Victoria Marathon - BQ! - RunMarathon

Based on my last test run (10K road race up and down a mountain) I knew BQ was within range, but not much margin for error. So rather than risk all for 1-2 mins, I planned for a 3:06 finish pace which would give me a 2 min cushion for a potty or cramp (BQ - 2min is 3:08 for male 38)

Of course everyone runs too fast at the start - I kept the first few K slightly slower than goal pace at 4:30 min/km then moved up to 4:25

I carried an EFS-Gel flask which is good for 400 cals. I took it every 40 mins. Whatever aid station was closest to the gel time would be water only, then all the other stations were that Cyclomax drink (which I don't think I've ever had). I'm lucky that I don't seem to be bothered by various energy drinks, other than some taste better than others.

At about the 12K point, people started spacing out a bit more and there was less back and forth. Of course, I already had to pee - but I was determined to hold it unless absolutely critical. I would hate to miss BQ because of a pee break! The 21.1 halfway point wasn't the actual turn-around as the course only does the park on the loop out. So you have to run about 25 km or so before you get to head back (skipping the park). Of course they have nice long rows of potties, calling to me, which I really really considered, but as long as it didn't continue to get worse I felt I could deal.

The benefit of an out/back course is you get to see all the leaders - including the guy running in the suit (breaking a Guiness book record). Guy finished in 2:36 (normally a 2:30 runner) and while he's a serious ultra-marathoner he's still a lawyer full-time as well. Anytime I start feeling too bad-ass there's always someone else to hand out a nice helping of humble pie. There was also a guy in a full chicken suit but he started with the "early start" group so was just walking it in.

From the half-way point it started to get warm but never got above 21 (70F) That's when I turned it into a half-marathon race, upped the HR to 151-153 and went for it. I wasn't passed once. But I passed 30+ easily (oddly enough I don't count, which would be something to pass the time) At 34-35K I was waiting for any signs of distress but nothing came, and was able to finish the last 3K at 4:18, 4:14, 4:01 then the final 500 sprint at 3:37 (5k pace). This means I left a bit too much in the tank - but again, better to err 1-2 mins on the sandbag side and hit my target than crash and burn and miss by 10 mins.


Go faster!

Walked back to the car, drove home with a few stop and stretches.



Not too much - I really had huge luck on this one. Perfect weather, lower altitude, no injury or sickness, work/kids meshed with all the workouts - I don't expect the next one will be


I've gotten faster at the 10ks and half-marathons in the last year or so, which put the McMillan guestimate in the range of the new Boston Qual. I wanted to do the Pfitzinger 18/70 plan but my pre-requisite mileage wasn't quite up to snuff. So I went with the 18/55 plan and with 5 run/2 off days I was able to hit every workout, no injuries and felt pretty good.

I've submitted my time to BA but I think 2013 is full now - so my time should be good for 2014 or 2015. I can't see them moving to harder than BQ-4 mins.

I should comment that I caught the viral version of strep throat the day after the race. The doctor even shouted "Holy .." when he looked in my mouth. It's horrible - my resting HR is double, and the last 2 nights I've alternated between sweating like a pig to hovering over a space heater with full fleece pants/hoodie on. All this with absolutely crippled calves and quads. Ugh. Stay away from people after your race if you can. :)