Notes
Was pretty disappointed when I originally logged so I'll try again now that I've had some time to think about it.
I first started training with the marathon in mind 18 weeks ago. I can't even call what I did "marathon training" but I'm happy with it. Considering where I started both mentally and physically, building up to a fairly consistent ~55-60mpw / 6 days is an accomplishment. I consistently got in as many minutes as Rob and I planned, and even nailed a bunch of long (for me) runs. I avoided any major setbacks and was injury-free the whole time.
That said, I ran VERY aggressively for a guy who's only run 3 60 mile weeks in the past 8 months. I'm shocked I was able to make it 23 miles at 6:23 pace before shit really hit the fan. After reviewing my training, the last 3 miles of the marathon make a lot more sense.
About two weeks ago my hamstring tightened up and was really starting to bother me. I honestly may have dropped out of the race if my parents and I hadn't both booked hotel rooms. By some miracle, for the first run in the past two weeks my hamstring was a total non-issue. The "injury" made my taper a little more drastic than it otherwise would have been, but I felt amazing off the line so no harm done.
Drove up to NY friday afternoon and spent the day CHILN with Alison and JRT. I ate fettuccini with meatballs and tomato sauce at around 8:30 that night. I slept very sparingly and got up at 5:50 to grab a quick shit + shower then ate a thomas plain bagel.
Shat again once we got to the start line and then met up with Lord LaMarre. I wasn't really sure how the race would start out. We all wanted to go out conservatively but everyone had a different definition of conservative. Personally, I was still questioning my ability to finish. Once the gun went off all doubts were gone and I felt amazing. We could care less about splits and just ran what felt right.
The first 12 miles were pretty uneventful. We were palling around and even made some friends! I knew we were going much faster than anyone planned but I didn't care. I was fucking invincible in my Patrick hat, gloves, and arm warmers. By 13 miles the OFBOC had separated from the pack and brought one pretender with us. I was still feeling good at the half and was starting to think The TLS was in for a good one.
Miles 13 to 18 were all 6:10 or under. I let Rob and JRT go somewhere in the 18th mile. I was still feeling ok but knew that I was running way too fast way too early. Miles 17.5 - 21 were pretty shitty. I was running alone into the wind on the side of the freeway. I was definitely slowing down, but I held it together until mile 22.
At around 22 miles there was a sharp pain in my left hamstring, and my leg just never swung back forward. I was forced to stop and stretch it out for a couple seconds. I still had hope for a sub 2:50 after 23 miles but that quickly vanished. Soon after 23 it was game over. I'd run a few steps, something would cramp and I'd walk for a bit. At one point I was duking it out with an 80 year-old woman and a 300 pound half marathoner. It's possible this was a fueling issue, but it's more likely that I simply went out too hard for my level of fitness.
I kind of regret going out so hard but it was fun to run with the boys. There will be plenty of other opportunities to run a smarter race. Hopefully next time I'll have more miles in my legs and an 82:45 first half will be conservative. I can't say I'm ecstatic with this, but it's a good start. Meat on the bone!
Buildup: http://www.runningahead.com/logs/3671159d04f44c3e8bcd5f24727ade07/workouts?e10=10&l12=2015-10-11&g12=2015-06-08&zsm=12&zdg=2