Notes
Up to two months ago, I was training for a sub 3:20, but then I came down with a glute problem and hamstring tendinitis. I had to cut back on miles to about 30 per week, less than half of what I do for a marathon, (65-70), and with no quality workouts.
This marathon was all about qualifying for Boston 2020. With the missed training and still dealing with injuries, I quickly adjusted and hoped to run 3:40. A 3:40 would definitely get me in Boston, and up to 3:45ish would most likely get me in.
A bit of rain the first few miles, but not too hot, so the weather was fine. The first 5 miles loop through the city and I was surprised at how much downhill there was. The only hill was at mile 4. Mile 5 starts the trek along the coast/sea, so we had a tailwind from mile 5 to 18. The course then turns back, and the last 8 miles is into the wind.
Knowing I as going to lose time into the 20-25mph wind, I wanted to be sub 3:40 pace before dealing with the wind.
I felt fine and running relaxed for 16 miles. Glute/hamstring was not too bad, but then things went bad fast. Glute/hammy got worse and other body parts started a painful realization that staying on pace was now a fantasy. I had to deal with pain in my lower back, knee, my neck, hip flexors, right soleus, quads and right groin. Basically, my body was rebelling and shutting down. 😊 At 16 miles I was on 3:34 pace. I lost 10 minutes in the last 10 miles.
At mile 18, I said to myself, I will never run a marathon again undertrained and injured. The last 10 miles were a sufferfest. By far the worst pain I ever had in a marathon.
Some guy in a Ronald McDonald suit blew by me at 18.5. You now you’re slowing down when you get smoked by a clown. Lol From 20 to 25 miles, dropped off the map in the peak of the wind. Slowing from 8:15 pace to 9:40.
3:40 was long out the window. I was determined to get under 3:45, which should get me in Boston. I had to pick it up, so at 25 miles, I started furiously pumping my arms like one does when kicking at the end of a race, to force my legs to somehow turn over faster. It’s amazing how important your arms can be when running. I heard Eleni shout my name just before mile 26 and that gave me a huge motivational boost. I was able to bring that last mile down to 8:40. I dug deep and crossed the line in 3:44:23.
My slowest marathon by 20 minutes.
When I finished, I was totally destroyed. I could barely walk. I saw Eleni and she gave me a huge hug. It was very emotional and also get me standing upright. 😊 It took me at least 30 minutes to make the less than half mile walk to the car.
I am so happy that I managed to run what I did with the stuff I had to deal with.
A special Massive Thank You to my amazing wife for her support. I wouldn't have done it without you honey. 😊
Splits:
10k: 50m 58s
Half: 1h 47m 48s
30k: 2h 34m 16s
Overall 1331 / 7303 (18.2%)
Ages 60 - 64 13th