Louisiana Marathon - Run

My wonderful mentor Steve (Baowolf) gently encouraged me to close the distance between my ez runs and intervals. Originally I was planning for fall/winter HMs but with some of Steve's comments and my friend Mel proposing a girl's weekend to Louisiana, I decided to sign up for the full and really try to put in the miles, beef up the training, and HTFU. I found out some things about myself during the training. The prior year had been a lot of easy running because of various small setbacks so I found I really enjoyed training harder and faster. I sought hills, ran intervals, did lots of race pace runs, sweated, and mentally toughened up.

December was a setback. I had a basil cell skin cancer cut off my arm and I had the Carac cream on my chest, arms, face, and ears. The minor surgery wouldn't have been a problem but that harsh cream really took me down. I almost passed out in a race in Dec and then running was tough because of the burning. Continued with my long runs but missed some of my base runs. Stopped the intervals during that time and lost intensity on other runs because I just felt sick. I wish I could have powered thru all of it. But I didn't.

So when the treatment ended, I was ready to go but now it's taper time. Too late to add intervals. Then the PF came back; thankfully tho, it wasn't awful. Hubby encouraged me during the Carac treatment and then the PF to drop down to the HM but no, I wasn't going to do that. I had put in the work earlier and would rather be swept from the course than not try.

Race day was perfect. Weather was awesome and I loved the course. My plan was to stay easy for 10 miles, stay easy for another 8 or so depending on the legs, and most definitely kick it for the last 6 to 8 miles - especially the last 2 miles. I was doing fine when digestive issues hit at Mile 8. During that portaporty stop, both the 4:20 and 4:30 pace groups passed. I was disappointed but I thought there would be a good chance of catching the 4:30 group near the end.

Mile 14 or so, left ITB started bothering me. I really tried to play everything right but because I don't have true clarity here, I wonder if I could have done something better. I kinda of think not but this was definitely the weaker time for me. I still focused on nutrition but since I thought I might have overdone the water a tad, I did the Chomps here instead of gels.

Mile 17 - 20, digestive issues are occupying my brain but all of the PPs were busy and I wouldn't take the time to stop. Wish I hadn't seen that sign at Mile 18 that said, "Don't Poop Yourself". Finally, right before Mile 20, find a construction PP that is free and I grab it.

I leave my PP and see Mile 20 marker. I decide that I'll push it to the end. I calculated I would have to do one more gel/water around Mile 22 but that would be my only walk. The left ITB is killing me now and starting to run is hard. Twice the leg seized and I had to walk a few secs and once I did a stretch to help. I knew my 4:30 goal was long gone and I didn't even think I would get a PR. Thought about walking it in but decided to screw that notion. Now looking at the race results, I see that my last 10K was highly respectable for me and I'm glad that I pushed past the mental walls. I did end up with a small PR in the end - not like I wanted but I'm still proud I pushed when I thought I wouldn't get a PR.

It would be easy to say to change things in Dec but that was needed for health and I wouldn't put it off. I wish I could have powered thru my discomfort at that time but since I didn't, I tried to acknowlege it, leave it, and go forward with what I had done.

The one thing that I need to figure out is the digestive issue. I've had problem with gels in the past but then I became very cognizant of taking a small walk break and water when taking a gel. It was working but it's been a while since I've raced as hard. So I need more hard runs with the gels or to find a substitute.

Water, hit the PP again, and then stretches, stretches, and more stretches. I got my extra medal from Marathon Maniacs Reunion (I'm a Half Fanatic) and then got some jambalaya. I did not want to eat but I forced myself for recovery.


Dec wasn't a stellar training month. Also next time, I would like to modify my plan to be slightly longer or at least be in HM shape when I start. I had a good base going into the plan but my longs were at 7 miles; I'd like for 12 miles to be my norm when I start next time so the build to 20 miles will be smoother/cleaner.


I cannot say enough good things about this race. The course was stunning and the volunteers were amazing. Very good spectator participation - maybe not as much as somethng like a RNR but most definitely consistent. The police officers did the best job I have seen with the traffic. The course was rather flat with the exception of the overpass at mile 1.5 and mile 24.5; it wasn't a bad hill but in comparision to the flat course, some people thought it was higher than it was. The overpass and some of the area around it was concrete and I hate concrete but that's my own issue. This race had one of the best vibes - not fabricated "party" but festive, gracious, and fun. And those race photographers, Oh My, those guys were geniuses! I've hated all of my race photos but these guys were good; I don't look like a total doofball.