My third marathon started on a high note with a fairly cool morning, clear sky, and low humidity. Eric and I both felt great. My 4:30:00 goal seemed within reach!
The first several miles clipped by nicely. Mile splits between 9:30 and 10:00. Perfect.
But by mile 10, things took a turn. Eric took a second bathroom break (at the time I didn't know, but he wasn't feeling well). He told me not to wait so I kept on. That was the last I saw of him until after the race.
The middle third of the race was then quite challenging. I was worrying about Eric, and also feeling the effects of the relentless sun. I did a quick sprint across the half-marathon tracking mat to shave off a few seconds, turning in a half split of 2:11:01. (wow, had I only maintained that pace for the rest!)
From that point to about mile 19 or so, it was tough. The sun beat down, and I caved in and walked half-minute to full minute breaks in between water stations, in addition to over one minute walks at the stations themselves. By the time I crossed the 20 mile mat, I had lost 11 minutes of time.
The good news at that point, however, was that clouds finally blew in. A break from the sun! It was wonderful, and gave me a second wind. Which wasn't enough to make up any time, but was enough to keep me going a lot better. I walked less, kept moving, and didn't feel too bad. The last six miles were bearable if not slightly triumphant.
The sun ended up breaking through again around mile 24 or 25, though. A couple brief walking breaks, and then a few blocks of picking up the pace until the finish, and then I was done. I had lost another 12 minutes in the final 6 miles, but overall shaved off 13 minutes from last year's time. Not quite meeting my 4:30 goal, but a victory nonetheless.
Eric did finish (5:01:13), and I also note that this was his 20th marathon! And a fabulous time for someone who had been sick for over two weeks. His PR is *significantly* faster...
Run stats:
