Cave Creek Thriller

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Top of Utah

Moonlight Half Marathon

Any IDIOT can run a Half Marathon

but it takes a

special kind of IDIOT to run the Moonlight Half Marathon.

Get this! You start the race whenever you want!

The Goal? To be the first to cross the finish line after midnight.

The Catch!? You can't use any timing devices. That's right, none. You have to know your pace and time it just right.

Hope to see you at midnight.

The proposed start will be at Jolley's Ranch on the right hand fork of Hobble Creek Canyon and running all the way down to Ira Allan Park in Mapleton.

Handcart Half

Run Through the Lavender

This half marathon was very fun. The race started with a short bus ride into a canyon not far from the farm. From here we were to run around the Mona Reservoir until we were back at the lavender farm.

Here are the stats for the Half:

136

Marsha

Monson

Riverton

UT

56

F 55-59

F

3:02:43

3:03:07

13:57/M

208

139

3

25

Kim

Bevans

Springville

UT

58

M 55-59

M

2:28:49

2:29:14

11:22/M

164

63

3

46

Teota

Dangel

Salt Lake City

UT

49

F 45-49

F

2:26:25

2:26:48

11:11/M

155

93

7

69

Elizabeth

Gotter

Orem

UT

32

F 30-34

F

3:02:43

3:03:07

13:57/M

209

140

20

207

Dianna

Wright

S Jordan

UT

48

F 45-49

F

2:07:31

2:07:38

9:44/M

102

52

4

191

Diane

Teece

Salt Lake City

UT

72

F 70-99

F

3:00:15

3:00:47

13:46/M

206

137

1

5K Results

1340

Jan

Monson

Riverton

UT

57

M 55-59

M

52:49

53:23

17:02/M

815

212

7

471

Retta

Bevans

Springville

UT

62

F 60-64

F

52:53

53:27

17:04/M

817

605

9

Run to Overcome

Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi  is an American athlete, specializing in long distance running. He is the 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in the Marathon. He is scheduled to return to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Meb and his family were refugees from Eritrea via Italy to the United States when he was 12.He began running while in an American Junior High School in San Diego, going on to win both the 1600 meters and 3200 meters at the CIF California State Championships in 1994 for San Diego High School.The distinction of Keflezighi's homegrown American running history differentiated him from other African-born elite athletes, such as Bernard Lagat, whose change of domicile and citizenship had been for largely competitive reasons.Keflezighi became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1998, the same year in which he graduated from UCLA. While at UCLA Keflezighi received numerous All-American awards and other accolades.He won four NCAA championships during the 1996-97 season, including the cross-country title, the 10,000 meters outdoors and the 5000 meters indoors and outdoors titles in track.

Thoughts From Connie Sokol

"I've been thinking a lot lately about God's timing. I love this quote from an article I just read: "The issue for us is trusting God enough to trust also His timing. If we can truly believe He has our welfare at heart, may we not let His plans unfold as He thinks best?"

Yes, we are to plan and love and live and enjoy, to move forward in the way we think best. But it always works better when we involve Him first, then embrace His timeline.

A dear neighbor was just diagnosed with breast cancer; another friend just emailed that she has survived it. Another good friend related how she had just spend the last days with another friend as this sweet lady was passing. We never know what life will bring, or why, but it's up to us to live it fully now, and plan full steam ahead for tomorrow. And then, when plans are changed, upgraded, or derailed, to trust in His timing.

Lastly, this same author, Carolynn R. Spencer, said, "My desire to alter the Lord's timing had been the cause of my anguish." Isn't that the truth? Isn't that the source of so much of our worries or angst, trying to push against what just isn't going to work? Instead, we can put our energy toward accepting and understanding our current situation, and allow ourselves to feel God's love and desire for our happiness now and for the future.

http://8basics.com/blog/thinking-a-lot-lately-about-gods-timing

"I often hear someone say I'm not a real runner. We are all runners, some just run faster than others. I never met a fake runner."  -Bart Yasso

Hobbler Half Marathon

This morning I had to get up early to make the drive to Springville. I laid everything out, so getting ready went smoothly. The key for me is going to bed early. Even at 8pm if I have too. Today I decided to run with my Half Fanatic gear, so I was all decked out in my HF singlet, visor and my new blue sparkle skirt. This course is run in Hobble Creek Canyon. It is mostly downhill and very beautiful. The last couple of miles are laid out through the city streets of Springville.

Last night Jan and I both drove down to Springville to the packet pickup at Trapnell Orthodontics. First Jan drove me by the start line so I would be familiar with where to go in the morning. Then off to the pick up my shirt and race number, 1377. As we were taking a moment to look at the vendor booths I spotted Andy Flowers who we'd met at the Bed & Breakfast we stayed at in Gunnison. Christy and Andy were both running the half. It was nice to see them. After that we headed to Orem to pick up Karlie and take her out to dinner.

The buses began loading promptly at 4:30am. Got a good parking spot in the area by the finish line and rode on the second bus. The bus ride up the canyon went well and when we got to the top the bus had to do a three point turn the because the waiting area was so small. They had music, porta-potties, not too much to do while we waited for 6:30am to roll around.

The race started about 5 minutes late, not bad. Off and running down the canyon. It didn't take long for the crowd to thin out and I was running mostly by myself. I was running 2:1.

I ended up taking it easy, just didn't seem to have any fast power for this run. I really enjoyed the scenery and the run. This is a race I would do again. It was fun to see Stacey out doing some advertising massage for her business Muscle Works.

Here are the stats for me and friends I saw at the race. Some took home age group placement medals:

1377

Marsha

Monson

Riverton

UT

56

F 55-59

F

2:49:56

2:50:46

12:58/M

697

421

10

1010

Diane

Teece

SLC

UT

72

F 70-74

F

2:51:32

2:52:23

13:06/M

702

425

1

1592

Andy

Flowers

Ogden

UT

61

M 60-64

M

2:45:40

2:46:48

12:39/M

688

275

6

1591

Christy

Flowers

Ogden

UT

66

F 65-69

F

2:29:58

2:30:39

11:27/M

645

383

3

Freedom Run 5K

This is one of my favorite runs. Last year I was invited by Liz to run under a bid that belonged to someone in her family who did not want to run. Since I enjoy being with Liz's family and I like running down the parade route I decided to enter Jan and I this year. The runners are treated so well and it puts us downtown Provo and then we can enjoy the Freedom Festival afterwards. Jan and I easily made our way to a parking lot near the finish line at Kiwanis Park.

After we parked we made our way to the restrooms and then began our walk several blocks to the start line. We arrived about 10 minutes before the start of the race. Liz and family were running a little late (pun intended) so since Jan and I were walking the course we knew they would catch up to us soon.

It wasn't long before we saw Jason run by and then we were joined by Liz's mom and sister who wanted to walk with us. Liz and her niece ran on ahead. We had a very enjoyable walk with Marilyn and her daughter, with a short run into the finish line for our "photo finish". Jan got out his American flag to run in with. It was really nice. We ate a few recovery snacks and then headed for the Freedom Festival booths to walk around and do a little shopping. This is a must do race now for us every year.

Jan and Marsha walking the 5K.

Jan finally flies the flag!!!

Marsha, Queen of July 4th

Liz and Jason Gotter

Marilyn Thomsen

Here are the stats from the race:

2808

Marilyn

Thomsen

Orem

UT

59

F 55-59

F

50:50

58:10

16:24/M

2854

1546

42

79

Jason

Gotter

Orem

UT

33

M 30-34

M

25:03

32:20

8:05/M

315

261

34

2198

Liz

Gotter

Orem

UT

32

F 30-34

F

36:55

44:13

11:55/M

1933

921

138

2716

Marsha

Monson

Riverton

UT

56

F 55-59

F

53:02

57:41

17:06/M

2923

1595

45

2715

Jan

Monson

Riverton

UT

57

M 55-59

M

53:09

57:49

17:09/M

2929

1331

31

My Journey to Guiness

Yolanda Holder

"Walking Diva" walking my way into the Guinness Book of World Records

Yolanda Holder is a professional marathoner and the current Guinness World Record Holder for “Most marathons completed in a year”, finishing a staggering 106 marathons. She is also a devoted wife, mother of two, motivational speaker and author. Losing her father to diabetes and having a mother who is currently suffering from the disease has made a profound impact on Yolanda’s life. “One marathon, one step, one breath” is her motto and through those words and actions she works tirelessly to motivate and promote a healthy lifestyle through fitness for people of all ages. Finding your “happy” is her fountain of youth, and she hopes to help you find yours through her amazing journey.

This is a review of a book by Yolanda. I met her for the first time at the Bear Lake Idaho Marathon. She is an amazing person. Her race walk is fun to watch, she just flows. When I found out she had written a book I just had to read it. I wanted to find out what had motivated her to do this and how she actually accomplished her goal. 
What struck me was the amount of sacrifice it took to reach this world record. Especially surprising to me was the number of times she slept in her car or went with no sleep. And one thing that totally amazed me was how many of these runs were actually ultra marathons! And to work the plan of marathon, after marathon, after marathon....even having backup plans if one was cancelled.
This is a great read, and I hope it will inspire you to run/walk your way to your first 26.2.

Utah Valley Marathon - 5 Star Marathon Maniac!

This is it! Marathon number three, the last one for our 5 Star Maniac plan.

Stats for Utah Valley Finishers:

6832

MARSHA

MONSON

2:46:37

5:50:45

5:50:36

56

F

RIVERTON

UT

6635

TEOTA

DANGEL

2:46:27

5:50:45

5:50:36

48

F

SALT LAKE

UT

7501

TERESA

BAKER

2:32:34

5:58:31

5:57:46

49

F

SLC

UT

7078

BOB

BAKER

2:08:31

4:29:08

4:28:23

50

M

SALT LAKE CITY

UT

6848

LINDSAY

BAKER

1:48:48

3:30:59

3:30:16

22

F

SALT LAKE CITY

UT

7499

ANGELINE

WHITWORTH PACE

2:24:16

5:02:29

4:59:58

45

F

DRAPER

UT

            LIZ GOTTER

7767

YOLANDA

HOLDER

3:03:03

6:14:14

6:12:38

54

F

CORONA

CA

5822

SUE

MANTYLA

1:53:46

3:53:40

3:53:32

57

F

SALT LAKE CITY

UT

8034

JONATHAN

CRAMPTON

1:57:47

4:04:31

4:03:05

50

M

PLEASANT GROVE

UT

Bear Lake Marathon

This is marathon two in the 5 star quest.

The Marathon course will begin on the east side of the lake. This is one of the most scenic parts of the lake where it has beautiful beaches, fields and mountains. There is little traffic on this side and extends for almost 16 miles. The last portion of the course will continue around Laketown, Rendezvous Beach and Ideal Beach Resort. Ideal Beach Resort is where you will enter on the paved bike trail that will take you to the finish line at the Garden City Park.

This marathon was specifically designed for the 50 State club marathoners that have requested to run in two different states, during the same weekend, while they are staying in the Bear Lake area. Bear Lake sits on the state line between Utah and Idaho. The road around the lake is just over 50 miles. Marathoner’s that participate in both marathons, will be able to boast about running around the entire Bear Lake in one weekend.

Bear Lake Idaho Marathon will have an "early start" on Friday, June 8, at 4:00a.m.

This course will actually start in Garden City Park in Utah. The race will finish at the Idaho State Park on the East side of the Lake.  The hills at the end but that eliminates the busiest section of the road in the early morning before the traffic picks up. Both parks are along the main road that wraps around the Bear Lake.

Aid stations throughout the course: Water, Gatorade, energy gel, and fruit.
Multiple restrooms are located at the start and finish lines. There are also restrooms available throughout the course.

Finishing medals and running shirts will be provided to all runners.

Official times will be posted on the web site shortly after the race.

There will not be any busing for this race, but there will be transportation available after the race for those needing transportation back to the Garden City Park.

Stats:

1164  Teota Dangel 5:28:22

1188  Craig Martinosky 5:51:30

1122  Nick Karem 6:1816

1178  Yolanda Holder 6:23:44

1171  Larua Gorycki 6:25:00

1193  Marsha Monson 6:25:00

1129  Larry Macon 6:28:44

1172  Liz Gotter 6:41:00

1186  Dave Mari 6:44:47

Casper Marathon

To offer a fun, friendly, enjoyable Marathon experience. We will provide a well organized event that offers many of the amenities of larger marathons but without the crowds.

This was one great trip. We went to run the 10th anniversary

Marathon Maniacs, Casper Marathon 2012

THE COURSE

The course starts at the Casper Events Center. The Events Center is on the bluff above the Platte River and the City of Casper. A large indoor space is available for warm up with pre race water and snacks, coffee and restrooms. The City of Casper, Wyoming, a Marathon sponsor, operates the Events Center. Ample parking is available at the Events Center, or for intrepid souls wanting a warm up walk, the Casper Ramada Plaza Riverside finish line is 120 feet and a half mile below. A shuttle bus will run between the Event Center and the Host hotel before the marathon.

The starting line is located just beyond the statue of city namesake Caspar Collins, the U.S. Calvary officer killed in an Indian battle in May, 1865. The route proceeds along Events Drive, then turns north onto East Road. The course passes the Model Airplane facility and the Casper Speedway, two of a number of City of Casper recreational facilities in the area. Watch for antelope herds in the area. Turn left on East Road past the East Road/ Amoco Road aid station at mile .75 onto Amoco Road, and up a slight uphill stretch. To the north is Soda Lake, originally an oil refinery wastewater site, now a bird sanctuary. The next left puts you on North Poplar to the Poplar/Events Drive aid station at mile 2.5. The course turns back on Events Drive and the East Road/Amoco Road aid station at mile 4.0. Turn right on Amoco Road leads to a rolling stretch to Bryan Stock Trail road at mile 5. The view to the south is of Casper Mountain, elevation 8200 feet. The Mountain is a recreation gem for the City, with downhill and cross country skiing facilities, and mountain bike and running trails. This section of the course drops 120 feet to the Platte River, and the Platte River Parkway aid station at mile 6.

The remainder of the Marathon follows the Platte River Parkway, a paved recreational trail operated by the Platte River Parkway Trust, and the recreational trails at the Platte River Commons. This recreational corridor extends 11 miles following the Platte River through Casper. The softball field bridge at mile 6.5 is the second of nine river crossings. The next mile and one half runs through Crossroads Park, an undeveloped park area. Oregon Trail wagon ruts are still visible in the park. Watch for deer and antelope in the area. At mile 8 the Crossroads Aid station is adjacent to the Crossroads Adventure Park, a Casper Rotary Centennial Project. The trail passes behind the outfield fence of Mike Lansing Baseball Fields. Runners pass the finish area at the Ramada Plaza Riverside and jog back across the Platte at mile 10.7. From this point on the course is out and back.

After crossing the Platte River and looping beneath the interstate, the Parkway Plaza comes into view. The course parallels the Platte River and passes several boat launching areas and the Old Town miniature golf course at Mile 8.5/25.8. A loop under First Street leads to another crossing of the Platte River to the Jonah Bank. Look for sculptures along the bank and the fisherman statute In the middle of the river. The oil derrick at mile 9.5/ 25.3 celebrates the Natrona County oil and gas industry. Oil and gas production spurred the growth of Casper when the famous Salt Creek Oil Field opened in the 1880s. The infamous Teapot Dome Oil Reserve Field, thirty miles north of Casper, was central to a national scandal during the President Harding administration in 1922. Across the river is the former site of the Amoco oil refinery, which operated from 1910 to 1990. It has been redeveloped into a Platte River Commons Business Park.

 The Amoco Park aid station is at mile 10.2/24.4. This part of the course parallels the Casper Whitewater Park. There are 5 drops for kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft. Marathon runners continue west past the Tate Pump House building, which has been renovated into Platt River Parkway business office. The course continues to the Town of Mills 1^st Street Park aid station at mile 11.6/19.7. The next stretch of trail passes behind the WOTCO plant, a manufacturer of huge coal mile hauling equipment. The course crosses Southwest Wyoming Blvd. at Mile 12.5/18.8, and across the Platte River one last time on the outbound loop. On the right is Fort Caspar Park, a city-operated museum containing a wealth of information about the history of Casper, especially the military and immigrant trails.

The next aid station is at Morad Park, mile 13.7/17.3. The trail continues through Audubon Park, then past the Wyoming Game and Fish headquarters and BLM Casper office. The trail leaves the river and goes up a short, but steep, little hill to Magnolia Street at mile 15/16.8. A gradual downhill leads to the turnaround point on Paradise Valley Park aid station at Mile 16.

The return trip follows the same route back to the Pump House, where runners turn right across the bridge to the Platte River Commons Business Park trail system. The trail loops around the Business Park and Three Crowns Golf Course, a Robert Trent Jones designed course. The Railroad Bridge Aid Station is at Mile 21.8, and the Three Crowns Golf Course aid station is at mile 23.5. Runners return across the Tate Pump House Bridge and turn right to the Amoco Park aid station at mile 24.7. Follow the trail past the Casper Ramada Plaza Riverside sign and across the finish line. Relax, smile, you did it!

 
The results:

45 Angeline Pace 45 Draper UT 5:10:18 5:10:17.20 11:51   248

47 Teota Dangel  48 Salt Lake City UT 5:10:45 5:10:34.30 11:51   211

80 Marsha Monson 56 Riverton UT  6:19:05 6:18:55.00 14:28   217 

91 Liz Gotter    32 Orem UT   6:37:55 6:37:45.70 15:11   214

Marsha FEMALE AGE GROUP:  50 - 59 I came in 26 of 27.

21 Laurence Macon 67 San Antonio TX   6:12:45 6:12:45 14:13   112 

22 Nick Karem     68 Louisville KY    6:13:57 6:13:13 14:15   199 

Running the Sahara

Spirit of the Marathon

This movie was suggest for me to watch by my friend and fellow Marathon Maniac Angie. Since I was trying to ramp up my running "spirit" to believe I could run 3 marathons in 7 days I decided to watch this.

The movie web site says: "Are you familiar with our movie? The film is a must see for anyone thinking about running a marathon and anyone who has run one or more. It's also a must see for anyone wondering why thousands of people spend many months training for such an event. It celebrates the history and heroes of the sport and examines the personalities and training methods of the participants.

It is the first film to capture the story, drama and ultimate essence of the legendary 26.2 mile running event. Filmed globally in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, the movie brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries.

As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports movie, Spirit of the Marathon is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike."

What an interesting, fun movie, and very motivational. I enjoyed the approach of showing the preparation of the different runners. What is so cool is that the marathon is a race for everyone, not just the elite runners. The accomplishment can be felt by anyone who has the desire to train for one. And yes, you will never be quite the same once you have run one.

Movie web site: http://www.marathonmovie.com/film.html

Ogden Half Marathon

This is a great half. It first starts out with

Goldilocks

The bike ride has finally arrived. Too bad I didn't condition myself for it. I did give my bike the once over, pumped up the tires, cleaned it off. Wish me luck.

I love to dress up for events. Even though I do love biking, dressing up makes it a little extra fun. And since it was the day before mother's day which is a special one where I love to wear pink and think of my family and friends, some breast cancer survivors, some who fought bravely and lost the battle. I wore my pink goldilocks braids for the ride, my safety vest, Goldilocks jersey, hot pink compression socks and pink gloves

 

Marsha rides the Goldilocks

This year I rode the race with Liz and her cousin from Riverton. We met before the race in the parking lot and walked our bikes up to the starting area. Liza and ?? were fun to ride with, they were both stronger riders than me. They waited for me a lot once we got off the downhill portion of the course. Right by house at the Artic Circle Liz got a flat tire and we called Jan to help us. He came right over and in the meantime the Papa Bear's also showed up. We should have changed the tire, not just pumped it up as it later went flat again. When we came to the last of the ride Liz went on ahead so she could get done and get out of the heat.

This is my third year in a row to participate in this ride. Although Dani did a great organizational job as always, I probably won't be back to ride again. Riding around Herriman, South Jordan and Riverton is just not scenic. And with her 10am start time for the 40 mile route, getting to the final lunch stop at 2pm because I am a slow rider is just so not fun. It got hot, there was lots of construction, and the end of the ride is uphill. Since I was out of biking shape it was just too much for me.

Liz Gotter rides the Goldilocks.

I usually only write about positive things here in my blog, but I also write about things I learn too, so I am going to write about this because it has impacted my life, in a good way because of some great Marathon Maniac friends. My former friend Cyndie Nell thought it appropriate when she saw me alone on my bike to roll down her window and yell out her car window and call me a "dumb bitch" as I neared the finish line. We had about a year of fun times together, but at that moment it seemed like she was 41 years old going on 13 and no good history. It was very sad. In her mind I schemed against her in several different incidents and didn't put any where near as much into the friendship as she did and this is what it came down to for her. It hurt my feelings and so hopefully that made her feel better. This picture of her below, with her daughter beside her makes me sad because she did this to me with her daughter Tess in the car.

And what good came out of this incident? Well, Operation Dolores Umbridge that's what!

Provo Half Marathon

"Thou Shalt Run"

Start the running season off right by testing your grit at this year’s Provo City Half Marathon! This downhill course is perfect for the rookie or the seasoned veteran, so be a part of this year’s race and earn yourself a blazing fast PR! The race start at South Fork Park up Provo Canyon and finishes in downtown Provo, at the intersection of Center Street & University Ave. Live music, great food, entertainment and activities for the whole family await you at the finish line. As the original downtown Provo race, we are ready to prove once again that Provo knows how to have a good time!

Jan & Marsha out for some Saturday fun.

We are calling on all kids to come be a part of the Provo City Marathon this year by participating in the Kids Marathon! We hope to encourage healthy lifestyles by creating a challenging but fun event for children in School Grades K – 6. Here is how it works: Register your child for the Provo City Kids Marathon. Download the Kids Running Log and keep track of each mile your child runs by signing the log. In order to earn a finisher’s medal, each child will need to run a total of 25 miles before May 5th and on race morning he or she will run the final 1.2 miles with all the other children registered for the Kids Marathon.




Stats for the half marathon race, Jan and I and friends:

1500

Marsha

Monson

Riverton

UT

56

F 55-59

F

3:23:45

3:25:35

15:33/M

1092

690

6

1501

Jan

Monson

Riverton

UT

57

M 55-59

M

3:23:45

3:25:35

15:33/M

1093

403

17

1307

Liz

Gotter

Orem

UT

32

F 30-34

F

2:33:21

2:35:10

11:42/M

985

615

151

1079 Christy Flowers Ogden UT 65 F 65-69 F 2:22:23 2:23:30 10:52/M 887 535 2

Marathon:

188

John

Wollenzien

Orem,

UT

34

M 30-34

M

3:52:12

3:52:13

8:52/M

81

58

14

256

Jonathan

Crampton

Pl Grove

UT

50

M 50-54

M

4:06:22

4:06:30

9:24/M

105

72

4

Jason Gotter                 Christy Flowers

John Wollenzein - GO John!!!

Jonathan Crampton - Utah Pacers