Shamrock Marathon - Run

Overall, ran this race really smartly. I started out running with the 3:05 pace group. They kept a pretty steady 7:00 pace and also blocked the wind for me. I played it smart by trying to draft behind people when I could.

By about mile 12 or so, it was clear that the pace group was going a little too slowly. A pack of 5 began a small breakaway up the boardwalk. I joined it, but soon realized they were going 5 seconds or per mile too fast for me at that moment. So I had to make the decision whether to stick with them, and potentially burn myself a little, or drop back and run solo in the wind. I chose the latter. It was a tough decision, but I was able to creep up on a bunch of dropped runners who were slowing down, so that provided some draft relief here and there.

I'm thinking that the drafting aspect of this race was primarily a psychological booster, but I'm also beginning to think that it actually could have made a not insignificant physiological difference--that is to say, the wind probably could've added a minute to my time, had I not run smartly and behind big people.

I would maybe cool my jets a little longer before kicking it home. Also, I wouldn't try to pound it home at mile 22 like I did--that was WAY too early. I nearly blew up from cramping in hamstrings in the last 2 miles. I'm pretty sure it was because I began my finishing push at mile 22...

I'd also be sure to hydrate and top up electrolytes a little better. I was definitely slightly dehydrated at the beginning and I also know I lost a lot of electrolytes.

Jogged for about 2 minutes. Realized it hurt and probably wasn't a good idea to keep going.


Limited winter training long runs. And limited speed workouts.


The set-up, atmosphere, and post-race festivities are awesome! The only reason I knocked a point off is because the course is rather boring.