Grandmas Marathon 2006 (Read 792 times)

My top 10 Grandma's Marathon excuses- 10. It was more uncomfortable than the hottest marathon I have run, with 100% humidity and fog and sun, all at the same time 9. There were no Moon Pies or RC Cola at the end, so why hurry 8. The 3:40 pace group leader went out at 8:10s 7. Their sports drink is Ultima 6. My Garmin lost signal at mile 22 5. The 3:50 pace group passed me at mile 18 4. I like anagrams, and 3:40 is an anagram of 4:03 3. If I finished too fast, I might have made other runners feel bad 2. I forgot to drink a beer at mile 21, right before Lemondrop Hill 1. 4:03 is still better than last year's time by more than 1 m/m Grandma's Marathon is a great race, and the whole region, it seems, comes out to support the runners. The course is usually very scenic (when you could see it through the fog, that is). Every fluid stop has water, ice, Ultima (yum!) and every one after mile 11 also has ice cold sponges. As you approach the finish, the crowds grow, really escalating from mile 17 on in. The food in the finishers' area is fantastic, fruit, cookies, sandwitches, ice cream, smoothies, juices, beer, etc. And the medals were great this year. Shirts to finishers only. However, this year was hot and very humid. It was about 85 degrees much of the way, with a low lying fog providing 100% humidity, and a hot sun shining through. There was very little breeze. And I just never felt good, despite having done everything right (tapering, carb loading, sleeping, taking my fluids and lytes). I guess you just can't control everything. Anyhow, I am just delighted to have finished. I was shooting for an comfortable 3:40, and am delighted with my 4:03. Just about everybody I know who ran did worse than their goal, and a lot of people looked to be suffering with me. Misery and company, I have heard.

I really enjoyed those, Trent! Congrats on your sub-5 finish!

From the Grandmas Marathon race info:

SAFETY FIRST:Grandma's Marathon has traditionally been cool, but there is always a chance the weather could be reversed. If it is warm or humid on race day, please take special precautions to avoid over-extending your limitations. We are not responsible for race-related injuries, and runners will be responsible for any medical expense they may incur. Grandma’s Marathon follows the American College of Sports Medicine color-coded flag system to let you know the risk level for cold or heat stress. Please familiarize yourself with these flag colors; they will be posted at the starting line as well as miles 9, 13, 17 and 22. BLACK FLAG (Extremely High Risk): All runners should slow their pace, drink extra fluids and those with previous heat stress problems or heat stress problems or heat disease should consider not running. RED FLAG (High Risk): All runners should slow their pace and those with previous heat stress problems or heart disease should consider not running. YELLOW FLAG (Moderate Risk): Heat stress is less, but one must be cautious as the level of stress will most likely increase during a morning race. GREEN FLAG (Low Risk): Risk is low, but once again you should be careful of symptoms of heat stress. You also need to be cautious of changing weather conditions. WHITE FLAG (Risk of Hypothermia): The risk of hypothermia is very low, but still exists especially in slow runners or in wet and windy conditions.

Yesterday, apparently, was the first time they have ever used the Black Flag. Nice.

I especially like #4! Grandma's marathon sounds like a great race (on a cool day at least)! I'm beginning to realize what a huge variable the weather (particularly the heat) can be! Great job pulling through the tough conditions and CONGRATS on finishing!

Trent, Those are excellent reasons! I liked them so much that I might use some of them for my next marathon Good job on finishing in such difficult conditions. It's not fun, but you did it, and that's all that matters.