032109 - National Marathon Race Report

On Saturday I completed a major milestone.  The DC National Marathon kicked off at 7 AM and it was a brisk 35 degrees and sunny.  I got to the venue about 45 minutes early, hit the portajohn and took a light jog back to my car to warm up and drop off my warm clothing.  I got in line around 5 minutes before the start of the race and placed myself in the 7 minute to 7:40 area.  The gun went off and I was quickly off and running.  I loaded my fuel belt with GU and water and I honestly couldn't believe I was about to run a marathon.  Just 2 years ago I told people I would never attempt such a crazy feat and there I was, tackling a major milestone in my Ironman training!

I felt really good and well rested.  Prior to heading to the start, I ate a nice yogurt, cottage cheese, and strawberry breakfast.  I made sure to drink plenty of water and stretch out good.  I passed mile 1 at 8:15.  I heard someone mention the time and say: "let's pick up the pace".  I followed that someone and his buddy for the next 4-5 miles.  As I ticked off miles, I looked at my watch, quickly calculated my progress and determined when I would hit the next 8 minute mark.  You see I started this run with a goal of running at an 8 minute pace, but I noticed as time went on that I kept checking miles off at 7:30, 7:45, 7:50, 7:30 etc...

When I hit mile 13.1 I looked down at my watch and noticed that I was well ahead of my plan (1hr 40min)!  I thought to myself..."can I keep this pace up through the entire race".  My HR tracked steady in the 158 - 160 zone and I tried really hard to keep my HR under 160!  However, the next thing I knew I was at mile 20 and I was still running sub 8 minutes miles.  I felt good so I decided to keep up the pace.   I thought long and hard about going a little faster, but decided to wait until mile 24 to make that decision.  When I hit mile 24 I felt good.  I picked up the pace and ran around a 7 minute mile.  I started to feel some pain in my legs and a little cramping started to settle in.  I kept telling myself...You are strong and you are trained for this...Keep going.  I ran hard for the last mile and on a few occasions felt like my legs were going to cramp up and stop me in my tracks.  Thankfully it didn't happen and I crossed the finish line at 3:22 on the nose!  

I was very happy with this and very surprised at the accomplishment.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think I was capable of such a time.  I know that the training Max put me through and the sound nutrition advice was what got me there.  The prescription was one Gel every 20 minutes and 4-5 oz of water.  I enjoyed a number of vanilla bean, chocolate, and tri berry gels!  I am very much looking forward to the next race!  There is nothing like racing!

Thanks to Griff and Max for the motivation and encouragement in getting me here!