California International Marathon - RunMarathon

Splits:

1. 9:42
2. 9:52
3. 9:08
4. 9:23
5. 9:44
6. 9:49
7. 9:53
8. 9:43
9. 9:41
10. 9:20
11. 9:30
12. 9:25
13. 9:27
14. 9:31
15. 9:37
16. 9:13
17. 9:22
18. 9:23
19. 9:10
20. 9:26
21. 9:44
22. 9:15
23. 9:20
24. 9:51
25. 9:57
26. 9:13

2: 2:40 (.33 by my Garmin)

I went out with the 4:15 pace group. My initial plan was to stick with them until Mile 20, and then try to see what I had left on the last six miles.

I ended up sticking with the 4:15 group through mile 13 or so. For the first 10 miles, I really needed to go to the bathroom. The porta-potty lines were ridiculously long, and I wasn't willing to sacrifice that much time! So, I just hung with the group until, around mile 12, I found an area where I could pull off into the woods. I did that, and then I started to speed up so I could catch up with the 4:15 group again. I caught up with them soon after, and realized that I was comfortable running at a faster pace, so I started picking it up around mile 13 or so...

From there on, I just kept it nice and loose, especially on the downhills. Kept rolling my shoulders, trying to stay focused. I felt a little off in my nutrition - this is the first time I've run a marathon without a water belt. I was drinking at water stops, and I took a water bottle to carry with me from some kind guy on a street corner. But in general - I felt a little dizzy and off balance. Fortunately, my legs and muscles felt great all the way through :)

For the last six miles, I realized I was close to being able to get under 4:10. My goal for the race was 4:15, and my previous PR was 4:29, so I was really happy with the way it was going. I really tried hard (especially in miles 22 and 23) to pick up the pace so I could get under 4:10, but I really started getting tired by the time I got to 24 and 25. Gave it my all in mile 26, but didn't quite make it. The mantra I kept chanting to myself: "All you've got - give it." Worked well! Oh well, I'll still take a 19 minute PR!!!

I think I walked maybe 4 times during the whole race - only through a few rest stops in the 20 mile range. I pride myself on being a consistent and even runner - even in the last 6 miles of a marathon. Again - I ran a negative split (2:06 and 2:04, I think). My goal for future races is to find out how to put more of myself out there in the first half while still being able to maintain a steady pace towards the end.

My four hour goal is in sight - I hope to make it there by the end of 2010!

As soon as I stopped, I realized I was having problems with my left foot. Extreme pain on the top of the foot when walking, when sitting, etc. I changed, got my medal, and found my BF and friends. We went home, I had an amazing shower, and took a long nap. Had a great pizza dinner :)

Flew home monday, and ended up going to the podiatrist today for my foot. I was concerned that there could be a stress fracture. The doctor couldn't see one on the x-rays, but said that doesn't mean it's not there, given the pain I'm having. He also said there is definitely tendonitis of the extensor tendon given the amount of swelling I have on the top of my foot. No running for two weeks, until I have a re-check. So I guess it's time to start winter swim training :)