Lost Dutchman Marathon (Read 892 times)

Thanks Charles! I guess I have to write something in here now. This is the 3rd marathon I have run in 3 months (5 in total) and I decided 2 weeks ago to do the whole instead of the half. My sister qualified for Boston this past December and told me I have 1 year to qualify so we can go together! I am really going to have to step up my training to make that goal or even get close. My fastest marathon time is 4:17 and I finished this one in 4:27. I was really excited about this race until I got to mile 17. I was running at about an 8:30 pace or so, but then I hit the hills. The elevation chart on the website is deceptive in that even in the spots where you don't have an overall increase or decrease in elevation, there are tons of rolling hills. Seeing as how I usually run on flat land, this was extremely hard for me! I ended up walking most of the last 5 miles, which completely ruined my time. Ugh. I figured though, if the pros can bow out of races that they aren't doing well in, then so can I right? Charles, I was really happy to hear about your race! I am so excited you are getting hooked on running! Maybe we can be virtual running partners and keep each other posted regularly especially since we have this nifty website to track each other on!!! Oh, one more thing, I know I have always had issues with hydrating enough (especially in the days leading up to a race), but my big issue was nausea. Maybe I will post questions about this in a different spot on this site. I would love to hear advice from others on this as it really impedes the ends of my races.

Wow, Lynn! Thanks so much! I will have to try it before my next long training run. It makes more sense to take it before a run then to take it after a run and still be suffering (which is what usually happens with me). So, I am guessing you bring a couple of tums with you during a long race just is case too? I really loved your post about your 100-miler, by the way. I showed one of my friends who is just now getting into running and we were both extremely inspired! Thanks for your $0.02! I will take it anytime!

Hi Lynn, I am so grateful for all of your information! I talked with a running coach here and he also thinks I am not hydrating or eating enough during my races. So, I will really have to practice doing both and seeing if it makes a difference. I run long runs with a belt and water bottle so can bring along some tums to try that out as well. I so appreciate your advice and am glad there is a possible solution to this! I loved your write up about your 50 miler. It really looks like it is in the middle of nowhere but absolutely beautiful! I can't believe you stood right next to a fresh bear paw print! Freaky! Hopefully they stayed away when they heard you all coming! I think I would have to prepare in multiple ways for a race like that! It is cold (compared to Arizona), at elevation, moist or humid, and uphill! I am in utter and complete awe of it all! Oddly enough, it still sounds FABULOUS to me despite the elements!!! I would love what a training plan for a 50 miler looks like sometime (if you are willing to divulge your secrets)! I read all your logs and watch your miles. They are very inspiring to me so keep on posting your latest!

I'm in the Phoenix area. I think I have seen some 50K races on local running websites here, but never actually read about them since I thought getting through 26.2 was hard enough. Having done 5 marathons now and a number of halfs, I guess I had better start looking into those 50Ks. I don't remember when any of them are though...if it is late winter time like now or fall. My current goal is to qualify for Boston then start increasing the distances. But with the increase in training I am planning, I hope this will get me that much close to the ultras. I got my VO2 max tested today though it was approximate because I panicked a little before I actually got to max. I did reach anaerobic threshold though and my max estimate is 55%. I was ecstatic considering this is considered superior for 20-29 year old males (I'm a 31 year old female)! My issue with hydration definitely leans on the dehydration side. But, I am getting better at this. I used to not bring any water with me even for long runs in summer. I stupidly thought that since it was only 80 degrees when I ran at 5 am it was ok. Well, I have learned lots about that in the past couple of years...thank goodness! Just have to train my stomach to handle more food fueling now (for the electrolytes and energy too) and a bit more water than what I currently drink.

Thanks Eric! I will give that a shot! My marathon training for the RnR in San Diego this June officially started last weekend. I will have plenty of time to test all the tips from you guys out in the next 15 weeks. Thanks again!