We ran the Utah Valley Half Marathon yesterday!! We were up late Friday night booking our honeymoon stuff so by the time I got to my bed it was 12:22—> the alarm clock going off at 3:30 a.m. was not my favorite feeling ever. I think we all question what the heck we are doing with our lives when we have to get up that early for a race but knowing that a beautiful course and the post-race high was just a few hours away is what gets me out of my comfortable bed.
We first went to the marathon busses (my mistake… I didn’t read the email very well) and it is a very good thing that one of Andrew’s friends told us we were about to get on the marathon bus because we were not prepared for 26.2 miles. We jumped in our car real quick and drove over to the 1/2 marathon busses and we were on our way by 4:30 a.m. up the canyon. We got there right at 5 with an hour to get everything ready before starting the race. It was cold at the starting line but not too bad… I did this marathon like 5 or 6 years ago and it was SNOWING at the starting line. That never happens but I just got to experience the random year that winter showed up again in June.
We were able to ride the bus up with Candice and we met up with Keri (she took 5th overall for the women…BOOM) and hung out before the race started.
THAT SUNRISE!!!!!!! I’m telling you, between the St. George Marathon and this race—> you really need to take a runcation out here for one of these because they are stunning.
I really wanted to run with Andrew yesterday morning and we decided (I just didn’t tell him until the end) at the starting line that we were going to get him his sub 1:45 that he had been wanting. We talked for the first 5 miles and took in all of the green gorgeousness everywhere and then Andrew put in his music and then I was his paparazzi.
Mile 3 is probably the hardest on this course and Andrew charged right up that killer hill. My favorite part of the course is running by Bridal Veil Falls. I’ve run/driven/biked by this waterfall a million times and it never gets old to me.
This course could not be anymore beautiful and well organized. Every part of the expo, race, post-race runs so smoothly. You are in the canyon for about 7 miles and then the last 6ish miles are along University Avenue. Two lanes are blocked off entirely and there are police at each light stopping traffic for all of the runners. It’s a straight shot for the entire 13.1 miles and you are on the same road the entire time.
There are two of these water showers for the runners to run through along University Avenue to help cool off the runners (especially helpful for the marathon runners because by the time they get to this point it is pretty hot). They also put on a 10k that joins in with all of the other runners once you exit the canyon.
Here are his splits… (mile 4 was for a quick bathroom stop). He nailed the negative splits!
It really was so much fun running with Andrew the entire time and I kept doing the math in my head (pacers, you have a hard job!!!!!!!) because I really wanted him to get a personal record yesterday (because that feels pretty much even better than getting a pr yourself). Pretty crazy that he can pr on so little sleep, all of the craziness of planning that is going on right now and the candy we ate the night before…
Post-race they offered Jamba Juice, cinnamon rolls and Creamies (the best popsicles you will ever have). I finished off with 2.8 miles to total 16 for the day (pretty sure that is the most I have done since my marathon in December).
I think all of the runners were extremely grateful for all of the cloud cover because while it was still pretty warm, the sun was definitely not beating down on us!
PS I think one of the many reasons that Andrew rocked his race was because of the good luck sticker Brooke put on his Garmin.
And then we were back to Brookers (I love early race starts because then we get back to kids fast).
The rest of the day consisted of American Girl Doll catalogue reading, food, naps, to-do list items and….
conversations with our favorite pup.
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Do you positive split (first half faster than the second half of your race) or negative split (second half faster than the first half) your races more often?
Three things you’ve got going today?
Longest distance you have run over the last few months?
What was your last race and what is your next race?
52 comments
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious
What a beautiful route for a race! Congrats to Andrew! Today I am going for an early morning hike before it gets too hot in Phoenix then cooking and finishing a few freelance articles.
Flower
I always try to negative split and when I do those are always my best races. No races planned for a while though, too hot in Florida. Today, I’m walking my lab and my dachshund, doing some yardwork and eating lots and lots of watermelon!
Great race, have a stellar Sunday :)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie
Great job to you and Andrew! It is always exciting to PR yourself or to be with someone who PRs. The longest distance I have run lately is 10 miles, but I have 12 miles next weekend since I have a half marathon in July — can’t wait for it!
Trina
Wow!!! Great race! Those times are ones that are only dreams for me right now. I have run two half marathons recently – both in May. My next won’t be till October as I’m finally recovering from a nagging hip injury (the two halfs probably didn’t help). I’m
Working on getting my speed and endurance up, the negative splits are part of my training from my new (my first ever) running coach. I need to learn to be a little uncomfortable with pushing myself… That’s quite a lot for someone who just started running two and a half years ago (I’ve since finished 7 half marathons). Congrats again on a great race. You inspire me, Janae!
Hollie
It sounds like he had a great race and congrats! That’s got to feel so good PRing with your fiancé. It sounds like a beautiful and fun course and I’m glad you had a great time. I think we can all relate to being out late and then racing.
Loribeth
Unfortunately I usually have positive splits, but I am working on having fast finishes! My last race was last weekend, and I am not sure of the next one. I want to run in Nashville next April and June, but I want a fall race nearby……….still looking for the right one! Longest run has been 13 miles. I am going to keep it shorter than that now though, this heat and humidity are crazy……….high of 99 today! 3 things: work, dinner with friends, playing with a black lab I am sitting for!
Congrats to you and your man on the race!
Ashley G
I run the Utah Valley Half every year but decided to do the American Fork 10K instead. Then I started seeing everyone’s posts yesterday and was super bummed I didn’t run! Longest distance I’ve run was 4 miles on Thursday. Gonna sneak in a 5 next week to get ready for my 10K. Excited to try out a new course, expo and finish line but Utah Valley Half will always be one of my favorites! Nice job on the PR!
Sarah @ SarahRuns26
I ran Utah Valley last year and it is a beautiful course and a well organized race. Congrats to Andrew on a new PR!
Last race I ran was the St. Jude marathon in Memphis in December. Not sure what my next race will be! The longest I’ve run since then is 16 miles last weekend! Mostly just to see if I still could!
Steph @ loveandlunge
what a gorgeous race! i need to get my butt to utah because your pics are always stunning. last race was a half in philly in april and i’ve pretty much been injured ever since a few weeks after. I’m aching so badly to get back to running, but I know I have a long road of getting back in shape ahead of me and it’s so daunting!
Congrats to Andrew on the PR!!
Cynthia
Love love love the scenery of this race! I really want to come back out West for a Utah race or two. Congrats to Andrew on the PR!
I definitely positive split more often than negative. Working on that… lol. Since my marathon in April, the longest run has been 10.. but marathon training will be starting back up soon so that will change! Last race was a 10k yesterday (PR woohoo!), and then my next planned race is the Rock Hall Half Marathon in Cleveland this August.
Michaela
Congrats on your race!!! I did my first half marathon a couple weeks ago for a 1:49:38 time. The farthest ive ever ran is 14 miles. Im hoping to start training for a marathon soon but im not sure when. I LOVE your Utah scenery pictures… I wish Indiana was that beautiful!! Something about a beautiful outdoors makes running easier. I usually do positive miles but would like to learn how to do negative miles!! Again great job! Races are so much fun!!
Michele @paleorunningmomma
That’s an awesome negative split! Now I want to get my husband to run a half with me lol :)
Sally @ sweat out the small stuff
I rarely negative split by my current marathon PR (from May of 2014) I negative split. It’s just one more reason why that day will always be so special to me. :)
I just walked with the dog in the park.
Meeting a friend for brunch shortly
And then I’m going to see my boyfriends 10 year old daughter’s dance recital. I can’t wait. She is a gymnast too. Very elegant and graceful :)
Laura @ This Runner's Recipes
My best races had a negative split, but my marathon was a positive split and I definitely want to change that for my next marathon. Progression runs in training help me so much. Congrats to Andrew on getting that sub-1:45!
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete
I get so drawn in to your Utah race recaps! They all sound so fun! If next year wasn’t “The Year of Cheese” (hubs and I are sticking to racing in Wisconsin), I’d hike it west toward you. Maybe in 2018.:) So happy for Andrew and his PR! WOOT!
Cori @ She's Going the Distance
I try my best to negative split, but keep the paces close! Longest run was yesterday, 15 miles… :) next race is a half marathon in september, but i’m building lots of miles for a fall marathon hopefully!
Casey @ Ready.Set.Stay
I usually do a positive split without thinking about it but I’ve noticed I feel better about the race and how I feel when I do a negative split.
Three things; Eating waffles (with cookie butter!!), walking my dog, and shopping!
Denise G.
Congrats on the PR for Andrew!
Sadly, I have not run a race in probably 3 years since I was pregnant with my first son. Kind of crazy considering I ran 11 half marathons in the year before that. I never got my motivation back after having him. But now, less than 3 weeks after having my 2nd boy, I’m ready to get back to all of my fitness fun. I realize it important to make time for my self and my health. I guess I need a goal race huh?
Marissa @ Run Riss Run
Congrats Andrew! I’m so grateful that the hubs runs with me often and even comes and hangs out at cross country practices.
I always shoot for negative splits and hit them about 90% of the time. I think I’ve just trained my body that way.
Three things: 6 mile run, BBQ with family because we’ll be out of town for Father’s Day, laundry and packing! We are going to Europe (our first time) on Friday and I am beyond excited!
Longest distance this month was 10. I am building a base for a fall marathon and I’m hoping 2 1/2 weeks out of the country won’t completely derail those plans (and my run streak).
Last race was a local 10k on 5/14 and next race will be a 1/2 in October at the Long Beach Marathon.
Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes
Congratulations Andrew!
My longest run recently would be the 10k that I ran yesterday. I’m training for a half in August though so many more long runs are in my future!
Kaci @ Kaci K. RD2Be
Congrats to Andrew on his PR! I used to be really bad about having positive splits during races but I’ve been working really hard on controlling my first few miles and finishing with negative splits.
I did a 10 mile race in May. That’s the longest distance I’ve done in awhile, especially considering the fact that I only trained up to a 10k for it. Oops.
I did a 5k last Saturday and have another one next Saturday.
Rachel @ Vet Tech Runner
I try to negative split in my races but I always go out way too fast!
Three things today: grocery shopping, running, and cooking!
Longest distance over the past few months: 14 miles
Last race- May 22nd, next race- June 19
Congrats to Andrew on a PR!
Christina
Congratulations to Andtrevon his new PR!
I tend to be guilty of going out too fast in races so I’m in the positive split category most often.
Today I’m making cookies for a friend, going for a long drive (driving lesson) with my kiddo behind the wheel (eek) and going for a long run with my daughter who is training for her very first half marathon. :)
My next race is a 69 mile relay with friends. So much fun. :D
Jenny
I’m still looking for my next race for post baby. I’m so excited to start running again!
Mel_OutRunCF
I find it awesome that you’re doing the pace bunny for Andrew. It’s the other way around in my house haha My husband was on the track team in University at the national level so now that his competitive days are behind him, he usually agrees to pace me during my half marathons and it is so great. Can’t convince him to run a marathon with me though haha I’m mixing things up this summer and trying to run a PB on 5k… having him has a pace bunny will come handy so I don’t start to fast then crash and burn!
Crickett
Argh. I did yesterday’s full Utah Valley…should’ve done the half. Nonstop killer headwind from mile 16 (mile 3 for the half) to. the. end. And rain. This race was most definitely a positive split.
P.S. You and Andrew look so wonderful together! :)
The Hungry Runner Girl
I was wondering how the full went. OH NO about the headwind… that stinks so so bad about the rain too. You are amazing for finishing it and THOSE HILLS in the full are insane. Recover well! CONGRATS on completing a killer full marathon!
Amy Finke
Last long-distance race was 2016 Boston (our first BOS!!!) and next is 2017 WDW marathon, so hubs can re-qualify for 2018 Boston. He missed his 2017 BQ in Boston by 1:33 :/
Amy Finke
PS – CONGRATS, ANDREW!! Get ready to break 1:40 soon trying to keep up with HRG :)
Arthi
Congrats on the race!!
Three things I got going on today;
-10 mile run – Done! 65, breezy, and perfect out!
-Friend’s baby’s first birthday – I hope they have good cake :)
-Art festival!
Alyena
Just finished my 4th triathlon since I started this crazy business, and my little sis finished her first duathlon. I love having a built in training buddy!! Next order of business is a nice nap and more food :)
Clark
Wow he’s running the 5k pace I ran yesterday for a full half! I’ll save the rest of the details for this upcoming Friday accomplishments. Great job to both of you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Awesome race, dear! Congrats of course!!
Nora @ 2 Generations Running
Awesome race!! So glad Andrew got his PR! :) Haha, I’m actually going out to Utah for work in August and staying after to run a half marathon while I’m out there (and I’m hoping to break 1:45 too!). It’s the Hobble Creek Half Marathon – have you ever run that one? Would love any advice if you have!
Kathy
I bought a new washing machine because this morning I found out that our 13 year old one died. I am so indecisive that I went back and forth between two appliance stores TWICE ~ then I went home and Googled more appliance stores and ended up going back to one from the morning to finally make the purchase!
Besides that we had a couple of grad. parties to make an appearance at and drop off a card. ;-)
Katie
Looks like a gorgeous course! This will be my second year doing the Big Cottonwood Half, and it is by far the most breathtaking race I’ve done. That view of the sunset and the leaves in mid-September is incredible. My next race is the Lamoille Canyon Half, which is a teeny tiny little race 40 minutes from my hometown. It’s also down a canyon. Call me crazy, but I love downhill running.
Meredith @ the cookie chrunicles
Congrats to Andrew on a great race! I don’t negative split but I’ve gotten better at starting slow and then staying fairly consistent!
Julia @ Drops of Jules
He got the royal treatment with his own pacer! Congratulations Andrew on a PR!
San
Congratulations to Andrew on the PR! And what a gorgeous course to run! :)
I’ve been watching a lot of sports today (European Soccer Championship and Baseball) and I have an endurance run on the agenda for later this afternoon.
Caroline
Congrats to both of you! I can’t imagine being a pacer. Doing math while sitting at home is difficult enough….but mix in running and all logic is lost!
TheDimpledRunner
Oh my gosh his time is amazing!!!!!! Congrats to you both!!!! Pacing is hard work, too! Just got out of church so when baby wakes from his nap we will be going on a walk! I’m trying to decide between eating a Popsicle and taking a nap or baking chocolate chip cookies while baby sleeps.?
Kristina Running
Yayyyyy way to go Andrew, with a pacer like that how could you not PR?! :)
Rachel @ Simply Rachel Nicole
Way to go on the race! This is one I definitely want to do! I just need to get my hubby to run it with me. ;)
Kyrie
I ran the Utah Valley Half last year while visiting my best friend (I live in Arkansas and she lives in Salt Lake City). It was a gorgeous and fun race even though it was my must painful and worst half ever. I had horrible IT band pain the whole race but I powered through and I hope one day I can do this race again. Definitely worth it.
Sarah @ Smile & Conquer
Congrats to both of you on a great race!
I’ve been busy and have fallen behind in reading my favorite blogs so I completely missed your wedding news, so also huge congrats on that!!! I just went back and caught up on all the sweet details. Enjoy the post race glow and the wedding/honeymoon planning :)
Jeanette
SO neat! Reading about you and Andrew makes me so happy! Whether you guys are doing a race together, planning your wedding or having take-out… your happiness is evident. Thank you for letting us be part of it .
Anne @ runningmyselfragged
Great job you two! Its great that you can run together. My last longest run was last Sunday – a 1/2 marathon in Deadwood S.D, and my next race in July 30th in Utah – the Timpanogos 1/2. Can’t wait!
Angela @ Witty Aspirations
1. Acupuncture appointment
2. CrossFit work out after work.
3. Making Spicy Korean chicken to eat with rice and lettuce wraps.
Very random. :)
Taylor
Congrats to Andrew!! Looks like such a beautiful race!
Kristin
Congrats to Andrew on the PR! The scenery looks amazing! The sunrise would probably be worth the 3:30 wakeup call!
Cait @ S U G A R & S A V A G E
How fun that you and Andrew can run together! And congrats to him (and you for helping!) on getting that PR!!
Alaina @ The Simple Peach
The course sounds amazing! I am running the Revel Big Cottonwood in September outside of SLC and I am so pumped. I have really been working to negative split runs and races lately. It seems so much better that way!