Salt Lake City Half Marathon

Wow! It's been a while since we've posted. Time to get back on the blogging ball. On Saturday, April 16, Lacy and I ran the Salt Lake City Half Marathon. The weather had been crummy the whole week leading up to the race, and the forecast was for rain. Booooooo! Luckily for us, the weather cooperated, and race morning was beautiful. It was a little chilly, but not super uncomfortable. And we timed it just about perfect for our arrival at the start line. We parked near the finish area, and took Trax up to the start line at the University of Utah. The location was beautiful, and we could just tell it would be a good day. With views like this to start the day, how could it not be?

We hopped around at the start line for about 15 minutes before it was time to get in the chute and get ready to go. My only complaint about the start line area was the number of Honey Buckets available to use. I don't know how many thousands of runners were there between the full and half marathons, but the number of toilets available was nowhere near enough. We didn't have time to wait, so I just started the race with a relatively full bladder. We were still smiling despite having to use the restroom, though!

The race started right on time (which is always nice), and off we went. The course changed last year, and while I can't compare it to the previous version because I never ran it, I do have to say that this year's course was great. We ran through Federal Heights, and across 11th Avenue to Memory Grove. 

Side note: I was so lucky that our friend, Sean, lives right on 11th Ave and was outside with his dog watching for me to come by. I ran straight to him, hugged him, and asked if I could use his restroom. He kindly obliged, and the rest of my race was much more relaxed. Thanks, Sean!!!

The stretch of course through Memory Grove was beautiful and a nice little downhill break around mile 3-4. This photo makes it look pretty dark, but it was gorgeous in there!

Once we were out of Memory Grove, we headed east up South Temple for a little over a mile. That was probably my least favorite portion of the course. We were running straight into the sun, and slightly uphill for that portion. It was the hottest part of the course for sure. Once we turned south on 900 East, we had a little bit of a downhill and more shade for pretty much the rest of the race. 

We wound our way through the streets of Sugar House and the Liberty Park area heading back downtown. When we came into Liberty Park for a half loop inside the park grounds, there was a group of people drumming, and it gave me such a great boost of energy! This photo doesn't quite do them justice, but it's not bad considering I took it while running past them. 

Once out of Liberty Park, there was only about a mile of the course left. I was really ready to be done by that point, and just powered through that last mile or so. 

I found Lacy once I got through the finish, we took our finisher photo, and we got the heck out of dodge. 

Thanks to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon and Half for a great event, and we will be back next year! 

P.S. I have to share my medal with Sadie, since she did most of the training for this event with me (as always). 

GO SADIE!