Seeking a better country...

Huntsville Marathon

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Location:

Bountiful,Ut,USA

Member Since:

Sep 22, 2009

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

5k 18:44 4 July 2012 C-ville
10K 38:22 24 July 2012 DesNews
Half 1:22:30 18 Aug 2012 Hobble
Full 3:00:35 29 Sep 2012 Huntsville

Short-Term Running Goals:

Sign up for a race > 5k, run well.

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep on running.

Click to donate

to Ukraine's Armed Forces

Miles:	This week:	0.00	Month:	0.00	Year:	48.81
Trails Lifetime Miles:						551.40
Grass Lifetime Miles:						72.50
Pavement Lifetime Miles:						2229.50
Stroller Lifetime Miles:						438.80
Navy Crocs Lifetime Miles:						378.70
Nordic Track TM Lifetime Miles:						1015.77
Green Mirage 2 Lifetime Miles:						494.70
Orange Mirage 3 Lifetime Miles:						514.90
Glow In The Dark Mirage 3 Lifetime Miles:						461.25
Navy Blue Mirage Lifetime Miles:						216.90

Sat, Sep 28, 2013

Race: Huntsville Marathon (26.2 Miles) 03:17:50, Place overall: 35, Place in age division: 5

Slow miles	Fast miles	Total Distance
14.00	12.20	26.20

This report should be titled HOW TO NOT RUN A MARATHON.

The first splits I'll share are:

1st half: 1:26

2nd half: 1:52.

I think that adequately sums things up.

But wait, there's more. I ran a solid for 14 miles, side by side with Angie. By mile 4 I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep it up over the long haul, but I decided to stick with her as long as possible. It was a solid plan last year, but an epic fail this year. She went on to run 2:55.

The first 14 miles were all 6:20-6:45 pace miles. After 14, I told Angie to put in her earbuds and take off. She encouraged me to stick, but I just couldn't do it. The splits after she left into the distance tell an ugly tale of pain, mental weakness, quitting and lack of will. Once the goal was out of reach, it just didn't matter enough to me. I learned today you can't prep a marathon lackadaisical. You can't race a marathon casually. You have to want it deeply, because letting up is so easy.

Splits from 15-26

7:22

7:40

7:43

8:48

9:35

9:55

10:05

8:45

7:46

9:38 for the last 1.2 miles.

So there it is. Don't ever run a marathon this way.

Even on Saturday, I didn't mind this result. I knew a sub-3 was highly unlikely, but I was happy to drink the koolaid and think there was a chance. 3:18 is just as unsatisfying as a 3:07, it's just different placement.

Pavement Miles: 26.20	Green Mirage 2 Miles: 26.20

Comments

From Andy on Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 21:20:03 from 76.27.65.244

I've thought of every running cliche to make you feel better but they all seem so hollow. The brutal honesty of the marathon can be cruel. Wait, was that a cliche? Once you are recovered, let's get Tempo Tuesday going again to keep our fitness up during the winter.

From josse on Mon, Sep 30, 2013 at 22:03:06 from 70.208.3.67

Sorry this didn't go well, but I did learn from this if that helps. And it makes me really want that sub-3.

From Russ on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 08:25:29 from 74.114.3.253

Kam, you ran a fantastic half marathon followed by a half training run. Great job going for broke, even realizing you likely wouldn't hit your goal. When a 3:17 is a horrible marathon, you've arrived. That's a top 8% finish time for any marathoner in the country. You have confirmed, once again, that you're a stud. Enjoy the recovery.

From Tara on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 11:37:53 from 75.169.139.248

I agree with Russ.

I also agree with Andy about Tempo Tuesday's.

I also agree with Josse. A sub 3 would be nice.

Lastly, you are more than capable of a sub 3, just wasn't on Saturday. Pick another race and you'll have it. Let me know when you have a mental rough draft of your 2014 race calendar.

From AngieB on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 12:53:29 from 174.251.17.52

You have has a extremely busy year. I seriously don't know how you do it all and find time to run. You are totally capable of a sub 3. Recover and chalk this one up to a good learning experience and get after another one. Of course, after you get all settled w a new baby:). Thanks for running the first half w me. You helped me so much! Sorry your last half wasn't enjoyable.

From Josh E on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 13:35:14 from 205.235.104.4

Not awful all things considered. Congratulations on gutting it out after you were clearly done. With a slower first half and on a different day, you could probably have shaved 10-15 minutes off that time.

From Mattrow on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 13:52:32 from 132.3.57.79

Kam, Too bad things didn't work out. We all have days like that. You will get your sub 3 hour marathon.

From NatalieK on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 20:32:06 from 174.232.131.64

Amen to all the above. Sorry you.didn't get what you wanted. I know it doesn't make it better but a 3:17 is nothing to sneeze at. I have no doubt you'll get it someday.

From allie on Tue, Oct 01, 2013 at 22:36:56 from 97.126.215.90

andy took all of my cliches.

rob murphy's running accomplishments used to list something along the lines of: "once ran a 30:xx mile in a marathon."

the marathon has consumed (or will consume) all of us at some point. it's part of the (twisted) fun of throwing yourself into the fire and seeing what happens.

i'm sorry it didn't go as planned, but i admire that you went for it in the first half and kept going in the second half when things got rocky.

mueller park soon -- the leaves are vibrant.

From Britta on Thu, Oct 03, 2013 at 08:57:35 from 99.107.167.44

Sorry to hear:( Hope your recovery is well. Why do we all like this event so much? I always say after the marathon I won't do it again... my husband bets how long before I change my mind. It usually is only hours after the finish. We're slow learners:) or we know we have it in us to do better:) You will get your sub 3!!!

From JD on Thu, Oct 03, 2013 at 14:55:19 from 70.96.78.188

congratulations on a marathon...run.

and congrats on the new addition to your family!

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