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Gene Kennedy ReportingA break in triple-digit temperatures is expected this weekend and early next week, perfect timing for Monday's Deseret Morning News marathon. Still, it will be hot, and tonight some of the runners are talking about how they cope."
When you think of running 26 miles in Emmigration Canyon, coupled with the forecasted 90-degree temperatures, water will be essential. And who better to give the new runners some advice than the veterans?
At age 67 Richard Carling is back for yet another Deseret News marathon.
Richard Carling: "I love it, it keeps you going, keeps you young."
In the marathon's 35 years, Carling has missed only seven races. He's training again, in triple degree temperatures, near Memory Grove.
The 26-mile course is a marathon with some unique challenges. It starts at Big Mountain at 5:30 in the morning and at 7500 feet the temperature is expected between 40 and 50-degrees. But once you make your way down there things can really start to heat up.
Once the runners have made their way through the canyon, the elevation drops by about 2500 feet so the temperature is naturally higher. Also consider that it's later in the morning, there are fewer trees which means less shade, and the sun is beating down.
Don't worry, there will be plenty of water--1250 gallons at 17 aid stations.
Richard Carling: "I get a drink and I also get an extra cup of water. I wear a hat. You have to wear a hat. I pour the water over my head and it evaporates between then and the next aid station, but it really keeps you cool."
So does clothing with ventilation. And wearing the right shoes is essential. Carling remembers a marathon in the 1980s where he wore the wrong pair.
Richard Carling: "I was wearing racing flats. There's no cushion or support to them really. The heat came up from the pavement, heated up my feet, blistered the bottom off my feet. They were all blistered by the time I got to the end of the parade route."
A learned lesson from the veteran who's been there done that.
At least 700 runners will compete Monday. If you still want to sign up for the marathon, there's still time. You can do that at the Health and Fitness Expo at ZCMI Center Friday, 4:00-9:00 p.m., or Saturday from 9:00 to 6:00.
