2009 Ogden Marathon

There is nothing like running a marathon. There is nothing like running a marathon with a great running partner. It is twice as nice when that running partner is your spouse. Becky and I completed the 2009 Ogden Marathon together yesterday after what seems like years and years of preparation and obstacles. Both of us had injuries and doubts to deal with along the way. We almost ran two separate races after Becky switched to the half marathon. Luckily at the last minute, once she decided she was up to the full, she got in. We were a great team, keeping each other in check, making sure we followed out our game plan. We had two goals: to finish together, and to beat my last marathon's time. We did both. I still feel the frustration of knowing that the wheels feel off round mile 22; that is where I hit the biggest wall I've ever hit in my running. Becky still hadn't run out of gas and despite her encouragement, I couldn't keep up. I almost felt that I needed to walk the whole rest of the way. I was dizzy as could be and it was evident to many others as they asked if I was okay. I walked for about a mile and a half alone, and I saw Becky; not because I was gaining on her, but because she'd come back to get me. I've never been so in love with her in my life. Could she really like me that much as to not cross the finish line with her best time possible? I couldn't believe the energy and excitement she had. She definitely carried me through. We paced around a 10 minute mile for the first 18 miles which is no small accomplishment for us. We ran through Ogden Canyon much quicker than I did last year, but it was the Ogden Parkway that got me again. Those last couple miles are so challenging. We finished hand in hand at 5:05:58 and felt pretty good physically afterward. Becky is already talking about her next race, it will take me a couple days to catch up to her.