Ok - this totally blew. Weather forecasts were right for once, and it was hot and humid out there,
very sticky weather; hot soup. Against my own instincts and better judgment, I still went for my 3.30 target time. What's the point in not aiming for the stars, right? I could hold that pace quite easily for the first 12-13 miles or so, but never really ran very comfortably, and had to push myself a bit harder than I anticipated. As the temperature rose, breathing became much harder. Last year it was hot as well,
but it was not as humid, you really are gasping for air out there. Anyhow, the second half of the race was pretty ugly, thought about quitting a couple of times, but decided to tough it out anyway, running a grand mom pace. Dizzy, upset stomach, headache, the works. It really was very unpleasant. I have always struggled in hot weather, even when playing soccer.
Last year was a great experience up until mile 20, and even those last miles were rewarding in their own ways. This year it was pretty much unpleasant throughout. Though I have to say that crowd support was awesome. Strange how a little "hang in there number 726, looking awesome" can give you a little push in the back,... for about 15 yards.
Anyhow, a bad experience is still an experience, and the weather is part of the equation. I definitely started out too fast and paid for it big time, but I don't think I was going to be able to run much below 4 hours anyway today. Quite a few people missed their target time by half an hour, especially bigger, pale, guys like me. I also may have done some things wrong during my taper, I think, but that's all water under the bridge. It is frustrating not to meet your goals, and not meet them by quite a bit, but hey, there will be another marathon. Seattle at the end of November sounds appealing right now. I Don't think that in seven weeks from now I will be able to run a super marathon, but it should be nice to run a race in better conditions. Anyhow, my friend petter also ran today, his first marathon and a respectable 4.35, so we have something to drink on tonight....
Posted by vana0047 at October 7, 2007 02:30 PM