Jacksonville Bank Marathon - RunMarathon

I started the first few miles very slow intentionally, which was difficult with 5K and 1/2 Marathoners crowding the pace. I had just about perfect hydration, although I felt that a quick potty stop might be in-store. Drank a little water and Gatorade at the stations which were about every 2 miles. Picked up the pace for miles 4-8~ with some nice folks to chat with and a bit of a tail wind. I had one Gel with me that I took at mile 9 just before the water station. That went well, and I was able to catch an open Port-a-pottie for a 40 sec bladder reliever. Arrived at 10 miles feeling good (if slightly behind). My pace through the "fly-over" miles was OK but I struggled to find someone to run with, making the miles go by a little slower that usual. I picked up a gel at mile 16, consumed it just before the #18 station, at 20 begin to tell myself "I'm Fueled, Hydrated, and Motivated" Stated to do the math to get me home in the 40's, but it wasn't looking good. As we headed north for the final 5ish miles the former tail-wind was now a headwind and made for some aggravation in trying to finish strongly. I pushed the best I could (considering my current fitness) and made the turn into the Bolles School stadium area, the 26 miles clock read 1:49. Missed the 40's, but I saw my wife and kids, and sprinted around the track while the announcer called out my name. Good race and very fun!

Running Fitness (due to injury) was lacking...Hydration, Fuel and race plan(for my currant condition) was good.

The Jacksonville Bank Marathon is sponsored by the Pizza Palace. They provide a soup at the finish which is just perfect !! The race provides tin foil blankets and there is lots of bagels, bananas, etc... Saw some friends and chilled with the fam. Hobbled to the car. Legs, ankles, hips, all completely spent !!


My fall has been spent nursing my right heel, with PF. I just started to run again November 1. Only had one long(18 mile) warm-up, so I wasn't really ready for this. But since it's my A race, I had to do it !! My heel felt pretty good after the race, so hopefully were headed for a better 2012.


Can't wait for next year ! :))