Houston Marathon - RunMarathon

I started out at my goal pace and was able to keep it until about mile 10. I don't know how I was able to keep that pace given how thick the pack was for the first 10 miles. Stopped to use the restroom at mile 10 and instantly cramped up in my right quad. My left ankle began hurting after only about 3 miles, but i was able to block it out and keep moving. After mile 10 the cramping in my quad and my ankle began to bother me and i had to slow down a bit. I was able to keep running until mile 20 and then i had to walk for about a mile. Once I felt like my quad was loosening up a bit I ran till about mile 23 then I had to walk another mile. I was able to finish the last mile and a half or two miles while running (very slowly).

I have Multiple Sclerosis and my biggest issue on long runs is staying cool. Towards the end of the race it was in the upper 60s / lower 70s with very little cloud cover. I felt my self overheating and having pain and some numbness on my right side. This is my normal signal that things better end soon or I will be in some trouble. Luckily about this point we re-entered down town and I was able to get enough shade and concentrate on my breathing to cool down a bit. I still almost collapsed at the end, but after walking for a few minute (with support) I was able to recover.

I would add more hill training to my workouts just to force me to work harder. I would also focus on the intensity and hydration during my long runs. I am going to say this was an average run, given that it was my first marathon and i am honestly happy just to finish.

To make sure I maintain a cooler body temperature I would possibly look at wearing cooling sleeves so that I could pour some water on my arms to cool down. If I did this then I feel like my MS issues would be a bit more under control.

a little stretching. I attempted to walk around, but my left ankle was very swollen and i could not support my self very easily on it, so instead of concentrating on a cool down i went to the medical tent to ice it.


Swelling in left ankle.


This is a very well organized race and had tons of volunteers. The drink stations were very plentiful and I was able to stay well hydrated. When I finished I had trouble standing up and had to be supported while walking for a few minutes then went to the medical area to get my ankle looked at. All of the folks were very helpful.