Going With The Flow

Philadelphia Marathon

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Location:

Salt Lake City,UT,United States

Member Since:

May 08, 2011

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Local Elite

Running Accomplishments:

Unaided -  
17:16 OktoberFAST 5K (10/11)
17:23 BAA 5K (4/12)
37:10 Memorial Day 10K (5/11)
1:17:03 Long Beach Half Marathon (10/11)
1:17:21 USA 1/2 Champs - Duluth (6/12)
2:49:01 Philadelphia Marathon (11/11)

Aided -
16:52 Fight For Air 5K (6/11)
17:08 Provo City 5K (5/12)
1:17:52 Top of Utah Half Marathon (8/11)
1:17:54 Utah Valley Half Marathon (6/11)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Run consistently as I get back to 100% health. Stay patient!

 

Long-Term Running Goals:

Have fun training and racing.

Sub-17 5K
Sub-1:17 Half Marathon
Quality for the Olympic Trials in the marathon

Personal:

I am originally from Knoxville, TN and moved to SLC with Jake in 2010. I started racing in 2011 and had some great success before a major injury hit me in July 2012. I had athletic pubalgia surgery in May 2013...then again in Sept 2014 and am still trying to get back to my old self. Although running is my true passion, I love doing pretty much anything active outdoors - backcountry skiing, backpacking, biking, etc. 

I've been running for the Saucony Team since 2011. I enjoy representing the brand and really do believe they make the best shoes :)

I work as a Quality Engineer for BD Medical in Sandy.

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Skinning Miles (1000ft ~ 2.5 Miles) Lifetime Miles: 912.35
Hiking Miles Lifetime Miles: 10.50
Race: Philadelphia Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:49:01, Place overall: 11
Total Distance
26.20

Woke up this morning at 5am then Jake and I went for a 3 minute jog to wake up. Nerves were fine, ready to race. Forced down a power bar and banana - the only time I hate eating is before a race. The weather was 51 degrees when we woke up so arm warmers and headband were out. Still decided to wear gloves, but the really cheap cotton ones that I could throw away in the race. We left the hotel at 6:20am to walk 0.5 mile to the start line. It was very nice to be elite - private bathrooms, heated tent, and no bag drop. We also got to check out the competition, but I wouldn't say that was necessarily a benefit. But I did meet up with a fellow Saucony runner - Lauren Uhler (super nice, by the way), and we planned to go out conservatively together. 

We got to the start line for a couple strides. Met Dave from the blog for a good luck. The elite coordinator told the women that there were two pacers - one going through the half at 1:23 and the other at 1:22:30 (although I did not know that the 1:23 guy was only going 15 miles while the other ran the whole distance).  I decided to go with the conservative plan and stick with 1:23 as long as he was a smart pacer and didn't go out too fast. 

The gun went off and then it began. I've heard so many people tell me that the first miles are supposed to feel very easy, but that was not the case. I will say that they felt comfortable hard but no way did it feel too slow. There were so many people running! I immediately tucked in behind the pacer and about 10 other girls going for the trials qualifying time. First seven miles were 6:23, 6:25, 6:20, 6:24, 6:19, 6:15, 6:14. It was nice running in such a big pack and not having to think much. However, getting a drink at the aid stations became a bit of a challenge with so many people around trying not to trip while moving to the side, all while trying to maintain the pace. I saw my parents and Jake's friends at mile 6 and that was a huge boost. The crowd was especially awesome at miles 5-7 because the road was narrow and the people were making so much noise. I took my first Gu at 40 minutes. 

Miles 8-10 were the hilly ones and the group hit those at 6:29, 6:24, 6:30. The pace was still comfortably hard. I kept hoping that the runners would spread out, but it stayed pretty congested until the half marathon split off around mile 13. The group dynamic was pretty awesome at this point, everyone going for a common goal and working together. Four of the girls ran Chicago six weeks ago, when the 2:46 pacer went out at a blazing 2:39 pace. This was their last chance to make the time and a couple of them were in their forties. 

11-Half was pretty uneventful. I took another Gu and was vigilant about getting Gatorade at every water station.  6:09, 6:22, 6:24 (1:23:15 at halfway, they put the timing mat at 13, not 13.1 for those checking).  Halfway point was pretty awesome. I had so much support here, from my parents, my brother and his girfriend, and 10 of Jake's friends). You know, the crowd is awesome, but to have your family cheering for you means so much. It is such a boost. The girl next to me said she was impressed by my popularity :).

14-15 miles were still good. 6:13, 6:19. Then the pacer said he was dropping right after 15 miles. What?! I figured he would take us all the way, so this caused a bit of a stir. The group had narrowed down to only four girls. We decided that we would work together for as long as we could, take turns drafting and all.

Miles 16-22 were just like this. One girl dropped, but three of us tried our hardest to cut into that 15 seconds that we were behind pace. We really tried, but it just wasn't happening. 6:20, 6:24, 6:19, 6:19, 6:21, 6:21, 6:22. These miles had some people, but nothing compared to the first half of the race. The turnaround did have a pretty good crowd, but it didn't seem to make a difference because the wind suddenly became a huge factor. A headwind - not ideal for the final six miles of the marathon. It wasn't a steady wind, but the gusts of wind were a killer. Right after the turnaround at mile 20, the road was downhill but the pace still didn't change a bit. 

I was pretty sure there was no way those 15 seconds were coming back. Our girls crew of three got broken up for a minute because of some guys running and that's all it took for me to lose the momentum. The other two went ahead and quickly gained some ground on me (unfortunately they missed the time as well). I was tired. I didn't hit the wall, but I was so exhausted. I tried any and every mental game. Nothing helped - I couldn't run fast anymore. My body just couldn't go 6:19s and I slowed to a 6:58. The next two miles of 24 and 25 were 7:15 and 7:08

I got a little momentum back once I saw my dad at 25 miles. I picked up the pace a little for the last 1.2 miles and ran it in 6:45 pace. I saw that clock ticking towards 2:49 and pushed to get under it. Missed by 2 seconds! What is with me and hitting the clock right after it hits a new minute? If it was 2:48:59, I could've rounded down to 2:48!

Even though I didn't hit the OTQ, I am still very happy with my time. To run 2:49 is great, especially considering the fact that I decided to run the marathon 8 weeks ago. Honestly, I would've been thrilled to run under 3:40 just 12 months ago. I may not have hit the A+ goal, but I'll take the A goal with pleasure! Aim for the stars, right?

Jake met me at the finish. I was so sure that he ran under 2:19 and the first thing I asked him was how he did. 2:25 was not what I expected to hear. I almost cried right there because I knew how much this meant to him. No way was I disappointed in him - I know he ran as hard as he could. I just knew he had the fitness and wished that today would be his day. Still so proud of him!

Seems like it was a tough last 10k for most of the elite runners. Quite a few dropped out and I think most had a second half positive split, despite the course elevation profile favoring negative splits. There were several girls that hit under the the 2:46 mark, but no one in the 2:46 pace group and only one from the 2:45 pace group. No one hit the standard in the mens. Out of a field of at least 10 guys that were more than qualified to run it, no one could run under 2:19 today. 

I was in so much pain as soon as I stopped. My back instantly cramped up on me and it hurt so bad. Laying down, standing, nothing helped. You can see how happy I was in the photo. It took about an hour and a lot of ibuprofen before I could walk without looking like a hunchback. I will say this - my feet, my stomach, my injuries, everything held up amazingly. I was very relieved about that. 

We showered then went out for philly cheesesteaks for lunch with a big crew. Walked for probably 4 miles and gradually felt better as the day went on!

 

 

Night Sleep Time: 7.00Nap Time: 0.00Total Sleep Time: 7.00Weight: 0.00
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:33:42 from 76.27.122.13

You're pretty awesome. 2:49 ISN'T BAD AT ALL FOR A FIRST MARATHON.

Enjoy your vacation now.

From Tara on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:34:59 from 75.169.159.43

Wow, amazing insight and introspection. I love the positive take. Very inspiring Andrea, I doubt any let down. Most would die to run that pace itself. I think most are just amazed with you fast runners who have what it takes for the trials. Congrats on your debut! What a great time! Watch out OT 2016!!! ( I believe that is the next one after 2012, right?:)

From Fritz on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:36:38 from 65.100.192.74

Andrea, That's an amazing time for your first marathon. You will only get smarter with every race. Enjoy your time off.

From rockness18 on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:36:43 from 69.183.246.183

Great run- very impressive for a debut!

From Alana on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 16:59:18 from 69.20.189.206

You are incredible! Awesome job!

From Jody on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 17:05:05 from 75.141.131.35

Amazing debut! The OTQ is in your future and great things are ahead!

From seeaprilrun on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 18:25:17 from 68.103.252.193

That is an absolutely incredible debut! Incredible! Marathons are hard, just hard! You definitely have the fitness and now with some experience under your belt you are that much closer to OTQ and something far beyond I am feeling! Have a good recovery!

From Hamdog Alum on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 18:26:15 from 68.185.190.140

Amazing race for your first marathon! Wow! Under 2:50 for your 1st marathon! You've got to be excited about your potential. Can't wait to read the full report.

From Rachelle on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 20:14:37 from 66.7.127.115

Congrats Andrea! Sub 2:50 for a marathon debut is simply amazing and I am incredibly proud of you. You will OTQ when the time is right. And it will be right very soon.

From Superfly on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:18:31 from 74.211.21.81

Awesome race! Sub 2:50 out there is smokin. Keep marathoning and you'll qualify and then some. Every time you race the distance you learn valuable clues to help you in the future.

From Andrea on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:27:32 from 74.92.85.81

Thanks so much everyone! You guys are awesome!

My full report is posted now.

From Andrea on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:28:59 from 74.92.85.81

And now it just deleted the whole thing when I saved it!

From JulieC on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:29:47 from 67.41.189.197

Andrea, WOW!! your splits are amazing to read about and the way you all stuck together. I can feel your disappointment with losing your pacer. Sometimes that can really mess with you at that point in a marathon for sure. 2:49 is an amazing time!! hope you can sleep well tonight!! I expect you to eat some ice cream as well :D.

From flatlander on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:31:26 from 76.31.26.153

Really nice job, sorry you didn't get your goal time but you will and then some. It is great to have you and Jake on the blog this year.

From Andrea on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:37:42 from 74.92.85.81

Full report back up again! :) Sorry for all the emails!

From SlowJoe on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:49:03 from 75.109.104.60

Great report and great first marathon. Look forward to watching your progress, it won't be long before you get the 2:46.

From Russ on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 21:49:20 from 24.72.198.228

Great job Andrea! I'm so happy that you and Jake gave it everything today. You are an inspiration for all of us.

From Adam RW on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:14:44 from 67.182.248.141

Andrea, Your picture says it all. You laid it on the line and have been such an inspiration. If this is what you have to offer the first time out I can't wait to see what will happen next time. Thank you for sharing everything you have had to give.

From Oreo on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:40:39 from 174.27.141.95

Priceless... Awesome. Great job. Thanks for sharing Keep it roll'n.

From jtshad on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 22:45:06 from 69.20.183.178

An inspiring debut! Congrats on a great race in difficult conditions. The first one is a learning experience, and based on this outcome, you will have some great successes in the future.

From Claudio on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 23:11:33 from 12.30.250.2

Congratulations on a great time for your first marathon!

From runningafterbabies on Sun, Nov 20, 2011 at 23:41:59 from 71.195.219.247

I am so proud of you, Andrea. You have so much untapped talent and potential. I know you have a very successful running career ahead of you. Thank you for your inspiration.

From MarkP on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:13:30 from 97.117.104.229

I loved the reports from you and Jake. I'm excited to read PART II! Congratulations on an incredible year.

From Clay on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 00:30:01 from 166.205.13.55

A very nice race! Only 8 weeks of training says alot about you as a person and a runner! With a full training cycle you will knock the next one out of the park!

From Bam on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 06:37:48 from 86.40.150.194

Congratulations on an amazing first marathon. You showed true 'Rocky' character out there on the streets of Philadelphia. Well done. I'm off down the bookies to put a few bob on you and Jake for the 2016 olympic marathon.

From allie on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 07:30:40 from 24.10.191.18

i agree with everyone else -- regardless of the outcome, you have inspired us all with your journey. that is such an impressive debut and shows the great things that are to come from you. i love the picture at the bottom -- it has "marathon" written all over it. it's a picture showing someone who wasn't afraid to attack their goals and give it absolutely everything they had. you are fearless and strong and you handled this race so well, even when things were shaken up in the final stages of the race. you have come so far this year and it's been really amazing to see so many breakthroughs happen for you. the best part is that there is even more to come. OTQ 2016. it's yours.

From Paul on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 08:54:45 from 24.10.141.104

Great job; I did not realize that was your first marathon! That's a REALLY solid race. Keep up the good attitude and the good training, and the time will come down, and those last 6 miles will get a lot easier (although never truly "easy".

From Bec on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 09:34:42 from 68.206.133.141

You are awesome! I can't imagine in my brain how a body can run that fast during a marathon. I like your picture, it explains the true feelings of the marathon. Great race!

From Susannah on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 11:42:36 from 204.99.169.130

Nice job! Way to give it everything especially when the conditions got tough. Very inspiring time too, and with 8 weeks training that's very impressive! Have a good recovery and keep training hard :)

From Christi on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 12:38:52 from 174.56.35.183

Wow-great job! Anyone would kill to run that kind of a time!-especially for your first marathon. I really liked reading your race report and the fact that even though it was so difficult you never gave up and pushed through the pain. You will gain so much experience from this marathon-and they only get easier from here. (1st one is always the hardest-in my opinion) You truly inspire all. Watch out 2016-you will have the OTQ in the bag for sure! Good job!

From rockness18 on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 13:07:55 from 69.183.237.0

Nice report! Wish I could have talked with you guys more, but didn't want to throw your pre-gun focus. You and Jake have had a great year of training and are such an encouragement to the blog thanks!

From ACorn on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 13:27:04 from 71.37.100.246

Great race Andrea! Amazing marathon debut and awesome to have such great people there supporting you.

Thanks for being an inspiration to me and so many others. You're awesome.

From josse on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 13:50:42 from 166.250.1.17

Great job on you very 1st marathon. It is a beastly distance and you ran it well.

From Carina on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 14:39:43 from 204.15.86.83

Way to go Andrea. You are in inspiration to me and many others!!

From Seth on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 21:18:21 from 67.177.36.131

What a debut! Keep at it and you'll get stronger and faster. Great job!

From RAD on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 22:56:54 from 98.202.23.178

I know I'm a little late, but I wanted to put in my Congrats. Seriously, a 2:49:01 for your first marathon?!? Amazing, simply amazing Andrea! I'm glad you are proud to reach your A goal, sounds like it was a tough race day all around. I really think marathons are a whole different beast than any other race. Even after my 10th I still don't feel like my body has a good sense of the miles and time it takes to do one. You really did a fantastic, incredible job! You ran a good race and I'm SO proud to call you a blogging buddy - makes ME feel like a rock star :)

From Burt on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 02:17:03 from 72.223.93.131

I see a lot of Nan in you. Take a look at her progression as she got into the marathon scene. It won't be long for you.

From Jon on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 09:05:39 from 74.177.97.245

Andrea- good race, though too bad you didn't reach the OTQ goal. You gave it your best, which is the most anyone can hope for. Keep working, and you have a great racing future ahead of you.

From Andrea on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 10:21:02 from 173.3.197.179

Thank you everyone for your comments. The support that I have gotten is amazing - it makes the disappointment of not going to Houston a little easier to digest. I've had a great year of racing overall and am a little relieved to be done and take a break. Now it's time for easy running, strength training, and SKIING!

From JG on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 13:18:37 from 71.57.246.108

What am amazing marathon debut! You are a rock star!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving ... you had an incredible year of racing!

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Nov 22, 2011 at 14:19:20 from 205.158.160.209

Congrats on your race and time. Amazing! I really loved the report.

From Lily on Thu, Nov 24, 2011 at 23:56:49 from 67.199.178.210

I'm so proud of you Andrea. What a rockin' time for a first marathon! :)

That pic of you hurting is kinda sad. That is the worst having that happen. I hope you're feeling better now.

From Kelli on Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 23:24:46 from 71.219.83.156

OH MY! That picture says you laid it all out there for sure! WOW. Congrats on the marathon, it was the first one, right? An A goal is AWESOME! My goal for my first was just not to die while running it. ;o)

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