wondering- wrote:
Marine corps? I know a couple others who ran it and it was 68 and humid
That’s the one! I’m glad it wasn’t sunny, but that humidity and warm temps after a few weeks of cool weather were still pretty brutal.
wondering- wrote:
Marine corps? I know a couple others who ran it and it was 68 and humid
That’s the one! I’m glad it wasn’t sunny, but that humidity and warm temps after a few weeks of cool weather were still pretty brutal.
2:30Hopeful wrote:
OP here! I just wanted to update everyone with my final results. Thank you all for a fantastic, informative thread! It really helped give the confidence to race hard this morning.
Conditions were outright terrible for a marathon today, with 90% humidity in 65-70° temps. Despite that and a hilly course (almost 900 feet of elevation gain), I ran 2:33:XX, ran perfectly even splits, was not passed by any runner after 10K, and ended up in 5th place overall out of 20,000+ runners.
I felt super strong throughout, and am fully confident that I would have run 2:29:XX or faster in perfect conditions. I may even try for another shot at it in two weeks on the fast, flat, usually cold course of my hometown marathon. Thank you again, and run safe!
Hopeful, thanks for the update - great thread! While it wasn't in the cards this time, I am very happy to hear that:
1) You know that you can absolutely crush 2:30, knowing that a tougher than normal course with less-than-ideal conditions undoubtedly are significant. (And, you're correct, they most certainly are.)
2) You didn't have any stomach issues.
3) You obviously feel more encouraged about things overall - so much so, that you're considering another go at it real soon.
My comments fwiw (but, by all means feel free to totally dismiss whatever may not apply):
1) As you know, you'll break 230 (and likely then some). The superb training you've done is not for naught. Even if your training for the next Spring one is not quite as good (80ish weeks with workouts close to this last seasons), you'll be good to go. Avoid the unproductive habit of comparing everything all the time with a microscope (which a lot of us tend to do). You're fit. You'll do well. End of story.
2) That's pretty incredible you can consider another one in 2 weeks. You must be extremely mechanically sound and fit to not be wrecked after any honest marathon on roads. Which relates to...
3) Only you can really tell if you can go so quickly again, but since it is quite rare that a person could do that, just be sure that you're being 100% honest with yourself and not trying to "force it". A primary rule for good marathoners is to avoid injuries. Period. For 99% (and I'm talking good runners), not only would another one in two weeks usually be somewhat less likely to yield great results, it would be a little risky. I honestly hate sounding like downer as that is not my intent at all. I am uber-confident sub230 is happening for you (well beneath that is likely) and being in a motivated state is important. But, 2 close marathons (for most) is usually not the move. Coming from a place of wanting things to go well for you, just try to be as objective as possible.
4) I know some will bristle at this (because it's been so ingrained as a "failure"), but in the future, if a time goal is THE thing, and if you can tell at 18-20ish miles that the time isn't happening because of weather, etc, there is really no shame (imo) for a runner to step off the course to be able to make another run at it soon thereafter. For a lot of good runners, 20 at MP can be recovered from pretty quickly (obviously), while the last 6 can take a toll. I am not second guessing your decision to finish - 5th is great! And, very few would understand intentionally not finishing. Just something to consider. It's different than stopping bc you can't finish, and it actually takes a pretty confident runner. (IMO, this only applies to marathons, tho.)
5) If it's the one in 2 weeks, then I am all in for you! But, if you aren't feeling it, then maybe something like Houston in early Jan would be a option. It's not the first one that people think of for a fast marathon, but I have to believe it is considerably faster than MC, and since you seem to be able to rebound in short order, it wouldn't mess up your spring marathon plans too much. Off course, I know there are always many dynamics involved.
Again, great job in both the training and in your race, and I am happy that you're eager (almost energized) immediately following this one to go get it (which you will)!
I would put the pace adjustment right around 10s/mile. Maybe another couple of seconds for a flatter course. Definitely indicative of sub-2:30 fitness. Well done running even & being ok with going slower than what you trained for. A lot of people in your situation would have taken the first 13.1 in 1:14 & then come home > 2:35.
Just adding that 2 weeks isn't a lot of time to bounce back. You put out a 2:28-2:29 effort, even if it got you a 2:33. Probably need more recovery time. No reason not to be confident in your fitness whether you race again now or wait for a spring or fall marathon.
These boards don't have THAT many runners who can break a sub 2:30 marathon. Few runners can run that fast and few, here, can.