This was supposed to be my race. This was my 3:15. It was a great course. We had great weather. I hit all my paces during training. I tapered like a champ....
I'm not so much disappointed as I am confused. I don't know what I'm doing or not doing. This is my third attempt at a 3:15 and the conditions were the most favorable for me at this race. I printed out my race pace band. I followed it religiously (I did cut myself some slack on Veyo). At the half, I was right on for a 3:15.
I felt good until about mile 18/19. At mile 19, I had to get realistic with myself. I knew that I couldn't ignore my body. I walked through the aid station and dumped a cup of water on my head, gave myself a pep talk and promised myself that if I would hold it together, I could still PR. (Under 3:21:5X)
I can't say I didn't try. I was holding steady until about mile 22. My body started to break down. Heavy legs, crampy stomach, dizziness, crazy nausea....My pace dropped into the 8 min/mile range and continued to fall with each mile. I swear I don't remember much about the last 2 miles. It seemed I was running in a tunnel. I remember thinking that I needed to see where the medic tents were at the finish line cuz I felt so dizzy. I'm scared to see the photos of the finish. I'm pretty sure I look like death warmed over. I certainly felt it.....
3:25 plus change is still a respectable race. I don't want to downplay that. I just don't know where I'm lacking. Do I need more mileage? More marathon paced workouts? I can always work on my nutrition. (I love sugar....a lot) My husband has been gone for the last 2 months and single motherhood is hard. Maybe that has taken its toll? I just want someone smarter than me to tell me what to do to get that dang 3:15.
I did really enjoy this course. (Until miles 18/19) I hope to someday hold it together during that last 10K. That is where I've struggled in all my marathons....Any of you out there reading this....advice is welcome.
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