Select Medical Harrisburg Marathon - RunMarathon

I had very low expectations and was afraid I might not be able to finish. My longest training run was about 15 miles. I haven't run a marathon since 2000 and back then I was running about 165 miles per month. I average about 100 now, but now I also swim 4.5 hours per week and ride the bike a hundred+ miles per month. Back then I weighed 172 lbs and although I've dropped 40 in the past 22 months, I am still a dozen lbs above that. During the 1st year of my 'comeback' -- 2008 -- I did run the Hbg Half Marathon and finished. I did it on only 9 months of running and was 202 lbs. So I tried to use that as a positive since I am in much better shape now. But all this negativity was for naught. Even though my time was 22 minutes slower than my times in 1999 & 2000, I am so much happier with the way I made it through this race. Back then it was go out quick and then try to hold on. In 2000 I had to stop and walk at mile 22! Today I almost negative splitted the two halves. I ran every step except when I took water at the aid stations. I had set my goal to break 4:30 and up until mile 22 it looked like I might actually break 4:00. The last 2 miles were slow and painful. My feet really hurt and I've been flirting with my back issue. It felt as if it was going to knock me down.

I don't think I would do a thing differently. I hit water at every station except the 1st one. I took Gu at miles 11 and 21. I started out slowly and it paid off. Once we hit the hills at the 17-20 mile points, I was still moving. It wasn't fast but I bet I passed 150 people in the last 10 miles. And I was 'running'. Passing people and even a slow trot is so much better psychologically when you are digging deep inside for whatever little bit of something you can find to keep you going.

Walked around. Drank water.


Run specific training. 12 extra pounds of body weight.


This marathon has really evolved over the years to a first class event. Lots of helpful, friendly volunteers. People all over the place cheering you on. Great swag bag and a really nice windbreaker!!!!!!! I do most of my running (and some biking) on segments of this course, so it's like a home court advantage for me. It's nice to see well over 1,000 people participating in this race.