Notes
Its long - thanks to those who read it through
Marathon # 2 - Goal 3:40-3:45 (~ 8:25 to 8:35 pace)
Weather: low - 30* (feels like 23); afternoon high 52*; not a cloud in the sky - 10mph headwind parts of the 2nd half
Attire: black running shorts, white tech long sleeve, white tech short sleeve, Mizuno Wave Inspire 2, black jersey gloves
I woke up 15 minutes before the alarm went off. I slept ok, woke up once about 2am to pee, then back to sleep. I got up and made oatmeal for breakfast. I drank some juice with the oatmeal. I showered and got dressed. It was about 6am and I had not emptied my tank yet. I wanted to leave the house 6:30-6:45 so I decided to whip up a quick cup of coffee to see if that would move things along. It was just the trick, however I was a bit concerned about the diuretic effect. I peed 6 times between the last drink of coffee and the race start. 3 days of hydrating, gone. I've got to find a better solution to this problem.
I found a parking ramp about 2 blocks from the start line. I thought that since it was Sunday parking would be free, nope $8 (grrr). I made my way to the starting area. I stretched out for 5 minutes inside the YMCA and then out the door to the start.
8am and we are off! The first mile was crowded, especially when they moved us off from the road onto a 5' wide path. I thought they could have kept us on the road until we moved to the 10' wide park bike path. It was probably a good thing that it was crowded, first mile was good pace - 8:18
Miles 2-6 went well. There were some rolling hills and a nice view of the Grand Rapids skyline as the course turned to give us view over our right shoulders. The only issue I was having was an unsettled stomach. It was churning and I knew a stop was coming. Pace averaged about 8:20/mile
(sorry about the details, but I'd like to save marathon reports for future reference)
Miles 6-8 went through a nice park with a couple of lake / ponds. It was still foggy and the cool air was starting to feel nice (although my hands never did get comfortable). I increased pace just a bit b/c I knew a stop was coming, about 8:15 average for the 3.
Somewhere near the 8th mile I found an open potty and took care of business. It set me back about 1:30-2 mins. When I got out the 3:44 pacer had passed me and was about 30 seconds ahead of me. I knew he was 1-2 mins fast so I wasnt too concerned. I took my time and caught him about the 10 mile mark. Miles 8 and 9 combined were about 18 minutes, mile 10 was 8:10 (ok, thats definitely too fast). We crossed the foot bridge at about 8.5, very nice.
At mile 10 I found a friend of mine, Pat. We ran together for miles 10-16. This section is out and back and parallels the Grand River going south, then back north; beautiful fall colors, wilderness, and river views. Pace was good, about 8:25/ mile. By the way, Pat ran Detroit last Sunday in 3:35. He would go on to break 3:40 again today. I think I passed runninlaw near mile 12. She was at 14 (I think) with the 3:14 pacer looking good.
At mile 16 I got a bad left side stitch. It slowed me enough that Pat left me. I fought through it and managed to maintain some pace. At 16 the course goes out and around an industrial park for 3 miles, kind of boring out and back. I ran 8:19, 8:22, and 8:36. My heart rate was creeping up. I think I passed rootsrunner near 16, he was near 19 and also looked great.
Miles 19-21 were starting to suck. We were back along the river for another out and back, this time going north then back south to the foot bridge. I passed my parents at the 21 mile mark. It was nice to see them, but I was fighting to stay with the 3:44 group, a quick smile and wave was all I could do. 8:49, 8:59, 8:37 (all of the lug nuts are loose and they're about to come off)
During the 21st mile we crossed back over the foot bridge heading home. I managed to run all of mile 22 and 23 before the cramping started. 9:08, 9:31
At mile 23 I was struggling. I think I could have kept running, although obviously significantly slower. First my righ calf, then both cramped. I would run until they cramped then walk it out. The last 3.2 were back in the way we came out. 10:29, 9:38, 9:47, 1:46. The city is just ahead, as I hit the 25th mile I can hear some cheering.
I posed for all of the fans and cameras as I busted my but down the stretch. My calves were completely knotted.
Finishing time 3:48:35 - 18+ min PR!
46 of 109 AG
483 of 1517 overall
The last 4-5 cost me the goal. I could blame it on cramping and coffee, but I'd be lying to myself. I left a few miles on the training course.
Next year the goal is to run a spring and fall marathon, and a few more miles. To quote today's Race Director.... "and the adventure continues..."