The Mount Nebo Half Marathon-My First Sub 2

I have been looking forward to this half marathon for a little while. In fact I heard about it last year from a friend who trains at the gym. I was fairly new at running still last year and I was a little bit intrigued by their experience running down Payson Canyon. I remember thinking last year how this sounded like something I would probably be signing up for.

I got up super early, 4:15 am and got ready with the usual things a runner does before a race.  I headed down to Payson allowing plenty of time to get on the bus.  The ride up the canyon seemed extremely long.  I think the bus wasn't going any faster than about 10 to 15 mph.  The road was steep and winding.  We arrived at the starting line and stood by large heaters to keep warm.  Only after standing there a few minutes somebody asked what time it was and I was shocked to learn the race was starting in 20 minutes.  So a final pit stop and a quick photo with my friend Monnica and I was ready to go.

This little lady is so fun to hang around.  She's spunky and cheerful and is fast.  Sure wish I could keep up with her.  I quit trying long ago.  But she was awfully sweet to run the entire Salt Lake City Half Marathon with me earlier this year.

Looking at the starting line after putting my jacket in the drop bag and getting my bib pinned on. I also chatted a few minutes with the 2:20 pacer, Angie, whom I told I hope to not ever see her in the race.  Of course she knew what I meant.  This course is fast and I was planning to at least match my previous PR of 2:07 back at the Timpanogos Half Marathon.  This elevation drop was 4000 feet and Timps' was less than that so I was thinking this was a very do-able goal. The race started right on time and we were off.  I was running somewhere with the 2:10 pacer and eventually worked my way up to the 2:05 pacer.  The course was fast and I was LOVING it!  Further down the road I would occasionally see the 2:00 pacer and was trying my darndest to catch her.  Finally at mile 5 at an aid station she stopped and I didn't.  I had my fuel belt on and so I was able to keep going.  From that point on my whole goal was to not let that 2 hour pacer pass me.  I looked back only once and saw her just a little ways back from me.  I found some good peppy music on the ipod and just kept running my little heart out.

The mountains were beautiful with so many vibrant fall colors.  The sunrise was awesome too.  At times there was a little river along the winding mountain road and the morning was absolutely cool, refreshing, and thrilling.  I was having a blast!  As we came out of the canyon to the bottom of the road the course made a quick left turn and followed a road for only a short 1/2 mile and there was the finish line.  I looked at my watch and was soooooo excited to see my garmin not even at 2 hours yet.  I made a final kick to make sure I came in under 2 hours.  I came in with a final 1:57:49!!  I never dreamed this was something I was capable of.  I realize a downhill course makes a huge difference and I will probably never be able to do this again but for now I am estatic and I'll take it and keep it!!  This is one race I will never forget, such great, happy memories!

Sitting on the lawn enjoying a chocolate creamie and stretching some soreness out of my legs.

These medals are huge and beefy.  I really need to find a spot to put my medals besides being all wadded up in a mangled mess in the drawer. 

I thought this shirt was a little odd with a backwards E on it.  It took my good friend Laurie and her daughters to figure out what it says.  Can you tell?  If not look what the lighter colored lettering spells. Pretty genius huh?  I don't usually wear my race shirts unless I am out exercising but you can believe I wore this with pride the day I got my sub 2 half marathon!! I should just stop running half marathons now that I'm ahead........................Nah!!!!!! I'm not done having a good time at this yet.  Will it ever get old?? I hope not.