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Comments: I kept about an 11;30 pace for most of the race, taking a one minute walk break every mile. The big hill at mile 2 was manageable but it bothered my leg (where I have the contusion from a bike accident) and toward the top of the hill, the hamstring on that leg started doing that oh-so-unpleasant balling up in a knot thing. It was pissing me off, I couldn't believe I would have trouble so early in a race. Found that by keeping my toes pointed slightly inward, I could ward off the cramping. Every now and then it would sieze. ugh... Around mile 6 I stopped to massage the back of the leg and was impressed at how many people slowed down to ask if I was ok. Lot of good people at this event. I said I would be fine, just having some technical difficulties. I took GU at mile 5 and then at mile 10 ate the sport beans. Holy cow what a difference the caffeine made. I purposely waited, not sure how my stomach would handle the caffeine, but had no trouble. Started to pick up the pace a bit. At mile 11, the skies opened up and it started to pour down rain. I don't mind the rain and started passing a lot of people on the last bridge. Came around the last corner and I could see the finish line waaaaay down at the end of the block. My Garmin read 2:37. I wasn't sure if I could make it by 2:38, which would be a PR for me, but I was going to try. I could hear Karen screaming my name, encouraging me. Dug in deep and got my PR.  Post race
Warm down: The temp had dropped 10 degrees and it was pouring. Karen and I got chiropractic adjustments (since the massage tent was full) while waiting for her husband to finish the marathon, then sat in the car to get warm. We were soaked to the bone. Thank goodness for the mylar blankets. When Rob finished, we all went back to The Lodge, showered and checked out and hit the Bent River Brewery for nourishing recovery fare. What limited your ability to perform faster: Hamstring from h*ll made things freaky, otherwise I think I could have come in under 2:30. My goal today was 2:35, so I missed that, but still PR'd by about a minute. Event comments: Very nice race, it has a "big race" feel. Race director does a great job. Last updated: 2011-08-22 12:00 AM
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United States
Quad Cities Marathon
51F / 11C
Precipitation
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Drove up to Moline from Springfield on Saturday afternoon with Karen, her hubbie Rob, and their friend, Tim. Got to packet pickup,which went smoothly. Very nice expo. I bought some cherry Sport Beans (caffeinated). Karen bought some popcorn from some cute little Boy Scouts. We walked around a bit and then went to check in at hotel - The Lodge in Bettenforf, Iowa. It was about 5 PM at this time.
With nothing better to do, we decided to act like old folks and get dinner at 5:00. But while unpacking, I realized I had foolishly forgotten my deoderant. Yuck...at this point Tim spoke up and asked while we were out shopping, could we find a place where he could get a belt? He was literally holding up his jeans with one hand but had been too shy to say anything.
Found a Dollar General, bought our stuff and then headed down to the Trittoria Tiramasu -- an older Italian restaurant by the waterfront. We were like the second customers in the whole place, it was so early. Got some great pasta and had a glass of wine. It was a little awkward because the server assumed Tim and I were together and combined our bills. What are you gonna do...
We all went back to The Lodge and went down to the Bar for another glass of wine (can you tell no one was very serious about this race?). Had fun spying on a wedding reception that was taking place in the next room. Went back to our rooms. Mine was nice and quiet. Rob, Karen and Tim were in a smoky part of the hotel and their rooms were kind of crappy.
Slept pretty well despite having over-hydrated. I was kicking myself for having wine before a race, since it was bound to cause problems. Woke at 5 AM, made coffee. Had a small whole wheat bagel with some sliced turkey, two cups of coffee. Took two S-caps and a couple of Advil, then slathered my legs and lower back with Icy-Hot (you have to love that it comes in a Roll On) and met up with Karen, Rob and Tim.
Skies were overcast and temps were in the high 40s. We sat in the car for a while, trying to keep warm, then headed for Port a potty. Ran into some other Springfield people while in line.
Not much of a warmup, just kind of walked around until it was time to go. Start was very crowded, we were in the very back. there's also a 5K that starts at the same time that attracts a lot of the walker crowd, and I think that's where we were. Took about 4 minutes to cross the first mat.