Air Force Marathon - RunMarathon

Splits:
10K 0:55:27
13 1 1:57:31
35K 3:28:11

I felt really good on this run up to the 20 mile mark. I was keeping good pace... on target for my goal of a 4hr completion. I ran with the 4hr pace group for the first third but the group was very large/crowded so I went ahead about a quarter mile then kept a 4hr pace.

Everything was feeling great until after I walked thru the 21 mile aid station... started back to run, then the proverbial wheels fell right off. My entire legs cramped up so tight I could barely walk. Took a road side moment to stretch them out... get back going but only for a few minutes, then the pain returns. Calves so tight, I almost take a header due to my left foot being pointed down and not landing flat.

About this time the 4hr pace group passes... mental defeat. I man-up, collect my wits and start running, trying to stay on pace... a few more minutes of painful steps...nope... not happening.

The next nearly 5 miles would be a slow painful demise to an otherwise great attempt at a goal achieving first marathon. I was able to carry a mid 12min pace with walk/run from here to the end, on probably the toughest part of the course, a rolling hills section just before the finish. Tough mental game kept me focused but the legs would just not cooperate.

Nutritionaly, I feel I was spot on... had plenty of energy. I did not "bonk". I focused on that a lot in training, purposely depleting the fuel, hitting that wall to know the feeling. I wasn't there in this race.

Race wise - Nothing. I stuck to my plan and executed. My legs just didn't appreciate the plan as much.
Post race - I would get the massage!

Not much left in the legs to warm down... walked thru the food tents and sat in the grass for about a half hour then went to cheer on more finishers.


Lack of 20+ miles training runs... for this first marathon, I followed the Higdon beginner plan. It only has a single 20 mile training run. It worked for it's intended purpose and got me thru this marathon.
For my next marathon, I will do at least 3 over 20 mile runs, with one being a 24.


This is an excellent race and atmoshpere. Loads of post race food. Hoards of volunteers at ample aid stations. One of the best races I've been to... Very well done!