Notes
Set out for a BQ and I was confident going in. Took off intending to go at a 7:11 pace for the first ten miles or so to allow for a little deviation on the hills. I felt good through 7 miles. All of sudden this pace became work. I developed a major stitch that I was intent on fighting through. I knew it was way too early to be feeling this way but expected it to pass. By the time Cremer and I reached mile 9 we both knew that this pace was not sustainable and the heat really affected us both greatly. By mile 12, the stitch had subsided mostly but the stomach pain was incredible. By mile 20, the pain in my stomach and rear upper lungs made it impossible to continue running. I began to run/walk. Each time that I resumed running, I could only go for about a tenth or so until the pain in my lungs was unbearable and I had to walk again. Jim passed me at 22 and pulled off up ahead shortly thereafter to puke. Then TD flies by me and I look at my watch and it still says 7:57 pace for the run and I yell "You're on pace for a 3:29!", to which I get no acknowledgement, likely because he was toast by then. I finally get to mile 25 and decide that I can grit out the last half mile or so through the finish and still salvage a 3:39. I really thought of dropping out at mile 20 and saving it for another upcoming marathon but ultimately thought I would like to say I finished three marathons. I have never been so physically ill after a race. I thought for sure that I was going to puke, was severely lightheaded and spent 30 minutnes in the tent getting assistance from Jim, a regular aid station helper and also my Dad. I guess I will give it another go in two weeks at Vermont. Let's hope this respiratory infeciton or whatever it is goes away by then. And oh yeah, can we get a cool day?...that would be nice. Thanks to Dad and Vangie for all of your assistance on the course and to all of the other supporters. MCM is an awesome, scenic and challenging marathon and I suspect I will return if I am not in Boston. TBD.........