Notes
BQ - 10
Alarm at 3:30, quick shower, fruit cup. DD drove me to bus without any problem, there being zero traffic. The only bus that was loading was #1. I wasn't sure about the wisdom of being there as early as possible, it meaning a longer wait, but didn't have a lot of choice.
Splits that I got:
8:15 Pretty steep, pretty much at target pace
15:35 Missed mile 2, too fast
7:59 Still too fast
26:23 Missed a couple, slower, but included a kybo stop
7:14 Way fast
8:56 Suddenly slow at mile nine
8:10 On target
8:31 A bit slow
8:20 Likewise
8:35 Halfway
8:12 On target
17:07 Not too bad
8:34 Mile seventeen, reasonably good
8:16 Good
17:17 Good, considering this included the steepest climb
8:40 Well below target, but I was hurting
9:24 Slow
8:48 Okay
9:11 Slow at mile 24
9:07 Picked it up a bit
8:53 Picked it up more. Impressive, considering
3:08 Last 0.2
0:50 below PR. I think I could have done a 3:40 had I paced well. RR:
Set my alarm for 3:30 am in order to catch the 4:15 bus to the starting line. There has been a storm system parked over Fort Collins for the last three days, delivering steady drizzle mixed with snow. This morning, it's 37F and snowing lightly. The snow got somewhat heavier as we traveled up the canyon, and was sticking to the trees, but not the road.
When we arrived at the start staging area, the race director stepped onboard to welcome us and let us know where to find the coffee, cocoa, porta potties, etc. We had about an hour to wait as more busloads of runners arrived. I was wearing throwaway sweats, but didn't need to throw them away, because the bag check truck was open right up to the starting gun. Stood around and chatted with other runners, and took a few snapshots once it was light enough. It was a little chilly, but not bad.
Poudre Canyon road is open only to local traffic for the race; this means that the first seventeen miles of the race are pretty quiet, as far as spectator support is concerned. What you do hear is the roar of the Poudre River as it tumbles down the canyon. Snowflakes are falling on my tongue and the snow on the trees is beautiful. Rolling down the road, it's all but impossible to resist going too fast. Aid stations are every two to three miles, and there we get ample encouragement from the volunteers. I stop at every aid station and drink the half cup of water. I have learned that it's worth it to stop rather than to drink and choke while running.
The half marathon runners have taken off from mile 13, but only about four miles of the canyon remain for them. At mile 17, there is an intersection where the public can meet the course and cheer for us. There was a good crowd there, including my wife, daughter, and son-in-law. Great to get the encouragement, since the legs are getting tired, and I feel myself slowing. Met the family one more time before the finish, and Stephen, who was on his bike, a couple of additional times. Between 18 and 19 there is the only significant climb of the course. By this point, running has lost a lot of its appeal, and I just have to put my faith in the strength of my legs to carry me on. I start to feel some cramping in my gut and side, but keep going and it abates. Around mile 20 the course takes off of the road onto a nice concrete paved bike trail.
Legs are feeling like jelly. I just need to keep reminding myself to keep the leg turnover as quick as possible. Previous marathon experience has taught me that stopping or walking is the more painful option, so keeping going and ticking off the miles one by one is what I need to do. I appreciate the nice bridges, rivers, and lakes in the sense that I would like to be taking a leisurely bike ride on this trail. Not today.
The banners showing 5, 4, 3, 2 miles to go are about the only encouragement remaining for me. Keep the legs going, and don't think about it too much. Finally the trail turns directly into College Avenue, and I can see the finish line two long blocks ahead. Try to finish strong. I hear them announce my name, and I hear my family cheering, but I don't really acknowledge this time. I just accept the medal and the Mylar cape and hobble through the chute.
The post race shindig is better than Lincoln's, in my opinion, with live bands and more vendors than were at the expo. Wandered through with the family, picking up some of the swag and finding the results tent. When I learned I was #1 in my division, and found out that awards were still two hours away, we went to Coopersmith's, where I could change and we could have some lunch. I had their special marathon burger, an open face burger with melted pepper jack cheese and a fried egg, smothered with green chili.
Went to the awards ceremony, then went to the hotel for a long hot shower and a nap.