Air Force Marathon - RunMarathon

The start of the run is flat for the first half mile or so and then heads up a hill into a residentialish area. The first mile our group went out a little slow (8:53) but being uphill and a lot of people packed together the group leader was not worried. We did make that back in the next few miles and then some. The split at our first 5 mile point was 41:36 (8:20 pace). I was feeling really good and wondering if I could speed up, but I stuck to the plan and stayed with the group.

During the next 5 miles we went back onto the base and then out again into a little town area where the locals have a party atmosphere and the crowds are big cheering people on. That helped push me along. I was not feeling bad at this point, but it was nice to have people cheering and things to look at to keep my mind off of what I was doing. The second 5 miles flew by and we did them in 41:20 (8:15 pace).

Normally when I run I carry a bottle of gatorade along with me so I don't have to stop at the waterstations. I find it hard to drink from a cup when running. However, since this race is so long, and because I made a point to take a drink each time we passed a water station, I had finished my bottle at about mile 11. Great, I thought, I better learn quick how to drink from a cup because I have 15.2 miles to go! I was able to learn quickly how to fold the cup to make a small opening and sip that way without breaking stride. The first time I spilled a little bit and then after that I was pretty good. Glad I learned how to do this - not just for this race, but it will help in the future.

Miles 11-15 were probably the most boring of the whole course. It wound around the northern end of the airfield and had very little around to look at. It was nice to get to the half way point and realize that our group was 1 1/2 minutes ahead of pace crossing the 13.1 point at about 1:48:30. It was also during this block of miles that a guy running with us that had on a Chi Runnig shirt started giving us helpful hints from the Chi Running meathod. Things like making sure your feet strike under you and not in front of you, keep your chin down slightly, shorten your stride on the uphills, and other things helped me I think during the run and helped me relax. I may have to find that book and read it. Might get something out of it. These 5 miles were done in 41:45 (8:26 pace). Slightly slower than the average, but we still have a big block in the bank. I had now officially run farther than I ever have at one time in my life.

The next 5 miles were nicer than the previous 5. There were shaded roads and bike paths that we were able to run on and the only real spot that was out in the open was about a mile around the field where the Wright Brothers worked on the first airplane. That was kind of cool. I was still feeling pretty good. That suprised me, but still OK. I even held our group's pace sign for a little bit while our pacer talked to people and took a Gel Packet and a drink. I ran out ahead of the group (only about 15-20 feet) for a while to see if I wanted to speed up. Decided it was best to stay with the group and see how I was with about 2 miles to go before I took off. Finished these 5 miles in 42:02 (8:28 pace) and we still had some banked time.

Then it hit me. People talk about "The Wall". I hit the wall just after mile 21. At that point we left the base again and headed up an overpass ramp. Going that uphill really hurt. We also ran into traffic from the half marathon and had to weave through them which didn't help. I stuck with our pace leader until about mile 24.5 and then started falling back slightly. It seemed like he started running faster, but I think my feet just really started feeling like lead weights. I ran as fast as I could over the last mile and crossed the finish, arms raised and a great big smile on my face. I did it - I finished my first marathon. I don't know if the course was a little long, or if it was just the weaving I had to do, but my garmin had the distance from the 20 mile point to the finish line at 6.4 Miles which I did in 54:13 (8:27 pace).
26.34 total

When I run a half marathon, I usually take a Gel packet before the race, and then at mile 5 and another at mile 9.5. I was going to do the same today (about every 5 miles), but I ended up taking one before and then one about every 6+ miles so I took one at 6, 12, 18 and a last one at 22. I think that was a good spread.

I am so glad that I went with the paceing group. "Pacer Dave" was very knowledgeable and was very motivating to keep me running throughout the race. I don't know if I could have gotten to the finish line in the time I did without him. Yes I did the work, but without someone to keep up with and pace for me, I may have gone out harder and burnt out or may have slowed down sooner. I am glad he was there for me.

Train better and do longer runs in my buildup.

After I crossed the finish line, I slowly made my way to the food tent. Guzzeled a bottle of Gatorade and got another one. Headed over by the pizza and had to sit down. I sat right on the table next to where they were handing out the pizza. Could not move from that spot for a while. Really didn't feel like eating but forced myself to eat about half the slice before finishing the second bottle of Gatorade. Went and got a third bottle and slowly made my way out of the tent.

Not knowing how far behind my wife would be and since I had spent about 25 minutes getting out of the food area, I headed over to the finish line to wait for her. Stood there for about an hour waiting. She finally finished at the 5:14 point. That was a little slower than she wanted but I am so proud of her. For the last 2+ weeks she has had almost no time to train while going back and forth to the hospital. Her brother passed away on Monday the 13th - which was also Jenny's Birthday. Even though she was grieving, her lack of training and having to drive home early Sunday morning to get to the memorial service, she still wanted to run. Way to go Jenny, I'm proud of you!!!

We drove 2 hours to my Cousin's house in Indianapolis Saturday afternoon. Getting out of the car when we got there was very hard as we were both very stiff. Got up early Sunday and drove the remaining 4 1/2 hours back to get to the memorial service. Still hurting but starting to get better.


Lack of long runs


This was a great race. I would definately do this again. The pace groups were great. I don't know if I would have done as well without the pace group. The event was well organized and the flyovers were really cool.

My only complaint was that on Friday night they had the 5k run start and finish line right at the same place as the packet pickup/race expo. Getting into the only entrance to the parking lot was a NIGHTMARE!!! That was the only time I could get there to pick up the packet after driving 7 hours to get there.