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St. George Marathon

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Location:

Dogtown,Ut,

Member Since:

Jan 02, 2006

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

PRs: 2:26:29 marathon @ St.George '14; 1:09:55 1/2 mar. '08; 31:00 10k '07

Short-Term Running Goals:

Love running now.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Love running forever!

Personal:

My perfect day would include a run through the desert, time with my wife and girls, tasty homemade meals, and a nice nap in the middle.

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Adios Lifetime Miles: 512.25
Rocket 2 Lifetime Miles: 109.00
Kinvara Grey Lifetime Miles: 222.00
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Boston Lifetime Miles: 520.25
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Ravenna Lifetime Miles: 525.50
Barefoot '18 Lifetime Miles: 6.75
Levitate Lifetime Miles: 419.50
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Solar Glide Lifetime Miles: 210.00
Levitate Black Lifetime Miles: 83.75
Race: St. George Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:47:54
Total Distance
27.00

St. George Marathon -

Well what an up and down down race wise and emotionally for me.  I really had a good feeling about things going into this.  Even being sick this week, I just had this gut feeling that the race was going to rip.  Workouts had been solid all summer; I was coming off crazy mileage in the spring; had enough time to turn that into great speed; the taper was awesome; had a huge personal motivation that I was using to drive me for the past couple months, and I was evening feeling quite a bit better waking up this morning.  But I guess it just wasn't meant to be.  The race went like this:

  Started off very well.  5:30 for the first mile.  Had a great pack including JeffMc and Seth; the weather was great and I no signs of anything bad.  Moving toward the end of mile 2, Seth took off after Ian (I figured it was only a matter of time), but Jeff and I were talking and just planning on working together throughout and making the best of it all.  For the next 5 miles things were great.  I really had not one bad thing going on through 7.  My legs felt so good.  My breathing was great.  And mentally I felt strong.  Then going up Veyo, just like that, it was all gone.  My legs turned to bricks.  Everything was gone.  It seemed that everything that could hurt on my legs was; my hips, quads, calves, even a plantar like pain in my right foot.  I tried to keep it cool and tell myself that the group had only gained about 15 meters on me up the hill and I would work on them through Dammeron.  I tried a surge on top, but nothing.  Tried again, again nothing.  I gave it one more shot at about mile 10, and I knew that it was over.  From there I just backed it way off.  I thought, "What good does a brutal 2:35 or so experience get me?  Nothing."  So I basically just jogged it as I waited for James to catch up.  If nothing else good was going to come of this, I was going to be able to help my brother get his goals.  Before too long, about around the 1/2, people started coming by me - Greg, Sasha, Walter, many others - and it was kind of fun to give them some yells of encouragement.  Really my mind was fine through here.  It was, what it was!  Saw some people through the crowds that understood when it's not your day it's not and they gave shout outs of encouragement.  Coming up on 19, I really backed off and stopped at my ward's aide station there and chatted and waited for James.  Before too long I saw him cresting the Winchester Hill, so I started up again and got him up to me.  He said he was struggling, but he actually looked decent.  But as we started the drop, I could tell his legs were hammered as he couldn't use the hill at all.  It was a lot of fun working with him, encouraging him, even giving a little yell here-and-there to keep him going.  And he totally responded as we pushed through those last few brutal miles when you are just so dead, to be at 2:47.  I was really proud of him and glad that I could help a little.  It was fun seeing a lot of other people do really well and hit some awesome goals, too.

  At the same time, I am kind of having a hard time with it as well.  You put so much time and effort into this.  So much time and effort.  The beastly early mornings.  Pushing yourself so hard.  Hours and hours; years and years.  And for some reason it just doesn't work.  I know that being sick had something to do with it, but...

I think another reason I am kind of struggling with it is, that I am done.  Marathons and I have a love-hate relationship.  I love them; they hate me!  I love running more than any other thing beside my family and my religion.  Even the pain and torture are part of the pull.  I love to race; always have.  The rush, the speed, the feeling of just going all out and just driving the body to extremes that so few know just apeals to me in every way.  But I decided that this is it - at least for competitive marathoning.  I can't do it anymore.  It has been too much on me.  But I walk away with my head held high.  I gave it my best shot... no one can ever say I didn't put my every ounce into it.  I really am kind of sad about it (and I know that some will think, "Yeah, right?  You'll be back."), but I've always wanted to be done with no regrets - and me... I have absolutely NO REGRETS.  Every time I tried, I tried as hard as I could.  And I tried every time.   

So here I go moving on to the next challenge.  Of course, there is no way I could leave running.  The draw of the open road, whether it be paved, dirt, or trail, is much to much to my liking, so I just leave to move to the next... Watch out Ultra-world.  Here I come!

by the way (Ohana racers 189.35)

Ohana Racers Miles: 27.00
Comments
From Burt on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 16:14:28 from 98.167.151.26

Good luck with your next endeavors!

From Jon on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 16:28:23 from 75.169.136.26

Sorry to hear about your tough race, Dave. Some days, we just don't have it. But there seems to be a common theme on the blog these days... goodbye road marathons, hello ultras! That's exactly what I said after TOU, too. Hopefully we can race together some in the future.

From Mik'L on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 16:39:11 from 208.117.127.110

You are awesome Dave. I hope you feel like you can "come back" to marathons if you change your mind, which I think (and hope) you will. But you rocked Squaw Peak, so maybe that will be a good "break" for you, even though you cannot in any way call ultras a break! Way to make a positive experience out of today and help James in. We'll see you tomorrow!

From Dustin on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 16:39:49 from 209.33.192.10

Sorry your race didn't go as planned. I think I could just copy and paste your race report for mine own. It was tough out there today. Like you I felt like I was very well prepared and ready for a great race, but it soon turned into a bummer. I did find joy in being with my family and knowing they were there for me regardless of my time or place. Dave you are still an inspiration for all of us. Best of luck in your future races and goals. I really enjoyed running the first 7 miles with James. I thought both of us were going to really have great marathons.

From JamesH on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 17:48:32 from 74.211.22.194

Not much I can add to what others have said except a HUGE thanks for coming back for me. Not to get super publicly emotional but your an incredible runner and my inspiration for getting back into the sport. When things arent going quite as I hope or plan I can always count on your wisdom and support. Thanks again for that and I really hope that you can realize your running goals because I belive that its within your reach but for some reason or other it hasnt happened yet.

From crockett on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:05:26 from 216.49.181.254

Great effort....only in my dreams running like that. There is a wonderful world of ultras out there ready for you to taste. The sport has more than doubled in in the last few years. Some great adventures and races out there waiting.

From Vis on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:10:30 from 64.255.93.37

Dave, you really are awesome. Think of everything you have done and what those whom you have influenced have been able to accomplish--me included. You shouldn't have any regrets. Now, grow your hair out, let your quirks come to the forefront, and hit the dirt. BTW, you need to youtube Tony Krupicka. Have a good weekend.

From Superfly on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:19:05 from 208.117.127.110

So sorry. You have worked soo hard this year. Crazy hard. I really had a good feeling too. Even this morning up there at the start I thought Dave's gonna win. But I to share the same love hate thing... It's just soo hard to have a good race. The one you know your ready for and have worked for. I think I like training but not so much racing. But I'm going to maybe try again... if the hammy ever gets fully healthy. And it would soo much better if you we're there. Saying that I'd like to dabble with some Ultra crap too so... "whats next".

From Stewmyster on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:22:44 from 174.23.159.197

Congrats Dave, even though it didn't quite end up the way you wanted. You've got a lot to be proud of. Keep your head held high man, you have a lot to be proud of!!

From Mike Warren on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:35:28 from 208.117.124.133

No matter, your still the man! Always showing us how to push the extra mile and making the club a blast! To me you are the one we all want to be like. I guess if this is your last, not a better way to leave than helping your bro! Of course, thats just Dave for you. Class act my friend!!!

From crockett on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:36:14 from 216.49.181.254

If you ultra dabblers want to give something a try now that your road racing season is done, come try my race in two weeks, Pony Express Trail 50 out in the Utah west desert on the historic route. No fee. All dirt, very flat. No speed demons entered yet. At this point, I'll be the first one to the 50 mile mark (we also have a 100-mile division, I'll be running 100 miles). See http://www.ponyexpress100.org

From Jon on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 18:39:28 from 75.169.149.146

Clyde and Dave- FRB crew at Rocky Raccoon 100 in 2010- Paul and Cody are coming to crew me. You guys should come, too, so the FRB can have a huge showing!

From Kory on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 19:47:09 from 134.50.201.10

Dave your dedication will never be over match. God has blessed you and you have the talent. I understand about burn-out or frustration. This is the way I felt this year. I was addicted to running. I loved to run, but yet hated the hours of hard training the times you had to be dedicated. The times of being away from the family. Your missing out on things, because you felt like you need the rest.

I think sometimes we feel we want to just run normal and find that fun of it again, rather than pushing for a certain time. Good luck with ultra's. Find the joy of running again for yourself, and you will know what's best for you. God's help can be your guiding light.

From Chandis on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 21:23:47 from 74.211.33.142

Great job Coach! Your amazing. The whole team and I look up to you so much. You show us how to LOVE running. Thanks so much for your example! Ultra's are insane.. But so are you so its ok.

From Sierra :) on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 21:26:48 from 209.33.250.234

Coach! What a great entree! You really are an inspiration to me. You do have SO much to be proud of! You are an insanely incredible runner, don't ever forget it. I'm glad your my coach and I get to receive training from you. I'm very excited to see what you will do with your running career from here.

From Kelli on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 22:29:52 from 75.162.136.134

WOW, what an awesome perspective you have. One I think all of understand!! We feel your pain and frustration.

What about being a pacer? It sounds like you really helped Dave a ton. I think you would be great at motivating others, then you could still love the marathon and help many others at the same time. Just a thought!

From Holt on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 22:31:50 from 75.169.74.94

thanks guys!

Davey I was actually just looking at the Pony Express, but I'll be out in Denver celebrating my 10th anny that passed just a couple days ago. But you can pen me in for next year!

From allyholt on Sat, Oct 03, 2009 at 23:39:08 from 75.169.74.94

Dave,

As always, I am so proud of you. You are an amazing runner and soooo many people would die to have your time. I know that doesn't help because you know you have done better. You know as well as anyone that there are good races and bad, and today wasn't so good. I know there is more great things to come from you. You are too good and too determined. Whatever you want to do next- I am here to support you 100%. I am very proud of you- and what a great brother and friend you are. You truly are amazing!

From daceg on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 01:25:39 from 74.211.28.156

You were helping people and you didn't even know it. After I started watching your PV kids last year and reading your posts, this old sprinter decided to go try another marathon. I ran a PR by over 27 minutes. Your blog was a big factor in my training.

Your commitment to running is inspirational. This is easily seen by the comments above and the classy group of XC kids under your tutelage. Thanks for the help.

From The Beast on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 02:16:04 from 74.211.17.81

Coach no matter what your running you will always be a Legend in my book. I would still be way fat if you hadn't taught how to love running. Thanks for everything.

From jtshad on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 11:54:47 from 69.20.183.178

Sorry that the day didn't turn out the way you wanted. Sounds like you had a real epiphany out there and have found out something that you can refocus on.

Watch out Ultra world, here comes Dave!

From Paul on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 17:11:53 from 174.23.93.194

Sorry that it didn't come together for you Dave. But you showed a lot of character in training, in the racing itself, and then helping your bro'. Good can often come out of bad. Good luck on the trails. If you ever come out to do the Bear, I can spot you a free room.

From MarcieJ on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 18:20:53 from 74.211.7.245

I am sorry the day didnt go as planned for you. It's hard when that happens and you trained so hard. I remember feeling like that last year. It is frustrating. I really look up to you for waiting for your brother and helping him through it. What a great relationship you guys have! I think taking breaks from the racing is good. I think my break from competive racing while pregnant was exactly what I needed to want to race hard again. Good luck with whatever you do and hopefully I will hit the road with you guys soon!

From Steve Piccolo on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 23:16:26 from 66.60.123.63

HI Dave. You don't know me, but I have followed your blog a little. Sorry about the tough race. That must be very frustrating. I'm sure you would be an outstanding ultramarathoner. I had a thought come to mind though. You have such great potential in marathons that it's sad to see you not run them anymore. Maybe you'll feel a little differently after some time off. Or maybe trying some new things will give you a renewed desire later on. But whatever you do, the down times will make the ups even sweeter down the road.

From James on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 23:40:05 from 174.23.35.13

If you try to retire I'll kick your butt! You are going to bust out a big one soon, as soon as you can get through the pressure. You are way too fast to start doing Ultras all of the time. Next time you bail come with me!

From josse on Sun, Oct 04, 2009 at 23:49:06 from 70.193.156.88

Oh how bitter sweet this is. I know that SG race all to well because it is usually mine. I am sad to hear you will not be returning to the competitive thing, but I think you will do great in the ultra world. Best of luck to you in your new adventure:)

From c h a d on Mon, Oct 05, 2009 at 12:17:45 from 67.42.252.25

Dave--you are a fierce competitor and you never leave anything out on the course. I can't wait to see what you do next. Good luck to you!

From Sasha Pachev on Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 19:06:35 from 192.168.1.1

Dave:

You've tried a number of things, but there is one thing you have not yet tried. Train reasonably. You have trained hard, had success, concluded that the harder means better, tried that, and discovered it was too hard.

I will repeat a quote from Renato Canova. "You can go out and run 3 hours and you are no good for the marathon". Ultra-training or even participation sets you up for a disaster in the marathon almost to the extent that a low-mileage 5 K focus would. You learn to be comfortable jogging, but marathon at a high level is a long sprint. You need to learn to be comfortable not just moving for a long time, but sprinting for a long time.

Thus, once you are over 80 miles a week, what matters is not how many miles you run, or how long your long run is, but how much you run at or near your marathon race pace. And again, here more is not always necessarily better. You should always be safely away from the red line.

Speaking more specifically about what you have not tried yet is bring back your 800 speed to your collegiate level. If you could run in it even as slow as the low-2:00 you would have a shot at a trial's qualifier. That potential was there in 2007. I do not know if it is still there after the ultra training.

However, I would say that if you do a another year of ultra focus that speed potential has a good chance to go away and never come back, and things might get bad enough to where breaking 2:40 in the marathon is a challenge.

If you do want to OTQ, the remedy from the current state is focus on 800 meters while maintaining decent mileage (70 a week) until you've done it for 6 months or until you can run 2:02. Then work on taking it to longer distances progressively until you can run 14:30 flat sea-level 5 K equivalent. Then start marathon specific training with the focus on as much mileage at 5:20 flat sea-level equivalent pace as possible without running yourself into the ground.

From Kory on Thu, Oct 08, 2009 at 23:55:28 from 134.50.201.10

I think the sickness Sasha had more to do with it in than the training. Dave's speed looked great up till the event.

I totally did no speed work leading up to the Provo Marathon just slower runs and I ran a 2:40 there.

From Dustin on Sat, Oct 10, 2009 at 18:31:19 from 209.33.192.10

First of all I find it rather interesting, rather than other offering any words of encouragement or concern Sasha jumps right into lecture mood, something that has driven a number of people away from the blog. I don't recall Dave asking for any training requests or suggestions at this point.

Unfortunately Sasha doesn't know half of the things Dave has had to overcome not just with his running, but in life the last few years.

The guy wasn't having a good race, like I'm sure we've all experienced. So he listened to his body backed off and finished with his brother, which is something I'm sure they both will always remember. Speaking of James Holt, he has improved greatly this last year, and I know he owes a lot of it to the encouragement of his brother.

Ok back to Dave. I think over the years Dave has more than demonstrated his speed and ability to run a fast marathon. I mean the guy went from a 2:42 in 2006 to a 2:26 the next year at St. George. The guy has plenty of speed and does just fine with his training. In fact I can't think of many guys that are able to work the hours he does and still accomplish the amount of training he does. In my opinion he has a good range of speed from 10K's to the full marathon, and now if Dave wants to train and run Ultra's more power to him. If that is where he is going to be at peace and enjoy running than that is where he needs to be, not out on a track running 800s.

From Stewmyster on Sat, Oct 10, 2009 at 20:19:55 from 64.255.94.159

Well said Dustin.

From TylerS on Mon, Oct 12, 2009 at 11:07:42 from 66.29.160.130

I am just getting back to the blog after taking 3 months off. I will admit that I still check out your blog every week Dave. I am always inspired by your workouts and how dedicated you are to coaching those high school kids. I agree 100% with Dustin. I have a lot of respect for people that run Ultra's. The thing that I like the most is that they can go run 100 miles and the only thing that the winner receives is a belt buckle or trophy. They don't race for money or fame. It is just them and the trail. It is more about the journey not the destination. I think that it is awesome that you went back and ran with James! Awesome job again and I look forward to watching you take over the ultra world. I have attached a blog entry from Geoff Roes. He has raced and won 6 100 mile races this year and set a course record on 5 of them. I really enjoyed reading this entry. http://akrunning.blogspot.com/2009/09/running-and-love.html

From Bill on Wed, Oct 14, 2009 at 11:27:26 from 168.179.180.160

Dave

when i think of great Runners your Name always stands out! I am very honored to be in association with you! and i enjoy all the encouragement you have given me in the past! every runner has bad races! I seem to have to many of them often. I do not trian as hard as you do. I do not even run half the miles that you do. My legs would fall off! and other body parts i can not mention on this blog! I was so impressed when u knew u would not have a good day you waited for James! WOW. your awesome! your a true champion! I wish you well with what ever you choose to do in your next adventure!

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