Here is my detailed race report.
Miles 1-3
Started out cold and excited for my first marathon. I’ve only been running for 6 months up to this point. My very first run, back in April, was a 1 mile run which took me 10 minutes to do. Now I’m toeing the line of a marathon. The gun went off and after about 30 seconds of walking we made it to the start line and started our slow jog. The first 3 miles were tough, I was excited and wanted to run fast but I knew I should hold up. I ran these miles with my brother and two friends, we talked the entire time.
Mile 4
I looked at my watch and saw that I had to make up time to meet my goal and break 4 hours. The enormous amount of people running had us at a slower pace than desired. I took off in Druid Hill Park on the small walking path. I was making up a few seconds hear and there but the large crowed of runner kept me from going to fast. (probably a good thing).
Mile 5
Right hamstring just got tight. I was scared it was going to pull, but there was nothing I could do except hope and keep running.
Mile 9
We ran past the spectators and I was able to find my family. They were rooting me on and taking my picture. I patted my dad on the back as I ran past him.
Mile 10
Ran past the first band that I saw. This was fun. It only lasted about 1 minute or so, but it allowed my mind to escape the fact that I still had 16 miles to go.
Mile 11
I ran past my cousin who was there to cheer on her sister and brother in law. She rooted for me. She was supposed to run the relay but hurt her back during training so she had to pull out.
Mile 12
Ran past Under Armour. This was a neat water stop. Since Under Armour was sponsoring the whole event, they made sure to put on a good show for everybody. They had people dancing to loud music as they shouted out words of encouragement to the runners. I fueled up and kept moving.
Mile 13
Ran past my family again. I remember hearing my mother yell to me that I was half way done. It was at that point that it dawned on me…. I was only half way done.
Mile 15
My hamstring is starting to hurt a little more. I’m a bit worried. I took some salt caps to see if it would help.
Mile 16
We met up with the half marathoners. This was awful. I finally worked out my pace and then I hit another crowed of slow runners/walkers who were keeping me from my goal. They were annoying. I would find some fast ones to run behind and then they would stop out of nowhere and start walking, so I would have to weave my way through them again.
Mile 18
We were running around Lake Montebello. The wind was nasty. I remember seeing all the water cups from the fuel stop skipping across the ground. I tried to eat a Chewy bar but I could only get down one bite. So I went for my 4th GU packet instead.
Mile 22
I eat my 5th GU packet and struggle to swallow it down. All of the sugar from the GU and Gatorade is starting to make me feel sick. I slow up at the next water stop and chug 2 cups of water and and salt cap and continue running.
Mile 24
Only 2 miles left. 2 long miles. My leg hurts.
Mile 25
Screw this water stop, I’m running through it. (Good thing I did)
Mile 26
I pass through Camden Yards and know that my goal is within sight. I pass by my family. I didn’t see them till the last minute. Their pictures say it all. The expression on my face shows more than a bit of pain. I look at my watch and realize I need to sprint to meet my goal. So sprint I did.
Mile 26.2
I cross the line with 21 seconds to spare. If I would have stopped at the Mile 25 water stop I wouldn’t have met my goal.
Finish Area
I fight though the crowd to get my medal and my foil blanket. I find a spot on the ground and sit down to wait for my brother and friends to finish. 10 minutes later I struggle to get to my feet. I find my cousin who ran the relay with her husband. We chat it up a bit and then I went over to get some crab soup. My dad and my wife found me so instead of getting soup, I met up with them to leave. My brother and friends were waiting there where we exchanged our times and stories.
Good time. I cant wait to run the Charlottesville Marathon in April. |