St. Jude Memphis Marathon - RunMarathon

My per mile splits are attached as lap data. Started in corral 5 (8:55-9:10 pace). This race is self-select corrals. First few miles went pretty well. Did not have to dodge too many feet until course narrowed at Beale St. After Beale, I felt like I set the cruise control through about mile 18. I was dreading the half/full split that came around the 12.5 mile mark but I was feeling great and found a guy to talk with through the first mile after the split. Things starting getting more difficult by mile 19 - it was getting warmer and the cloud cover was gone. My pace fell off about 40-50 sec/mile over miles 22-24 then even more for miles 25-26. I pushed hard through the final 0.2. Being my first marathon, my initial goal was to just finish. During training, I began thinking that 4:00-4:10 was achievable prior to injuring my foot and hip. During training, I also PR'd the half marathon distance at 1:42:53. With the pain over the final training weeks and higher than expected temperatures, I went into race day thinking 4:10 was achievable and 4:00 if everything went well.

Needless to say, I am very happy with 3:58:30. I was on pace for about 3:53 through 21 miles but then dropped about 5 minutes over final 5 miles. This was partially due to injuries and weather but I also likely went out too hard the first half (1:56 split at the half point). I felt I may have over-hydrated as my stomach felt heavy the final 3-4 miles as well. I will definitely do another full and possibly make it St Jude again.

Train more - more miles per week. Likely five runs per week instead of four. Being my first marathon, I wanted to make it to the start line injury free. I didn't fully succeed as I had some significant tendon/ligament pain in left foot and strains in right glutes.

Sat down immediately for five minutes, then up to stretch and walk around. Tried eating a bit.


First marathon and hip/glute/foot pains were limiting me over final four miles. I was tired, hot and ready to be done.


Very well organized event. Being a St Jude fundraiser, I couldn't ask for much more. Great event for a great cause. I will be back. I thought post-race food was lacking but overall it did not detract from the event for me.