Given some promising half marathon times early this year (1:44 and 1:47) and a slew of other PRs at various race distances, I felt ready to rumble. I also didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket in case something did go wrong w/ the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll in June, so I signed up for the OC Marathon with approximately 6 weeks to train.
Pre-race
The wife, Janelle and I arrived to Orange County late Saturday night and picked up our bibs from a friend who was able to get to the expo and pick them up for us. Cool. Saved us some time. We were able to stay at a friends house and left promptly at 4am to get to the shuttles at the finish line that would take us to the start. The shuttle system seemed far less efficient this year, but we managed to get there 5-10 minutes before the start. Pre-race jitters and pre-race nutrition led me straight to the Porto-potty lines. Finished up my business whilst the National Anthem playing in the background (FYI - felt like a shitty American, not standing for the Anthem) and made my way to the corral.
Race
The start was nice and clean. Not too much zigging, not too much zagging. There was the occasional 'oops, i think you lined up in the wrong corral' runner or two, but they helped me calm down and not go out to fast, at least in the early miles.
The first half of this course is absolutely amazing. It's fast and very scenic and I was running strong. Zone 2 was the plan for at least the 1st half, and that's where I kept it. Averaged 8:35s or so through the first half and I felt good. So good that I didn't even notice the a blister of massive proportions forming on the big toe on my left foot. I did notice a moist feeling that I've never noticed in the past...
Carrying a similar pace through miles 14 and 15 when I felt a tightness in my right hamstring. Fearing a full on cramp like that I experienced in San Francisco last year, I stopped to stretch. I made it to 20 before 3 hours and was in excellent shape. Six 10 minute miles. I can do that and I hoped that once I got to that point, I could actually pick it up and run hard. But as much as I trained and as well as I planned and executed my nutrition, I couldn't anticipate the weather.
It was hot - not scorching, but definitely hotter than I've trained in - and the heat didn't hit me instantly, it built up slowly then came crashing down on me at mile 21. Just 5 miles left and my body wasn't reacting to what my mind was
4:14ish*
Post Race & Final Thoughts
*ish = I forgot to stop my watch as I crossed the finished, grabbing my medal from a volunteer, denying any assistance when asked if I was okay from a second volunteer, and denying a photo op as I grabbed my Gatorade and goodie bag; times are still not up on the website).
Asked by I < 3 Running, 'what was your I < 3 running moment of the week?'In short I replied, "My marathon brought me to tears. When was the last time you cried over something you didn't Love (< 3)?"
Before you start to feel too sad for me, know that I am not giving up. I will run marathons until I reach my goal. And when I reach my goal I will set a new one. I've been told that I inspire. While that's never been my intention, quitting now is even less of an option.
Up next is the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 5th.
I don't talk about my goals too much, but for this race my AB&C goals were as follows:
A- <3:50
B- <4
C- a solid long run training run for Rock 'n' Roll SD.
Like I've said before, YOU ARE AWESOME! So many people are so proud of you and your accomplishments! You inspire us!!! I look forward to seeing you cross that finish line on June 5th!
ReplyDeleteCool, I didn't know you were running the RnR too. I thought this was one it for the season. Your half time are in line with a sub-4 marathon. The stars just need to align for it all to come together on race day.
ReplyDelete4:15 isn't shabby by any means. Now you have a great long run in the bank for next month.
I'm scared the San Diego RnR is going to be too hot for my liking. I'm not a fan of anything of 70 degrees, especially for endurance events. What is it typically like for the race?
It says a lot about a runner when they don't throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Especially when their "goal" race is just a month later. So impressed and inspired that you gritted it out. RnR is yours!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. 4:14 is the official time.
ReplyDeleteLindsay - I think SD RnR banks on the "June gloom' that we normally experience around that time. It's hit or miss really. It can be overcast throughout and cool and it has been hot. last year was hot.
You are the man bro! You finished and are well within the target for next month's San Diego Rock 'N Roll. At 20m, just think of schooling the 10K. And, you might need to grab some Injinji toe socks. They are the best!
ReplyDelete