Dang! Just lost my partial write up. You’ll have to tolerate the length of this post (or not).
An 8am start time for a marathon is sweet. I set alarms for 6am, but naturally woke up at 5:15. Proceeded to ponder how great it felt to be in a kingsized bed, surrounded by fluffy pillows and to not be rushed to get to the starting line (like St. G). Had two packs of oatmeal, Emergen-C, water, pills, and some wheaties. Earned one star at the hotel, and I had the premonition that I would earn no more (before the race). That came to pass. I guess a late race start means I should modify when I take my Immodium? Eventually joined the pre race traffic madness, but got a good parking spot. Headed to the Elite tent. Hung out there, stretched, then they moved us to the capitol building. Temps were 55F at the start, so I had on knee high nylons on my arms, but would ditch them by mile 3.
Marathon and half marathon started at the same time, so there would be no way to peg my position until the half peels off at 1.2 miles. My strategy (given by Greg) was to run 6:20-6:30 for the first mile (preferably the slower) then choose my pace according to what felt right, to not struggle in the first half (leave that for the second half :D ) then play happy, positive mind games to stay strong.
I had 5 mile splits on my arms, both for 2:45:57 (6:20 pace) and for 2:49:45. I knew I should be somewhere around there.
Miles 1-5 watch was screwy for the first three miles, likely due to tall buildings, so the first three miles were 19:12. I felt like I was hitting the right groove. 6:11 for mile 4, 6:17 for mile 5 31:40 on the dot (they had clocks on the course at 5 mile intervals, way cool)
Miles 6-10 knew I was in fourth by this point 6:17, 6:14 (took a gu), 6:20 – pass to get into third here, 6:17, 6:15 63:10, 10 seconds below split for OTQ
Miles 11-15 6:18, 6:24, 6:21, 6:20, 6:20 this section is starting to get challenging, I am trying to keep my cool, 1:22:50 at the ½ mark, still 10 seconds below split for OTQ at 15 mile mark, though the clock was off by 1 min.
Miles 16-20 gradual uphill in 16-17 (6:26, 6:33), then turn around. I tell myself here that it’s ok I am off pace, that I will make it up on the way down, I pass #2 girl and become #2 girl (#1 girl is about 4 minutes ahead), I think of KellieS and our conversation about me being a cheetah. It was very helpful as I reel in #2. I try to pick it up after the turnaround, and keep it together until the 20 mile split. 6:15, 6:19, 6:20, I am about 15 seconds off OTQ pace. I tell myself I can still make it if I can pull off a couple of 6:15’s.
Miles 21-25 6:26, 6:21, 6:26 I know I am too off to regain, I am now racing for 2nd place and to try to break 2:47. I don’t want to get caught because #2 gets $2,000 but #3 gets $1,000, a big difference. 6:25, 6:38 (keep it together!)
Mile 26 dang uphill and head wind, catch a guy as I crest the hill, some spectator tells me it’s all downhill from here, but there is a second hill, watch has changed setting so I can’t view pace, but I just try to finish strong. Turns out this mile is 6:41. Don’t know my split for the .2, since I didn’t turn off my watch. So many spectators cheering me in. 2:47:09 finish time.
I am pleased with this race. It is my best marathon by far (3:33 PR, off a St. G time). Though I fell apart at the end a bit, it wasn’t a dramatic crash and burn. I now know what it feels like to race a marathon in this time range, so I think I’ll be better equipped to tackle the OTQ time again. I am so grateful to my coach, Greg McMillan, my fastrunningblog support network of amazing friends (who understand my fanaticism and my public stretching and ab workouts), my work--who have been so flexible and understanding, my PT Steve Orrock and his team who keep me going, my family who supports me. And most of all, to my Heavenly Father who loves me and has given me this year, and this opportunity. It's been a great year, after a hard year. I am grateful :D
I had no bathroom breaks in this marathon. It’s a marathon miracle!
Now I am off to Boston to meet up with Paul.
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