Ran a Marathon. Wasn't sure how I'd do. Decided to have 3 goals- 1) sub-4. 2) sub-8min pace 3) BQ- 3:25.
I didn't feel as though I had quite the training to last 26, yet I had definitely broadened my base over the last few months. Decided to go out as if I was attempting a BQ and then if I were to hit a wall early, slow down as to not overly abuse myself in the process. First mistake...left my shoes at home, so purchased a pair from Dick's at 9:20 on Friday night (actually liked the shoes). Second mistake, got lost from the hotel to the starting line- ended up jogging 2 miles and walking .5 mile (hotel was just under a mile from the start). Once the gun started, I felt pretty good...
Mile 1- 7:05 (decided to slow just a tad, felt great)
Miles 2-5- 7:15 pace (still feeling good)
Miles 6-10- 7:25 pace (realizing that my pace is slowing down, yet felt fine and realized I'd banked time if a BQ was in sight)
Miles 11 & 12- 7:30 pace (noticed at mile 12, my garmin said 12.3 miles...stayed about the same the rest of the race).
Mile 13- 8:05pace (Still felt fine, just went slightly up hill and ran straight into a very strong wind)
Miles 14-17- Held 7:50 pace (overall pace needed for BQ)
Mile 18- Definitely hit a wall (not with body, mostly feet burning)
Mile 18-21- Stopped 3 times take off my shoes and rub my burning feet, even put mudd on them- when I was running, kept about a 9min pace.
Miles 22-26- My daughter caught up with me and helped me keep the 9min pace until the end- she stopped w/GI issues once for bathroom break (I grabbed my feet again); I then stopped again on mile 26 when we'd done the math and realized we'd finish well under 4 hours. This was her first marathon and she did great. I ran firm for 17 miles and viewed it as a solid training run. I think it can jump start my transition back into some distance running. I came out with no real physical issues other than sore feet. Walked gingerly on Sunday. Feel fine today on Monday. In fact, went to the gym, lifted weights for an hour, and did the stair climb for 35 minutes. May wait a day or 2 before jogging again. Overall, I'm not quite ready to really race marathons, yet this was a solid building block. My wife also ran her first marathon in 4:20- something. She looked strong at the finish.
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