Got my BQ today at the Napa Valley Marathon, 3:33:29 chip time (needed 3:50, male age 60 – 64). I came fourth in my age group. This is a dream come true for me.
I was going to run with the 3:40 group, but the pace leader stood there looking around when the race started! Major fail.
I eased into my rhythm. At 2 miles I noted the 3:35 pace group about 100m ahead. At 6 miles, a group of 6-7 formed and we discussed: What the heck happened to the 3:40 pace leader?! I made a plan with three other runners to gradually get to the 3:35 group.
I caught the 3:35 group at 13 miles and the groove was very good. We had 10-12 runners locked in, it was fantastic. I had good stretches and not-so-good-stretches, but kept a positive attitude. I drifted in front of the group at a drink stand with 3 miles to go, felt good, and threw it down. Dueled with a women from the group with two to go and felt an uncanny lift in my stride (!?) Ha ha, the last mile was dicey as heck but I kicked myself in the butt to keep it rolling.
Igy, good advice to Allen53 on the Maserati principle. That sluggish thing can come up in a taper. So it sounds like you ran the trials twice? What a great experience. Shorter, Moore, then Shorter and Rogers, pure magic.
Meanwhile, today on the starting line I thought, “Hey, I'm only 20 years older than Abdi!”
am, nice work on the 22.6 mile outing, you are ready for a very good marathon! Did your friend break 4:00 at Napa?
MikeF, nice work on the streak. I like Mexico City a lot, but I've never run there, it's enough to walk in that town! I did live in mile-high Oaxaca for years, much easier...
Cavorty, looking good! We are about the same age, and hitting the same level at 10K distance.
Old guy II a nice solid week, dhaaga too keeping it rolling dudes, great fitness.
Have a great week, I gotta go take a HOT, LONG bath! Ouch.