STG MARATHON 2015
Pre Race:
Woke up at 3:30 to eat breakfast and go to the bathroom after both were successful I laid in Bed until 4:15. Continued the morning with another bathroom break, sipped some water, then headed out the door.
Got to the buses around 4:55 and waited for Denver Cook and rode up with him, also while we were waiting I bumped into Dave Holt and so we rode up with and his brother. Got up to the starting line with about 40 minutes to the start. Said some hello's and went to the bathroom which was another success. After that I talked to Scott, Mike, Fritz, Jon Kotter and many others for a brief moment before getting warmed up for the race.
Race:
Gun went off right at 6:45am. I immediately looked around to find Scott and Mike and could see them ahead so I attached behind for a couple of seconds. My plan was to hit the first mile around overall goal pace then ease into the 2nd mile a little slower. By mile 1 I was in no mans land with a 5:27 split. 2nd mile was spot on with a 5:37. Looked ahead and could see Scott and Mike together mentally I and physically I knew that I needed to be running with them so I just set my site on them and tried to work the next upcoming miles til I caught up to them. I eventually caught them around 5 miles and then began to work into there pace. At the time I felt great and high hopes that this was going to be a great day. I even told them that the stomach was feeling good and was ready to roll.
Well that was short lived. As we started climbing up Veyo I tucked behind Scott as he set the pace for that hill, my stomach started turning South fast! Then my pace slowed and Mike passed me, I tried to tuck behind him but as I pushed the pace the stomach pain got worse and caused me to slow quite a bit. I hit Veyo in a 6:10 split and the next mile in 6:03 and had to eventually hit the bathroom. SO FRUSTRATING!! Hit mile 10 at 6:24. Came out of the bathroom feeling better and optimistic that I could still hit a PR. Legs were feeling great didnt feel fatigued then again about a half mile later stomach was just turning! I yelled out WHY?!? Gosh Dangit! I faught this for the next 3 miles thinking it has to go away this cant be happening right now. Eventually gave in at 13 and hit another 6+ split. Came out of the bathroom with toilet paper in hand thinking I dont care anymore. If I have to go again I will do it while running. Eventually The toilet paper was gone at mile 15 where it was a run wipe! Lost probably another 15+ seconds on that mile too.
After mile 15 I just started thinking. This is happening, nothing you can do about it, lets take it mile by mile, the legs are feeling good, lets do this and see what's might happen! So thats what I did. I could see Dave Holt ahead so I set my site on just catching up to him. I finally came up to him around a little over mile 20. I tried motivating him, but he just gave me a big push in the back and telling me that I looked good and that I need to go! Over the years Dave and I have ran some awesome races together. He has been a positive influence on me in the marathon. I owe him everything! He got me to a PR time last year and there is no way that wouldnt have happened without his teamwork, coaching, and just overall being a great guy! Dave if this is truly your last marathon, I thank you for everything that you have done for me. Love ya bro!
After passing Dave I could see Jon Kotter ahead which was way unusual to see. I knew Jon was fit, but as I caught him and running with him for about a half mile. He was not feeling the best and was having stomach issues also. I eventually made a small gap on him around 23 miles and set on finishing the best that I could possibly could. I started to feel some fatigue around 25 miles and tried to push through and did my best. I could hear footsteps coming and looked back and saw Nate coming. He eventually caught me, and ran with me for a second. I gave him a little bump on the back and said finish strong man! Well we hit the 2nd to last turn at the round a bout and I saw Taylor walking. I tried my best to motivate him to finish. I grabbed his arm and said lets go and finish, you are still in the top 10! I hit the last corner knowing my spot.
Even though I didnt hit that PR today I really enjoyed the finish. It was my wife's grandpa's first time seeing a marathon finish, I had family and friends cheering. I forgot everything that happened during that race. I just thought it is what it is and I did the best that I could for what the day brought. Came into the finish at 2:28:28. and a 6th overall finish.
Splits- 5:27; 5:37; 5:13; 5:15; 5:15; 5:11; 5:14; (6:10; 6:03; 6:24; 6:14; 5:52; 6:15; 6 miles from HELL!!) 5:34; 5:22; 5:16; 5:28; 5:28; 5:56; 5:32; 5:15; 5:35; 5:31; 5:27; 5:42; 5:47 and 5:35 pace for last .30
Found out that Aaron won his 3rd STG Marathon and gave him a huge hug. Fritz ran amazing again. Fritz seriously is my running hero! He pushes through pain more than anyone I know in the marathon and just gets it done. Congrats Fritz! Scott on his amazing 3rd place finish! Scott I love ya brother! I am truly sorry for what had happened leading up before the race. You are my brother and nothing but respect for you. You truly are a class act. Mike, Nate, Taylor! Awesome runners! So glad to be able to compete and run with you guys. Awesome Friends!
Justin again ran great! Called out his 2:30 time perfectly!
Well 2015 has come and gone. I am looking forward to 2016 race, It will be my 10th consecutive STG marathon so I plan on making it my best. But first its time to recover, get healthy and enjoy the rest of the year and the upcoming Holiday season. Congrats again to everyone.
Also just an FYI, Riley Cook is running the Chicago Marathon this Sunday for his opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Trials. If you have a second wish Riley the best of luck! He has worked his tail off this year to obtain this opportunity! GO GET IT RILEY!!
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