Skyline Trail Marathon Post Race

Wow what an experience.  While I wouldn't put that one down for the record books I would have to say it wasn't bad for my first marathon!  I had a few ups and downs but over all it left me wanting more, but just a tad sore.

I headed up to my dad's the night before to make sure I could get a good jump on the morning. My dad being the ever caring soul wanted to drive up and scope out the starting line.  We headed up Friday night and as we were driving around what would be the start and end of the course it finally started to sink in.  When you stand back and look at the distance it is quite far.  I guess looking at a map doesn't quite do it justice.  I honestly don't know how the 50+ milers do it. Maybe its a scope thing.  You just can't tell how big it is?

Skyline Marathon Route

Anyway back to the race.  I woke up early on Saturday morning around 3:30.  I didn't even have to hit my alarm my body was already awake.  I made quick work of getting ready and packed my things.  My dad was heading down to do the Saratoga Tri and was just getting up as well.  I Said good bye and wished him luck and headed out the door.

When I got to the park people were just beginning to get there, I got out of the car to stretch and just stare at the stars.  I forget how many there are.  I kept looking around at other people as they were moving around trying to see what they were bringing for hydration, etc. I guess I was feeling self conscious about bringing my hydration pack. Was 64oz overkill?  In the end it proved to be a good decision for me.  Although I could have probably done just as well with two bottles.

The bus drivers got lost on the way to the trail head.  It didn't help that it was still dark and then having 50ish people telling you that you went the wrong way.  We ended up starting around 6:20, almost 20 min late.  I guess I really didn't need to bring my headlamp because the sun was now peaking up over the mountains to the east.  We got started fairly quick and the lead group was gone.  I learned after finishing that they finished sub 4 hours.  Just amazing.

The climb to Ben Lomond peak went great.  I did run into an issue with my left foot going numb for about 3 miles but after adjusting my shoe several times it finally went away.  The rest of the climb was fun and I was just enjoying my first trail race.  When we got to the AS at the top of the ridge the view was amazing from both sides.  I grabbed a quick cup of water and headed on down the trail along the ridge line.  I was felling pretty good and was trying to hold myself back but I couldn't resist letting loose a little on that awesome single track.

Skyline Trail heading south to North Ogden Divide

I was just having a blast and continued that all the way down to the divide and the AS.  I filled up and grabbed some snacks and headed up the trail.  I was expecting the trail to be mostly like the previous climb with nice switchbacks and a decent grade.  The game changer for me was when I turned that next corner and began staring at the 15-20% grade before me.  It wasn't going to be a run for me but rather a very long hike to the top.  I got a good gauge on my shape as a few people passed me and I really began to struggle with the accent.  When the trail finally broke the tree line and wrapped up the ridge line I finally saw the picture below.

Climbing to the peak on South Skyline

By now the lead pack was probably almost done and the sun was getting higher overhead.  It was hot and the climb was miserable and I didn't like where this was going.  By the time I hit he summit and headed down to the 3rd AS I was tired and I wasn't quite feeling the same as I had been on the down hill from Ben Lomond.  What I didn't know at the time is that I had ascended an extra 1000ft over what I had been planning.  For some reason I thought the total elevation gain was going to be 4200ft, after finishing and uploading data from my Garmin it came in at 5264.

I decided that I would turn on some music and make the best of the next 8 miles before heading off the mountain to the marina at Pineview.  I passed a few people and got passed more than I would like to admit. The trail was long, dusty and never ending.  It didn't help the Pineview with its blue water was very inviting.

Finally hitting the marina I filled up on some more water and hit the last 3 miles of trail along the shore. It was miserable and I was hot and out of energy.  In between stints of walking and running at what seemed like lightening speeds (I could have been passed by a grandma in a walker) I kept plugging away inching ever closer to the end.  I looked longingly at the families launching their boats to head into the cool water that seemed like it was just feet away.  I was also recalling the stories that I have read on running blogs about people hallucinating in heat or from exhaustion and wondering to myself at what point that would become a reality.  I was no where near that stage but I wondered in my head what it would take to get there.

One of the great things that I love about doing these races is the support from my wife and kids.  I love getting to that finishing line and having those kids run the final stretch with me.  It a fantastic feeling.  And I have to give some serious props to my wife for standing out there waiting for me with 4 little ones.  Not many people would do that.

The kids and I finishing

I was glad to be finished.  More than anything I was glad to be out of the sun and out of the heat.  It took me a grand total of 6:22.  I remember thinking to myself when doing the last climb if this was something that I wanted to do again. I had already registered for the Antelope Island 50k in October and the thought of running at that time was a very challenging one.  Interesting thing was that once I crossed that line I new I wanted to do Antelope Island more than ever.

As a matter of fact I am already itching to get back up on the trails and my legs haven't even recovered yet.  I really want to run the Brighton to Rock Springs section of the Wasatch 100.  I am thinking maybe this Saturday.  Here's to getting back out on the trails.