Well, that was a train wreck. It was the loneliest, most miserable marathon I can imagine. The only goal I met today was finishing under my own power.
The start was delayed due to thunderstorms, but after they passed, the weather ended up perfect for a marathon- low 50s and breezy. That’s the only thing that went right today. I underestimated the hills in the first half, they were so steep and slick from the rain on both the up and down- I actually was nervous on the downhill side, worried I would slip and fall or face plant.
I had to stop twice with an upset stomach and never really recovered from that (I’m home now and still having issues so I don’t know what’s going on). And the roads were canted so badly, my hip and IT band hurt a lot by mile 16-17ish. At that point, I already knew there was no way to reach my goal or even a PR, so I added some walking to relieve the hip pain. I figured just finish and live to fight another day.
There were only 230 people running it and I was almost always alone. That’s a mental challenge I just was not prepared for and I really struggled with this one.
My watch says 5:26:20, still waiting on official times to be posted, but it’ll be close. Not my worst, but definitely not good.
KCRuns, that sounds like a rough day all around. I've done a number of small races and it can be really demoralizing to see absolutely no one around.
JayB, IPAs kick my ass. 1 Dogfish 60 Minute and I am probably drunk, 2 I definitely am. Probably good I am a light weight, those aren't cheap.
RWMD, they should hold your cell phone somewhere safe just to prevent that sort of thing.
On the subject of my neighbor's colon pictures, I think I'd have rather seen that then heard all the details of his manscaping routine.
Ha, I have them, but no. What was most interesting to me yesterday was that after coming out of the anesthesia, there was about a 30 minute period where I was conscious - having conversations, getting dressed, making my way to the car - but I have zero memory of whatsoever. Maybe that's typical, but weird. I didn't even think about it till later in the day, and then had to ask my wife what happened during that time.
Ha, I have them, but no.
What was most interesting to me yesterday was that after coming out of the anesthesia, there was about a 30 minute period where I was conscious - having conversations, getting dressed, making my way to the car - but I have zero memory of whatsoever. Maybe that's typical, but weird. I didn't even think about it till later in the day, and then had to ask my wife what happened during that time.
DH works in PACU (post anesthesia care unit) at a hospital. Basically where you recover after leaving the OR. He sees some pretty hilarious things on a daily basis!
KCRuns, sorry about the tough race. Low 50s is too warm for me, lol. Anyway, sorry about the stomach, the hills, and the horrible experience.
It was a December day, with 77F and 63 dewpoint. No idea where such winter weather appeared but I ran outside since it was so cool for May.
Damaris
As part of the 2024 London Marathon, I am fundraising for VICTA, a charity that helps blind and visually impaired children. My mentor while in law school, Jim K (a blind attorney), has been a huge inspiration and an example of courage and perseverance. Please consider donating.
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Well, that was a train wreck. It was the loneliest, most miserable marathon I can imagine.
Damn. Sorry to hear that.
KC - ugh, sorry that sounds awful. I've had plenty of long, isolated stretches in marathons. When things are going well, it's NBD. But when the wheels have already fallen off in the later miles, it just makes things 1000 times worse. Better luck next time. If you haven't had a miserable marathon, you haven't really marathoned.
Dave
Waltons ThreadLord
So sorry to hear that .
5k 23:48.45 (3/22); 4M 31:26 (2/22); 5M 38:55 (11/23); 10k 49:24 (10/22); 10M 1:29:33 (2/24); Half 1:48:32 (10/22); Marathon 4:29:58 (11/23)Upcoming races: Clinton Country Run 15k, 4/27; Running is Back 10k, 5/12
I tip-toed through boulders and rocks for 6 miles in Red Rock Canyon this morning.
Running at 3,600 plus feet above sea level was a treat. There were hundreds of cyclists and many people hiking but I saw no runners on the two trails I traversed.
I took a million pics and collected a few rocks for my aquarium. The sights were amazing out there, but I'm not sure which was better; running the trails, or driving through the mountains with the top down. #vroomvroom #skurt 💨
Fred, congrats on the AG award!
Thanks guys! I know the experience will be good for me and I will benefit from the hill work. I had originally targeted this one as my goal race and said I was only running Chicago for fun this year, but now I may rethink that and try for a PR in October instead (maybe). I have 4-5 weeks to think on it, rest and recover before training starts at the end of June.
Now that I’ve showered, I’m happy to report very little chafing and no blisters!
I'm sorry, Fred. In the midst of my misery, I missed your age group award! That is awesome, congratulations!!
LRB, I really enjoyed Red Rock Canyon earlier this year. I’d love to see your trail pictures when you have time to post them.
^ Nice.
Nice ride! That looks like an ad!
+1
We saw Dean Cook at the Hard Rock. He is as funny as I remembered. The smell of cigarette in my hair from walking through the casino to the parking, not so much.