Notes
BQ - 12
Arose promptly at 5:00, roused DW as well. We got out of the house at 5:40, and DW dropped me off where we saw a bunch of runners walking with purpose. Got onto FM school bus right away. Sat by guy from NJ who is new to running, but has done 8 marathons in 3 years. Bus driver didn't know where he was going; had to. ask runners to read his instruction sheet and use their phones to get us there. Meanwhile, I was starting the hydration phase of my race management. Drank the first of two 20 ounce bottles of water. Arrived at Bath, where they provided a big crowded tent with heat and water. This was good, because it was 44F and sprinkling. Refilled my water bottle, ate my fruit cup and my second granola bar. Used porta potty both when I arrived, and just before the race. I mentioned hydration management. Drinking 40 oz. before the race and a cup at every water station really helped me in the final miles, I think. That said, it also necessitated two potty stops during the race, costing an estimated 2:30. lost my pacer for good at the second potty stop. Oh well. I was pretty serious about doing GU packets as well. Took four of them, I think. At Bath and each little town along the way, there were nice cheering contingents. I tried to express my appreciation. In between towns, there were many lovely, scenic stretches. There were wisps of cloud/fog in the nearby hills that made it more picturesque. I got to mile 18 feeling remarkably good, and from there on, told myself to trust my legs; they're doing fine. No cramping in legs or stomach. I did trust my legs from there on, and they didn't betray me; they just didn't have the speed I would have liked. I knew we would have a winding several miles through Corning, so I was prepared for that. This was where I was acutely aware that the legs were doing the best they could. No temptation to stop and walk, just keep going. At long last, came to Wegman's and the River Street bridge. Climb up the bridge didn't seem too bad, remarkably enough. Really glad to turn the corner and see the finish banner. As I had continually during the last miles, tried to increase leg turnover. I guess that kept me from slowing down even more. I think I passed quite a few more people than passed me. There were several much younger women who obviously had more left than I did, and passed me. DW was clanging the cowbell at the finish. I would have given her a high five, but her hands were occupied. Finish line area was excellent. I especially appreciated the warm Wegman's chicken soup. Also got six cookies, an apple, a slice of pizza, a banana. At this point, I realized I should have stopped my Garmin. The splits are from the Garmin, results are official. We took the shuttle across the bridge to the car and started driving back to home base before I remembered my bag check pickup, so I made DW park while I walked back to retrieve it. Had shower at home base (Angela F's), then to Tag's for recovery beer & burger; then nap. I'm droning on, so my RR must be finished.