Potato Head's BQ attempt (Read 914 times)

Race:  Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon

Date:  September 13

Goal:  3:30 (BQ)

 

This will probably get long and will definitely get ugly so feel free to scroll to the bottom for results if you wish.

 

This plan was hatched about a year or so ago.  I ran one marathon in 2007 (3:58) and decided to do another and this time go for a BQ (3:30).  I knew I needed to run more mileage (both in general and also quality workouts).

 

Training went very well.  I set PRs in four distances this year, pretty much training through all of the races.  I really felt like I had a shot at this.  Three weeks out I ran a hilly 5 mile race and did a 3 hour long run the next day.  I was set.  Until …..

 

Two weeks out

 

My father has been ill and took a sudden and dramatic turn for the worse.  He was hospitalized for a couple of days.  He lived with my mother down south and she could no longer take care of him, so he was moved into a care facility.  Our family decided that my parents should move up north where more family is so we could help my mother out (this turned out to be a very good decision).  I flew down south and drove my mother’s car home the next day (12 hours).  Later that week my parents were up north, my mother living with me.

 

One week out

 

Oh did I tell you that my daughter is getting married?  Her bridal shower was last weekend.  I visited with my father a few times and I’m not sure if he knew I was there.  Needless to say this was all very stressful.  I wasn’t getting much sleep, was eating poorly, and was drinking more than I normal.  Add to that the fact that I hadn’t taken a day of from work since May because we are very busy there.

 

Tuesday I get a call that my father was in the hospital and was having difficulty breathing.  I spent a good portion of the day in the ER.  My father stabilized and was sent back to the care center, this time under hospice like care.

 

Wednesday I get a call that my father had passed away.  I spent the rest of the day with my mother and the rest of my family.

 

Thursday we made funeral arrangements.

 

With my family’s encouragement I decided to go ahead and race Sunday.  I knew that my race readiness had taken a hit and thought about just running a somewhat easy pace and just finish.  But the goal was to BQ, and I decided to give it my best shot.

 

Race day

 

The race started at 7 AM.  I got there pretty early.  Good thing.  They did not have that many port a potties and people running the relay were hogging much of the line.  I was at the start in plenty of time, though.  It was 65 degrees and very humid at the start, and that had me worried.

 

Off we went and I was able to settle into a good pace.  I hit 5 miles in 39 something which was perfect, but by then I was already drenched in sweat.  I hit most, but not all water stops (mistake).  Mile 10 came in 1:19 something.  Right on time.  Feeling pretty good.  Mile 15 came in 1:39 something.  It was getting a little harder but I still felt OK.  I was trying to hydrate but I don’t think I could keep up.  The humidity was dropping but I was still drenched.  By mile 20 I was feeling my legs get crampy but I was still on pace, barely.

 

Then the wheels started to come off.  My hamstrings were starting to cramp up and it was getting hard just to keep moving.  The minutes started slipping away.  By mile 23 my left hamstring knotted up and I had to take a walk break.  My right calf was next to bark.  The last three miles were running then walking.  I got to the home stretch, saw the crowd and my family, and of course I was going to run in.  I gave it everything I had and made it to the finish.  It must not have been a pretty sight.

 

Once I crossed the finish I’m thinking, “My legs are pretty damn wobbly.  I’m going down.”.  Just then two volunteers caught me and took me over to a table.  While being helped onto the table my calf clenched into a ball and wouldn’t let go.  I screamed.  It was beautiful.  The guy rubbed it out and escorted me over to the massage tent, where I got a free massage.  That helped.

I hung around for a while with my family, drinking all of the water and Gatorade that I could get my hands on.  And that’s about it.

 

Chip time was 3:40:32.  I missed the BQ by less than 10 minutes.  I could play “what if” but why bother.  It is was it is.  I was either fit enough or very close to it, but I’ll never know.

 

We buried my father Monday.  It’s been a sad few weeks but I have a wedding to look forward to and that will help with the healing process.  My family and I will be OK.

 

That’s my story.  Thanks for reading.

Tim,

 

3:40 is a dream to me.  I am so happy for you man, as rough as the experienced seemed. 

 

I am sorry about your loss, but it may help to realize that your father lives on in a deep, thinking and sensitive person.  I hope the wedding celebration is a uplifting time for you. 

Great Job Brother ... I was thinking about you on Sunday!

Great job hun despite everthing! My condolences to you and your family and my congrats to you and your family on the upcoming nuptuals!  Heal well!

 

Definitely.

You ran a great race. 

 

I'm sorry for your loss.

Tim,

 

You nutted that race.  You handled this so very well, a great demonstration of seeking life balance through all the events.  I hope to be able to tip a beer with you this Nov in NH in salute to your long training effort, race success, and your Father. 

 

Way to Go Spudman! With all that you were dealing with, you did just Great! Enjoy your wedding and know that your Dad will be there with you!