ryan's previous marathons, I was first-trimester pregnant or we had the girls with us, so we weren't able to spend as much time as we would have liked at the marathon expos. This year, we had neither of those issues--and there was no expo! There was a cool feature at this marathon, however, where the timing system will send you a text message at the 13 and 20 mile marks, as well as at the finish. We signed up for that, so I'd know when to head over to the park to meet Ryan.

This morning, Ryan got up at 4:30 a.m., got ready, and headed to the park. It was a good thing he got up early because just before he got on the shuttle bus to the starting line, he realized he had forgotten his timing chip! He ran back to the motel, picked up his chip, then ran back to the park so he wouldn't miss the last bus at 5:45. He made it in plenty of time, and we were even more grateful our motel was so close to the park.

Because I've paid attention to Ryan's training times this season, I expected his 13-mile text around 9:30 a.m. It didn't come and it didn't come...and I started to wonder if he'd started late, if the device hadn't worked properly, or if they somehow had the wrong phone number. Finally, I received a text at 10:22--Ryan was already at the 20-mile marker! He was making GREAT time!

A few minutes later, I headed over to the office to check out. When I got there, they had posted a sign saying they were offering a few of their rooms until 3 p.m. for runners to use for showers, free of charge. At this point, I was incredibly impressed with the Econolodge (and extremely grateful I wasn't going to have to ride home with a sweaty, stinky husband)! :)

I walked up to the street the park was on. Instead of heading straight over there, I stood by the marathon route waiting to see Ryan and cheer him on. I got a lump in my throat just watching all the runners. Every time I've been to a marathon, I get choked up watching these people run. I don't know why, but even though I don't know most of them, I am just so proud of them for accomplishing such a major feat!

As I stood there trying to look encouraging to all the runners I didn't know, it started POURING rain. (It had been raining off and on all morning.) It was short-lived, but I was quite wet by the time it was over. A few minutes later, I saw Ryan running up, cheered for him, then walked over to the park when he'd passed. The runners had to run up and around a few streets back to the park, but it was just a straight-shot for me from where I was waiting. Once I got near the finish line, I found a great vantage point and cheered runners on while I waited for Ryan. When I finally saw him coming, I stepped under the rope, went down to meet him, then jogged in (purse, street clothes, and all!) with him across the finish line for a final time of 4:25! This is almost a full 35 min. better than St. George. And, St. George was about 30 min. better than Salt Lake! I was SO proud of him for getting such a great time!

I was actually really surprised that no one told me not to stay with Ryan after we crossed the finish line. I got to be there as they handed him his finishers medal and then I waited with him in the "recovery corral" where they had post-run food and drinks for the runners, (along with medical attention--thank goodness Ryan has never needed that after a run!). While we were waiting, Ryan mentioned that next time, we should plan ahead so I can run at least the last mile with him. After a while, we headed over to the massage tent to wait in line. When Ryan's turn came, I headed over to a picnic table and read until he was done.

Ryan is doing better than I've ever seen him after a marathon. He has learned a lot during his previous marathons and, I feel, was better prepared for this one than for any of the others. He's figured out how to fuel his body well during the race and knows what works best for him when it's over. He's sore now, of course, but is just doing awesome. In fact, Ryan said toward the end of the race, when he's normally wondering why in the world he decided to do another marathon, he was instead thinking that he was looking forward to the next one. Good thing, because he's planning on a triathalon next summer!

If I'm honest, I must say that I feel a tiny bit of ownership in his accomplishment as well, because I know my support has enabled him to take advantage of this opportunity. In the end, I'm really proud of Ryan. He works so hard to train for these marathons and I am thrilled to see him reach his goal. His hard work and dedication inspire me to work harder and be better, too!