So… confession time. I just did something completely crazy. With one little click of my index finger, I pressed “Submit” on a registration form… and now on October 7th, 2017 yours truly will be running the St. George Marathon!
Yes, A FULL 26.2 Mile Marathon.
Proof.
Why would I do this?!
That’s a very good question I’m probably going to keep asking over and over! I was NOT planning on doing this. In fact, I was NEVER planning to run a full marathon again. I’ve been 100% happy with running 5K, 10K and Half Marathons with Mr. Mo. We’ve been enjoying our little “one race per month” hobby for the past 3 years. No need to send a disturbance through the peaceful force.
BUT… then it felt like all the stars aligned this year – almost like the heavens were sending “signs” – to run the SGM.
SIGN #1.
The St. George Marathon is considered one of the top Marathons in the world, and has been named a #1 Boston qualifier . It is so popular, that THOUSANDS of people all over the globe want to run it. So, for decades entry has been doled out by a lottery system. Meaning, the odds were close to zip of ever getting in.
But…
THIS YEAR = NO LOTTERY.
Open to all. Starting April 1, 2017 – first come, first served until all 7,800 slots are taken (and I hear it is filling up).
SIGN #2.
The St. George Marathon is always held on the 1st Saturday weekend in October which is also when the LDS General Conference Weekend happens [#1 big important weekend I’m always singing with the choir & would never miss.]
But…
THIS YEAR = NO CONFERENCE
Okay, don’t panic! Of COURSE THERE IS going to be a General Conference in October 2017 – but, this year it happens to be held Saturday Sept 30 – Sunday Oct 1st.
Which means, that the “First Saturday of October” in 2017 will be the week AFTER General Conference!
Two things that “never happen” just happened.
Thanks to my MoTab choir sister Stephanie for pointing all of this out to me last week [I blame you, Steph] – I realized that if I am ever going to run the St. George Marathon in my lifetime – something in my “past life” I used to always dream about doing – then this year may be my one and only chance.
__________________________________
For the record…
It’s been nearly 2 decades since I ran my first full Marathon. It was the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska – June 19, 1999 – to be exact. I ran as part of Utah’s Team In Training, raising research funds and awareness for Leukemia. Being a part of that team and having that experience was truly awesome and unforgettable.
I ran three additional marathons after Alaska. The Rock-N-Roll marathon in San Diego (2002 – hottest on record), and The Top of Utah Marathon in Logan, UT – twice! In 2001 the race was just a few days after the horrific events of 9-11, so the local Boy Scouts went and lined the entire course in American Flags. *Chills!* #unforgettable
And, returning to Logan in 2002 I struggled for 26.2 miles through one of the worst snowstorms on record, but got my best PR … because, I basically couldn’t feel my legs after Mile 4 so I just kept going faster! [I like to say I know what it is like to run with an epidural anesthesia].
So…. the good news
I’ve done this kind of crazy before, so I KNOW [barring some unforeseen disaster] I CAN FINISH a Marathon. Apparently, my kind of body – like my kind of life – was created for surviving long, slow tests of endurance.
And the not-so-good news
I ALSO KNOW what I am getting myself into. I know the hours and hours and hours of commitment it takes to train a body and mind to be able to keep running for hour after hour through all kind of weather and physical/emotional conditions, in order to cross the finish line before that 6 hour limit.
I ALSO KNOW what it feels like to hit “the wall” at Mile 21 when your legs turn into 500 pound jelly logs, and your brain gets fuzzled, and all you want to do is just lay down on the road and cry … or die … except everyone on the sidelines are screaming at you “don’t give up! Keep going! You’re almost there!” and you really want to scream and punch them in the face – if only you had any strength to scream or move your arms – because 5.2 MILES IS NOT “ALMOST THERE” YOU IDIOTS!!
For the record, 5.2 miles might as well be 52 miles when you hit that wall. Just saying.
And, there’s no need to go reminding me that my body is 2 decades older…Trust me.
I DEFINITELY KNOW!
Oh, well!
Here’s me clicking that “submit” button….
NO refunds.
NO transfers.
NO excuses.
I’ve got 26 weeks! Time to get my game on, launch my plan of attack, and hit the road!
I’ll keep you updated. Wish me luck. – MoSop
Latter-day Soprano 
Wow, can’t decide if the stars aligned or you are just a glutton for punishment! But what ever, You Go Girl!!
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Yeah, definitely! 😉
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Wishing you all the very best! You’ve got this!!
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Thanks! One day at a time!
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OMG!!! I am so in awe of you. I was a sprinter in high school. I could run like the wind for about 100 yds. But, after that, not so much. When I was in my 30’s I started jogging, but about the most I could go was a mile. I can’t even imagine 26 miles. I decided to start walking again for exercise, and measured in my car, the oval of the parking lot at our home. It’s 1/10th of a mile. I made it all the way around twice today. So, 26 miles you say.
I laughed so hard several times in this blog. The part about wanting to punch the people cheering for you, I know that feeling. The gif of the dog running, that’s me.
One of my sons has run a couple of marathons. The KY Derby Festival has a mini and full marathon each year. One year he ran the mini in a Star Trek uniform. Are you allowed to wear costumes. You’d make a beautiful Princess Leia. Good luck to you. I’ll be praying for you.
Love, Lynne
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Haha but, That’s awesome you’re walking again for fitness! Keep up the good work and I bet you’ll get to 10 laps before you know it!
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I can’t even run 26.2 feet! Lol! I’ll just have to live vicariously through you!
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Haha, I bet you can. But thanks for the support!
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Good luck! I hope all goes well 🙂
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Thanks eliza, me too!
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Will be anxious to hear news about the extreme event you will be experiencing. There should be coverage by Utah stations. You are on my calendar of “coming events”. Very best wishes. Singing while you run won’t work so maybe humming your favorite songs (100’s) will help a little! Look forward to future reports!!!
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Thanks so much for your support Joann! I like the humming 100’s idea. 😉
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Wow, best of luck to you! Here’s hoping it’s a pleasant balmy Saturday, and you are in tip top shape! A gaol is a dream with a plan and a timeline, so you should be all set.
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