Des Moines Marathon - Run

I knew going into this race that I was going to be undertrained. I really didn't know how much that was going to affect me though. Mike and I both wanted to go sub 4:00. That was my goal and I wasn't going to beat myself up if I didn't get there. All the various pains that I have been dealing with (back, achilles, hip) were not a problem for the first few miles. In fact, after about 2 miles, I felt really good. Warmed up and running well. Mike and I were spot on 8:30-8:35 per mile. Couple miles were faster due to down hills and a couple were slower when we had a longer climb. The crowd was out in masses so that was fun too.

About mile 18 things started to go the wrong direction. I started feeling pain in my achilles, which I had been dealing with for the last few weeks, and my back was tightening up. I slowed down and told Mike to go ahead. By mile 20 I was battling cramps in my hamstrings, groin, calf and hip flexors. This was going to be a tough 10K. I was easily on pace to break 4:00, but the wheels came off and I knew with about 2 miles to go, breaking 4 hours was gone. So I slowed down and just relaxed. Running most of the time, but at a very slow pace. Extremely frustrating, but I did it to myself not being trained enough.

Stay healthy.
Train more.
Do better.

I was sore, in a bad mode, and didn't want to stick around after the race. We went back to the hotel, showered, relaxed a bit then went for lunch before heading back.


Lack of training. Injuries really screwed me this year.


I will be doing another Marathon sometime in my life. Maybe this one, maybe another one.

Des Moines does a great job on their events and I had a great experience. Beautiful weather. Great numbers of volunteers. They had music playing at least every 2 or 3 miles which was really cool.