Well...I did it...set out to finish my first marathon and do it in under 4 hours, so I'm happy with my time. Felt so strong to start, and probably went out to fast, but that is a case of inexperience on my part. I was at a 7.30 pace up untill mile 13.10, then I got such bad spazm in my calves that I began to slow considerable....and thats were I really lost the time. I never felt that type of pain in my calves....kept thinking that I would pull a muscle...and did not want to bail on my first marathon, so I slowed the pace and took walk brakes when needed. Didn't see the 3.35 pacer pass me until mile 21 or so, and I so wanted to keep up, as this pace would be my BQ, but I reminded myself that my goal was to finish under 4 hours, and I am just so proud to have been able to do this in the time that I did. The experience I gained will benefit me greatly, and in my time, no doubt, I will eventually qualify. I'm thinking that I need to concentrate more on endurance during my future training. Anyways, I'm very happy with this time, and the experience is something I will never forget. Can't wait till my next marathon!
My splits according to the race report....7.1 mile......53 minutes @ 7.28 pace 12.7 mile.....1.35 hours @ 7.29 pace 13.10 mile...1.39 hours @ 7.33 pace 17.30 mile...2.17 hours @ 7.55 pace 20.30 mile...2.46 hours @ 8.11 pace |