Albany Marathon - Run

The first 12 miles were awesome, good pace and low HR. I kept wondering if I was running too fast, but I felt like I could run that pace all day. Just before mile 13, HR shot up to 190 and stayed there for a few miles. Had a little trouble catching my breath. Felt like possible exercise induced asthma. Never really had that before. Refilled nutrition at miles 7, 13, 18, and 22. After high HR, ended up low on electrolytes and severe calf cramping set in. These are the worst and longest cramps I've ever had. I thought I was ahead on nutrition but I didn't realize that the high HR would consume the resources faster. Took one of my backup gels at mile 18. Not too long after that I took another anti-diarrhea pill. Had some gatorade on the course and also a banana. Once the BQ and PR disappeared, I walk/jogged the rest. One highlight on the walk/jog part was a man said "Go Big Sexy", that's the team I'm on. It really perked me up. Disappointed, but that's racing. Glad to have finished 2nd in AG. A little less walking and I could have had 1st. Oh well. Learned some things on this race.

After analyzing this race vs my first marathon, I am convinced I did not run the 1st 12 miles too fast to cause my problems. Whew, good to know.

Carry an inhaler, carry more nutrition or be prepared to live off the course. Remember that high HR takes more resources.

Had water, Ultragen and a quick massage. Walked back to hotel for a shower. Rode home as a passenger with compression gear on and legs propped up.


Reduced breathing and then cramping.


Course and volunteers were amazing. This should have been a better race for me. Still very pleased to be second in AG.