Runn3rGirl - Thank you! I always remember you saysing that I am a natural marathoner, and it makes me smile.
too hot - I appreciate the remarks. Will get to a question for you (and some others) in a bit, but first my race report.
The morning begain as cloudy, breezy, with some mositure in the air. It had rained overnight. My new half tights, which have great pockets, felt pinchy in one spot along the waistband, and so I went with my back-up Nike full tights that I have worn in a number of races, including Richmond 2017. I knew I could end up getting a little warm in them, but I figured the cool wind would make up for that, at least somewhat. Went with my old “worn and white” t-shirt, a shirt that I have had since I started running six or so years go. It is nice and soft. Thought about a tank top, but declined on it. Went with Smoove’s idea (from years ago) with some homemade arm warmers from an old pair of socks. They worked well. A $2.48 knit hat on cleraance from Target kept me warm for the first 8 miles. I tossed the arm wramers after about ten.
Did not get much sleep, but I never sleep well prior to a race. Was thinking all kinds of negative thoughts, but then tried to focus on getting ready and getting to the start. Went with five gels, one eight minutes prior to the start (just after the national anthem), and then four for the race. Took along one AccelGel (with protein), and three Spring Energy gels, one Long Haul, one Canaberry and one Hill Aid. I took them in that order, with the Hill Aid last. This system/sucession worked nicely.
As always, I took water early and often, in smaller amounts. I started the race nervous and somewhat on edge. Having half marathoners mixed in confused me, until I realized what was going on. I tend to go out 10-15 secs. slower than expected pace, and so when I saw “6:29” pop up for the first mile, I figured I were either nervous or in shape or both...or just following the crowd at their half marathon pace. My aim was more or less to follow Stone Cutter’s advice and knock out as many 6:25 or so miles as possible, especially since it is a flat course.
I started to feel more comfortable after the first four miles, with that feeling of “what am I doing here?” starting to melt away. By six, I started to feel like myself, the “natural marathoner” that some here have said I am. There were no groups, though. I pretty much just waded through the crowd, and modulated my pace as per the number in my mind, “6:25.” This race was basically a solo effort from beginning to end. I was unable to find a group with which to run. It truly felt like one of my Saturday long runs, minus the hills. We did have a couple of overpasses to negotiate, actually the same overpass (out and back), but it was no big deal. Going back, it came at around mile 23, and I was moving well and rolled up a runner on that overpass. I love Smoove’s term, “roll up,” and will employ it here. :-)
Fort Story was lonely, as was much of the race. After passing the lighthouse and then shedding my hat and arm warmers, I knew I was ready to roll. With some tailwind behind me, 10, 11, and 12 rolled by, and I was pinned at about 6:20 pace, feeling very comfortable. I felt comfortable throughout the race, even toward the end (will explain more about that). As I approcahed the half mark, I made sure I was on the right die of the split, and I could see there we only two runners just ahead, most having gone toward the 13.1 finish. As I approached the clock, I felt a surge of joy as I saw the 1:24:30 or so, and I knew I could break 2:50. From 13.1 to the turnaround at 18.75, I felt great, constantly thinking and planning, and passing runners here and there. I think my slowest split through there was 6:26, and my two best were 6:17 and 6:18. As I approached the 18.75 turnaround, though, I got a stern warning from a guy on the other side, heading back. He said to me: “This headwind is a b-tch.” I had figured it was anyway, and braced myself. I made the turn, and felt it right away, though it got worse in the last 4 or so at the boardwalk. That was the real brunt of it. I had just taken the Canaberry, and that helped. I am pretty sure I ended up rolling up the guy that had warned me about the wind. In fact, I believe he was the same guy I saw walking at about 22, and he said I was the only guy to pass him thus far. He cheered me on, and I acknowledged him and was happy.
As RRR had noted, I was rolling up people, and it felt good. I sensed that I was in contention for the masters. Nobody around me looked “old.” I remembered Smoove’s advice to check out those around me. Everyone looked young...for now. Hitting the boardwalk, I knew the last 3-4 miles would be tough. The guys I passed were suffering. My quads started to ache at the 23 mark, but I was fine aerobically. With the wind as it was, I had a choice to make. I had the energy to bump up the pace, and go for 2:47 (which is what I had wanted), or be careful and keep it steady in order to ensure I would get under 2:50, and not risk the wheels coming off. The marathon is a tricky thing. It plays with one’s mind. So, I took my foot off the gas a little and headed through the wind. So, here is how it went..22 was 6:25, and then I went 6:31, 6:32, and 6:41 in 23, 24, and 25. We turned left off the boardwalk and onto Atlantic Ave. With about a mile or so left, I noticed an older-looking guy up ahead, wearing a green shirt. I sensed something, and thought for a bit. I said from deep inside myself: “Roll him up.” I put on a surge and reeled him in, knocking out mile 26 in 6:09. As I passed him with about .7 or so to go, I sensed I had just locked up the master’s title. It felt great, but I continued on, running in fear...with a mixture of joy.
I turned back onto the boardwalk, and could see the finish area about .4 or so ahead. I now felt really good, and turned on the jets. I heard people saying “34 looking strong!” and I felt the joy coming. I spotted the clock reading 2:48:xx and tried to dip in under 2:49, but just missed.
2:49:01, 10th overall, first master
As was the case at Richmond, I could have kept going. Tired, but had more left. Glad to get under 2;50, and yelled “Yes!”
Overally, it was a good race, but somewhat lonely. Wish I could have found some groups to run with.
So, Stone Cutter, too hot, Smoove—now what? Do you think I could run 2:45 or perhaps better? I am thinking a fall marathon might be my next step. Will take all of your race and training ideas, should you be so kind as to offer them.
I never thought I would say this, but 26.2 has become a manageable distance for me. I was able to think and plan throughout the race, feeling good.
All the best...