Notes
What does running 3 marathons at a decent effort in just over 2 months get me? A stress fracture. That was this past Fall into December. I took off all of January & most of February from running to heal up. But unlike other years and injuries I did not allow myself to do nothing and be negative about it. I did everything else. I joined a Master's Swim team and swam 4-5 times per week (aerobically each workout is like a track workout), i lifted more consistently, I cycled a little indoors and hell I even used the elliptical on my honeymoon. I ate really well and kept my weight in check. I wanted to be at my running weight when I wasn't running that way I could come back faster. I started running again the last week in February and it sucked. The first 3 mile run was agony. Everything was sore that night and the next day. But each day it got easier. I had a great run at the New Bedford 1/2 Marathon 2 weeks later(1:28) which showed me that the fitness was there. In April I also had a great Boston finishing in just over 3:03 and missing my PR by 30 seconds on 6 weeks of running. My lack of running volume showed on those later miles as I started to fade at 22.
After Boston I relaxed for a week and then had 2 weeks to work and then decide on Sugarloaf. Similar to Tucson, I was gonna run and train and if I was in shape to race I would do it. If I had any set backs then nope. I consulted with the Kid and we formulated a 3 week plan. Pretty simple but with some marathon specific workouts including a 3x5 mile at goal marathon pace. I knew I was ready after I killed this workout. I was in Arizona for a few days during the taper which didn't help my confidence due to some crappy runs in the heat/dry air. Like the Kid said tho, it didn't matter how I tapered as long as I didn't sit on the couch for 2 weeks, the work was done.
Funny to think I've run this race more than any other marathon. The first time was for fun as some classmates were going up to run their first marathon. The second time was to try and redeem myself after the Boston lava run, which didn't work. And this time to get a faster BQ and break 3 hours. I have 2 BQ's for next year but only by 2 minutes so I wanted to get under 3 hours to make it BQ -5. Sully said he would keep me company since he wants to get a 50 state bumper sticker.
Ash had to go to a graduation so I was Sully and Coco's Kid for the weekend. We stayed at my favorite place, The White Wolf Inn. The room was classic, bathroom door didn't shut, 1 queen size bed and a bunk bed. Had some batting practice at a little league field down the street and later had dinner with fellow angry chicken Paul Kelly and his wife.
On to the race:
Miles 1-6: Me and Sully settled in just under 7 minute pace for the first mile and then brought it down into the 6:40's early on. Talking to other runners around us and having a good time. Marathoners are weird. If your trying to run 3:10 or 3:07, why the hell are you running 6:4X. That magic may work in a 5k, but I don't think your gonna hang on for 20+ miles, maybe I'm wrong. Had a nice small pack at one point during this stretch to keep Sully from yapping my ear off.
Miles 7-13: "Hey Sully, I kinda have to go to the bathroom, its not bad so we'll see how it feels in a few miles." Few rules for Sully running with me 1) not to much singing, 2) I wanna run my race and don't wanna feel like I'm chasing you, 3) if you wanna leave at any time, go ahead. This was the hilly section and Sully took off about 5-10 yards ahead while I tried to just run relaxed and run by effort more than pace. Slowest mile in the race was here for a 7:04. Here we caught up to a younger runner who was trying to also get under 3.
Miles 13-20: Still kind of had to go to the bathroom but blocked it out and said if I can make it to 20, theirs no stopping. We went thru the half in 1:29:30 I think, but the hills were done. We had some pretty good conversations here. Sully joking about how he thought running was 99% mental and 1% physical and I thought the opposite with my Science & Physiology background. We started comparing good youtube clips with the younger runner and talked about the clip Bui posted which was awesome. "When your time comes and a thousand different voices are trying to tell you your not ready listen instead to that one lone voice that say's you are ready, you are prepared, its all up to you now." At 16 I thought the younger kid looked way better than me and almost said go if you feel fine. I was sitting behind both of them and were rolling 6:4X like it was an easy Sunday jog. Only thing that was starting to go was my hip flexors which is really odd. They felt the same from 16-26.2. Never got better or worse.
Miles 20-26.2: At 20ish I got in front of the younger kid and said I'll get in front and break the wind for you. Their was a slight head wind but nothing bad. I looked back and he was way behind me. I looked back a few minutes later and he was over 10 yards back. Damn. This is where Sully saved all the inspirational stuff. He brought up what I told him prior to Boston: "Kid how many times have you been on these hills in the pitch dark at 6AM in the freezing cold by yourself, don't you dare forget that." What EJ told him "Kid show them you are great." He also said 2 things are gonna happen here 1) I'm going under 3 and 2) your finishing in front of me. At 21 he started singing Rocky, funny he sang way less than I thought he would. At 22 we started randomly talking about Boston and the bombing. I was in town on Friday and walked around the memorial. Amazing, wish it wasn't there but it shows the good in people after such a tragedy. After that I decided to stop talking and focus on the last few miles. Not the Kid though. Its funny, usually in our training runs, I'm the one yapping away. Way different during races. At 23 he said think of your family here and how excited they will be to hear you did this. Their were 2 guys in front of us and we were closing, I broke my no silence rule and said we are catching them. At 24 he said think of Ash and how excited she will be when you cross that line (thanks Kid, you trying to make me cry). At 25 we caught the 2 guys and made small talk for a second. Catching them kind of slowed me down, I worked to get them and then their was no one in front of us. Ah well. Hit mile 26 and went. The Kid:"Gotta love running 5:45 pace to finish a marathon." Saw the clock and it read 2:57:50. Dug in to try and break 2:58 but came in at 2:58:11. Which was also good enough for 1st in my age group.
Time for a break. Its tri season and I have a few lingering injuries that won't go away. My achilles has looked like a golf ball since mid March and my feet don't feel great. Probably race a half in the Fall and try to get that time down and also get under 17 for the 5k. But for now I'm going to enjoy this and relax.