Sunday 25 May 2008: Wyoming Marathon

Wow! This was a tough event. I don’t know if it was the altitude, the hills (mountains really), the 40+ mph cold wind, or the cumulative effect of a marathon-a-week itinerary but today I had the slowest marathon of my career at 5:19. Actually I pushed a bit to get even that and was glad to finish at any speed. The altitude was definitely a factor. I was already gasping and taking walk breaks on the uphill segments after only about 20 minutes. Parts of the course were stunningly beautiful while others were unremarkable and exposed. There was snow on the ground in a few places. This is not an event for wimps. The out-and-back course is only lightly supported. All participants are required to carry water bottles to reduce potential litter in the park. There are no mile markers. I rallied a bit in the final miles and managed to pass 4 people while not having anyone pass me. I was sure glad to see a finish line. I drove the 10 miles back to the hotel immediately afterwards for a substantial nap.

I am in awe of those participants who registered for the double, i.e. twice through the course for 52. 4 miles. Seeing folks heading out for a second loop when I was glad to finish my first one was humbling. Based on when and where I saw most of them, they would probably have to be out on the course for about 10 hours under difficult conditions. Among the 7 runners I saw going for the double, two were men who looked to be around 60 years old and two were women. These folks are remarkable and are sure tougher than I am.