2008 Portland Marathon (Modal’s Second 26.2 Race) (Read 613 times)

Background February of 2008, I ran my first marathon, the Fort Worth Cowtown. Vacationing over in the Northwestern states and Western coast of Canada was something I had wanted to do for awhile. I thought what the heck, I see if there are any races over there. Initially, I was doing the Leavenworth half, but thought it would be more difficult than the Portland Marathon. Supposedly, the Portland marathon is the third easiest marathon in the US. Marathon Preparation I did not have a training plan. 2 weeks prior, I ran a 20k race and then started picking up my base frequency. Hydration/Fuel Plan I brought along 24oz of Tiger Gatorade and about 5 gel packs. I only ended up consuming 2 GU at miles 6 and 12. On the course, I tried a cup of Ultima, but was not pleased with it. From then on, I decided to stick with Glukcos and water. 2 cups of Liquid Gold and 2 cups of gummy bears were the only fuel items I got off the course. The Liquid Gold was funky tasting, but went down easy. Pre race night I slept hard, but ended up getting up way before I was expecting to. Finally, I came to the realization that I was about to be in a marathon. Pre race meal I ingested a peanut butter Kashi bar, cup of tiger Gatorade, and a pint of Chocolate Nesquik. Parking I arrived in downtown Portland about 5:30am. Thanks to Ennay on the parking advice, I found a garage taking cash at the entrance on Jefferson and First. Prefect Race Weather Overcast Drizzle Upper 50F Gun is about to go off! I placed myself in the 2nd wave start lining up for the 4:45 pace group. With 7000+ people, the whole staggered start was a good idea. Racing Now As things progressed, I felt good, sped up, and met the 4:30 group. Cruising with the pace team, I was thinking the course would be easy for me. There was not anything of major note until Mile 17. Mile 17 marked the start of a decent incline up to the St. John’s Bridge. I made the wise decision to take short walking breaks till I made it to the top. Mile 17 was a concern for me because I had my breakdown for my first marathon around this distance. Around the 22th mile, the ball of my left foot started bothering me and I started taking more walking breaks. Coming over the broadway bridge, I had a burst of energy, which did not last long. The last couple miles, I just started feeling myself breakdown and I began walking more and more. Oh yeah, Amtrak train cut off me off. Post Race Goodies At the ending, there were plenty of goodies -Dole Bars -Fruit Cream Bars -NesQuik -Powerbars -Flowers -Orange Juicy -Bananas -And who knows what else but…. I had trouble finding salty snacks. My guts were rolling and my head hurt and all I wanted to do was to shower up. Vomitosis 15 minutes after finishing, I was blowing seeds. Boy, it felt good to get that stuff out of me. Litter Box Dang, I stank. My shoes had a very strong ammonia stench. Impressions Overall, I thought the event went well. The volunteer base was awesome. Personal Expectations I wanted to get at or below 4:30, but I am happy with my 4:40 time. Injuries I had a large blood blister on the ball of my left foot and my left nipple bled a quite a bit. I brought bandaids along, but I forgot to use them. I thought I did not getting any blisters under my toenails, but I had one pop up days after finishing. Do I want to do another Marathon? At the end of this marathon, I told myself never again then I threw up and my mind changed :-).

Ah, nothing like a good hurl to make everything all better! I'm honored you chose Portland for a vacation-marathon, but I also apologize for the cruddy weather and general lack of scenery on the course. I would be shocked to hear that Portland is the 3rd easiest marathon. I thought it was deceptively rough, especially miles 17-21.

Damn trains! I went back out to find my friends just after you went by... another amtrak train came by. GAH. I surely hope that they go back to the steel bridge... this way, we only cross the tracks once, at the 10k mark. I can't totally tell, but I think you had some fun. At least I hope so. And did you throw up more after portland? Or after el scorcho? Portland was much kinder to me!

Well, I misread. "One of the top 3 marathons to do as a first marathon"

Any idea what the other two were? I loved Milwaukee...it totally got me hooked. That hurling thing is funny. As much as I can't stand puking, I hate being queasy even more. Sometimes a good ralph makes life all better! Nice race report. Got another one in mind for #3?

crazy aint it. Never see THAT in the advertisements.

Great job, Modal - loved the report Congrats to you!