Finally getting to the race report folks!! Sorry for the delay, but finally got all the photos in.
What a fun run!!
I didn’t just love this run because, spoiler alert, I PR’d, but because I got to continue my tradition of running the Missoula Marathon and my fiance ran the half. I love this course and this was my 5th year doing the marathon (marathon 3 times, half twice).
As you know Marc and I had a restless night of sleep the night before. It didn’t matter how early we retired for bed, we couldn’t sleep. Even though I have ran this same race a handful of times, I still couldn’t shake the nerves and sleep. I think it’s just evident that most runners don’t sleep well before their races. It’s almost pointless going to bed early.
Marc and I got up at 4 a.m. I fly out of bed when the alarm goes off, but Marc is a bit more slow moving. I had my clothes laid out the night before with our breakfast ready to go. I always do instant oatmeal (organic hempseed) with half a bagel or piece of whole grain bread with almond butter. I didn’t do almond butter this time. I typically force feed myself before races, because of my nerves, but I actually ate my entire breakfast with ease.
I ate as we walked to the buses. Typically my mom drives me to the start line, but this year she was busy with haying on the ranch and couldn’t come. It worked out though, because everyone was required to take the buses this year, with all that happened in Boston. We reached the bus loading zone and Marc and I said our goodbyes.
I waited at the start line for an hour before the race started at 6 a.m. in Frenchtown, MT. It was chilly, 46 degrees. Perfect for running but not for sitting around. They do fireworks as a countdown every 15 minutes. The start always has a short firework show and a cannon blast to start the race. I lined up in front, right ahead of the sub 3 hour pace group. I love that they do pace groups.
I didn’t even think of getting photos while at the starting area. Maybe because I don’t ever run with my phone in races, and this was my first marathon with a phone. And sadly I didn’t take any photos during the race, because it was all about PR’ing. No time for fun. But the race offers all your photos free, so luckily I have some to share. No mountain views though, which are gorgeous!!
The first couple miles of my run I felt great. My hands were numb from the cold, and I finally could feel them again around mile 6. I was in the lead for women for about 3 miles and I followed the lead girl for a couple of miles until she kept with her fast pace. I was trying to keep it under 7 minute miles and didn’t want to go out too fast so I didn’t have anything left the last half of the race.
- Mile 1: 6:41
- Mile 2: 6:51
- Mile 3: 6:47
- Mile 4: 6:57
- Mile 5: 6:55
- Mile 6: 6:58
This is near Big Flat close to Mile 9 I think. Before I fell in with the Sub 3 hour pace group. I am holding a water bottle with Nuun to help supply electrolytes. I ditch it when I am done with it, and don’t have to worry about stopping at aid stations for the first 10 or so miles.
By mile 9 the sub 3 hour pace group caught up to me. It was a group of just guys and I fell in “run” with them. They were hilarious and helped the miles go by fast. By mile 11, my shadow arrived. The first, second and third place runners for male and female have a person on a bike that rides along with them. The biker told me he would be my shadow for the next hour and a half and will clear a path if it gets crowded so I don’t have to weave through people. All I had to do was say the word. They stop when you stop and go when you go. It makes you feel like an elite athlete. They guys gave me crap for getting special treatment.
- Mile 7: 6:52
- Mile 8: 6:55
- Mile 9: 6:52
- Mile 10: 6:50
- Mile 11: 6:41
- Mile 12: 6:44
Before I knew it we were at the half way point and I felt great. Clocked in at 1:29:06. I knew that the hill was approaching quickly. It’s really not a big hill, and is the only hill throughout the entire course. We dialed it back a bit before the hill, because we were going 14 seconds faster per mile than goal pace. The hill slowed some of the pace group down and we lost most of the group.
I always accelerate on hills and felt great during the climb. The hill didn’t seem to phase me.
- Mile 13: 6:57
- Mile 14: 7:26
- Mile 15: 7:00
We got to the bottom of the hill and there was lots of cheering. Everyone would tell me “You’re the second women” and “You’re doing amazing.” I thought the number one women was far ahead, but I would soon learn she wasn’t.
Soon I was at mile 16 and running by the river and then over the bridge.
I don’t know why I look so serious all the time in my photos….relax a bit Bry.
Once you go over the bridge you know you are approaching the residential area soon and will be nearing the end.
I stayed with the sub 3 hour pace group until around mile 18, but then I felt like my legs didn’t want to move that fast anymore. The group kept dwindling and the sub 3 hour group was getting farther and farther away.
I hit mile 19 and had to use the bathroom. I have never had to do that before in a race, but I knew I had to stop or it wasn’t going to be pretty. As I was going in the sub 3 hour group pacer was coming out, and the first place girl just rounded the corner. I didn’t know she was that close to me, or I would have tried to run through my GI issues. I am kicking myself for this and you’ll later see why!!
When I came out of the porta porty, my shadow told me that the first place girl is not far ahead and just rounded the corner as I went into the bathroom. I asked him “Why didn’t you tell me that? I wouldn’t have stopped.” (jokingly) I was secretly thinking she can’t be that close.
- Mile 16: 6:42
- Mile 17: 6:44
- Mile 18: 7:12
- Mile 19: 7:13
- Mile 20: 7:17
As you can see my pace kept getting slower!! Darn it!!
The course was getting thicker with half marathoners, and my shadow kept telling me “Say the word and I will clear the way.” I couldn’t do it, I just felt weird making other runners/walkers move out of my way, so I weaved around them and told them “Great job. You’re looking good.” They would cheer me on like I was a superstar.
Before I knew it I was 3 miles away from the finish and not feeling as tired as I usually do at this point (although my times were saying otherwise). 23 miles in and I wasn’t in to terrible of shape. My shadow kept reminding me he can clear the way any time.
It always feels so good, and at the same time so maddening, knowing the finish line is only miles away. The miles were coming fast and I kept being reminded by volunteers, other runners/walkers, and the crowd that the first place women was “Just ahead” “First place is not to far ahead. Go get her.” I finally turned to my shadow on the bike and said “They’ve been saying that the last 5 miles, and she’s not getting any closer.” He just laughed. I made him laugh a lot actually. I thought to myself she can’t be as close as they all are saying.
- Mile 21: 7:17
- Mile 22: 7:20
- Mile 23: 7:26
- Mile 24: 7:30
- Mile 25: 7:23
Before I knew it was rounding the last 4 corners before the finish, and as I rounded the last corner I was elated. Only .2 miles left. The crowd was roaring as I turned onto the bridge. My shadow was shouting out “Second Place Women Coming” and was trying to clear a path. I wasn’t to concerned about weaving around people.
On the bridge and making my final stretch. I was trying to finish strong. I saw the clock at 3:05 and I couldn’t believe it. I rarely look at my watch during races, so I was so excited to see I PR’d.
That’s my shadow on the bike, Adam.
And I made it!! A new PR of 3:05:33, and I later learned only a minute behind first place!! Thanks GI issues, you cost me a minute!!
- Mile 26: 7:25
I slowed down way to much the last 6 miles. I always seem to, a weakness. I wish I could have kept the pace, but PR’ing by 6 minutes feels great!!
I got my medal and traveled fast to get water and find Marc. I wanted to get back to the hotel to shower and make it back for the awards ceremony. Marc and I did our finisher photo together. I wanted mine with him.
He PR’d in the half with a 1:36:30. I was so proud of him!!
The medals (which are huge) and trophies are all hand made.
After we showered we checked out and headed back to the finish area for the awards. I picked up my finishing info and grabbed my first place trophy for my age group.
I just kept wracking up the hardware!! First place in my age group, second female overall and 27th overall!!
Marc and I were ready for some real food and after getting a picture of both of us showered and with our medals, we headed to the Good Food Store to refuel. I ordered three different salads and barely touched any of them though. They tasted great later.
I recovered on the ride home with Nuun and my Pro Compression socks and enjoyed some Coconut Bliss!!
Has anyone had a new race PR lately? Or ran Missoula before?
[…] bearable than others. I have had some great runs in the past couple of years and races, like the Missoula Marathon just recently and Ragnar Wastach Back. I have PR’d and finished strong, but most of my races […]