RunningAHEAD - Topic: First Marathon

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First Marathon (Read 382 times)

jpcecil

posted: 4/27/2008 at 4:16 AM

Well, I finally did it. I ran and completed my first full marathon in Louisville. (Derby Festival Marathon.)
The weather turned out to be pretty nice, overcast with temps ranging from 50-60. The race course included a couple miles inside Churchill Downs. It also included about 4-5 guys dressed up as Elvis, with one pushing a stroller with a boom box playing his music. (Kind of surprised they allowed it with 12,000 runners in the half and full marathon combined.) I would consider the course moderatly hilly with the biggest hills in the first 4-5 miles. I ran with the 8:00/mile pace runners until about mile 18. Didn't really hit "the wall" until about mile 22, then my legs/feet really started to scream. At mile 24 I thought both legs were going to cramp up, but I slowed down and was able to cross the finish line at 3:42, still running. I remember how happy I was to finish my first 5K, but nothing compared to crossing the finish line for this one!!

I definately learned a lot in this first marathon. I've got some work to do on my form especially after about 17-18 miles, I could feel myself "slouching" with my head down, and not picking my feet up high enough. I could really feel it in my knees and calfs after the race. Only walked through 2 water stops, so I was pretty happy with that.

I'll probably run the marathon again next year (maybe even one before!)

Ennay

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Bif! Bam! Pow!

posted: 4/27/2008 at 4:36 AM

Wow , awesome job for a first marathon!!!!

Beware the Pink Boxing Gloves of DOOM!
2008 Goals 5K<24 (PR 24:03) 10K <50 48:33~~49:52~~,HM < 1:50 (1:46:01~~1:47:42 1:54:36~~) M<4:00 (4:02:53)
Faster than a speeding toddler.....

BadDawg

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i can has marathawn?

posted: 4/27/2008 at 1:58 PM

Any day that includes Elvis(es) is a good day in my book, especially when it also includes an excellent Marathon effort.

Great job, hope you recover quickly and well.

Ed
Bib #10 at the Tuesday night Good Times 5K series in Lowell, MA
2008 goal: HTFU and BQ at BayState Marathon on October 19th

Beer is proof that God loves us, and wants us to be happy.

zoom-zoom

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no handlebars

posted: 4/27/2008 at 3:17 PM

That's excellent to go well under 4 hours for your first attempt--nice job! That really sounds like a fun race, too.

I get that slouching thing when I get tired, as well. I need to work on strengthening my core muscles to help keep me upright. Like you I find that everything suffers once that slouch starts.

Kirsten

• Ladies Locker Room •

.: 2008 Goals :.
• Get down to 123#s and STAY there!
• Run 1500 miles
• Run 1st marathon - Milwaukee Lakefront - in my home state of WI < 4:30
• PRs: 5k ~ ~~15k~~ ~ ~~25k~~
• HTFU

rvelich

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Race Attire Savvy

posted: 4/29/2008 at 3:20 PM

Congratulations! Great first marathon!

Rick
"The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare." - Juma Ikangaa
"I wanna go fast." Ricky Bobby
runningforcassy.blogspot.com

slowdog

DON'T PANIC

posted: 5/11/2008 at 11:52 PM

Congrats! I ran my first one in Nashville that same day, although I live in Louisville. That is a geat time too, wish I could have finished near my projected time. Knowing what the hills are like in Cherokee and Iroquois, that's awsome.

runnerclay

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