On the 2nd of June, I woke up at 4am to make a 3 hour drive to eastern Idaho for the Teton Dam Marathon. I did the 5K.
Did I mention I woke up at 4am to make a 3 hour drive. Yeah, not the best idea for legs to be in PR shape. My leggies were stiff and at 1100 more feet of elevation then at home, it was a slow trot for sure. No PR attempt this trot, that’s for sure.
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| My Garmy data |
I woke up at 4am (my normal wake up time is 8am – 10am depending on the day) so that early is painful. I had everything all packed and ready the evening before- brekky, post-race clothes, snacks, and a full tank of gas for the long drive. All I had to do was make coffee and head out. I didn’t even brush my teeth before I left. Coffee first.
The drive was nice and not a lot of traffic for a Saturday morning. I don’t know the last time I have been to Rexburg, but it was easy to find the race start. I thought the race started at 8am, but that was the 10K. The 5K started at 8:30am and I got there to get my bib at 7:30 am. I had a whole hour to warm up and potty pre-race. I did the 7 miles of trails the day before, so I was sore and stiff from the DOMS in the glutes and sides of my hips.
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| I’m happy but tired at the start |
There were volunteers handing out cowbells to cheer the start and finishing runners. It was a cute idea to get everyone excited. I actually don’t think anyone would have cheered if it wasn’t for the cheerleaders cheering.
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| They all have cowbells. Waiting for the 10k to start. |
The route was well marked and plenty of volunteers to cheer and direct runners. The route was fairly flat. That 18 feet of gain is at the end of the run. The route was also safe and pretty much completely free of traffic. And what cars did pass, were respectful and didn’t try to rush by or mow anyone down.
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| The start of the race |
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| Before the 1st mile |
I was playing PokemonGo and I didn’t use my PokemonGo+. I was catching as I was running and walking. I had to take my first walk break to catch a shiny I didn’t have. The other half doesn’t have one yet.
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| I didn’t have one of these yet. |
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| The 1st mile and the good signage |
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| The Teton River Trail |
The race is run in town and mostly on residential streets with a good chunk on the Teton River Trail next to the river and there was a little bit on local roads near businesses – which were closed. So very little traffic as I said.
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| Almost half way done. |
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| Less then a mile to go. |
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| Racing to the finish. So many cheers! |
At the point with about a mile left of the 5K, the other distances met up with us. Sorry I posted it out of order.
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| The other distances met up with us here from the other side of the road ahead. |
There was a small expo of vendors to check out post-race. There were Clif bars and such. The post-race food was small but tasty. Watermelon, oranges, bananas, chocolate milk, Coke, bottles of water, and fresh bread. The bread was so good. The chocolate milk hit the spot, and I could have ate a whole watermelon.
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| Most of the vendor booths set up at the park. |
The swag was acceptable and everyone got a metal. A nice one, too.
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| The shirt is dark blue. It just looks black in my crappy cell phone photo. |
The race was actually worth the 3 hour early morning drive. We had lunch at Costa Vida and dinner at Jaker’s in Pocatello before heading home. We were able to get some good deals at the thrift stores in Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Ammon and Pocatello. A nice 1940’s dresser for $20 and a Specialized mountain bike for $10. It has a flat on the back tire, but totally easy fix. I was getting cranky before dinner as I was so tired and sore.
What is the longest drive you will make the morning of the race? Depending on race start, 3 hours I think is my max travel time for a morning run.
