Kiawah Island Marathon - RunMarathon

As I mentioned, the start was a total cluster. I don't know if they sounded a horn or gun, but at one point people just started moving. I said good bye to Shannon (who was doing the half) and we were off. The problem was the first mile of the race was on two single lane roads with people of all different paces all over the place. I was weaving all over to find a nice spot to run where I could get into a comfortable groove. I was truly miserable as I actually had to walk at one point because I was being blocked by a group of walkers who seeded themselves near the front. Finally after the first mile or so things started to weed themselves out and I found my space. The first mile was 8:40, although I think I ran closer to 1.2 miles in the first mile.

With space I was finally able to get into my run. My plan was to run 8:15's and assess how I was feeling at the half way point and then again mile 20. Best laid plans. Much of the run was non-descript with miles going by at a pace anywhere from 7:50 - 8:15. I saw Shannon on an out and back around mile 7 and gave her a wave. Honestly, the course was a bit boring. There was very little crowd support and much of the run was through the residential neighborhoods in Kiawah. We saw VERY little of the ocean, dunes, or golf course.

Around mile 8 or so I started chatting with another guy running a similar pace. That also was probably the first time I took in water. Remember the humidity I spoke of??? Well, I was sweating a lot considering the 60 degree temperature, but I failed to recognize this fact. My body cannot handle sport drink so my hydration plan consists of water and E-caps. The other problem is I didn't have any E-caps with me as I was counting on a cold weather race. I did have 2 gels with me and I took one around mile 12. Anyway, I kept moving foward while chatting with my friend. We made the half way turn around 1:47 and I felt fine. At that time, I was hoping for a 3:40 - 3:45 finish. Miles 13 - 20 were non-descript and I dropped my friend at some point along the way. I continued to drink a bit of water at every other aid station.

Mile 20 was where I started to notice signs of trouble. My HR was really spiking and I was having problems holding an 8:30 pace. I finished my second gel (there weren't any offered on the course) and walked the water station to try and lower my HR. Well it didn't work. Miles 20 - 22 were a real struggle to keep an even pace, but I kept pushing on. Someplace after mile 22 is where everything started to get worse. Not only was my HR elevated, but I started having calf cramps like I've never experienced. Moving forward was a bit of a struggle and this is as close as I've come to experiencing the IM shuffle in a stand alone marathon. I walked slowly at each water station trying to take in as much liquid as possible, but the damage had already been done. I considered gatorade at this time, but I knew my stomach wouldn't stand it. I kept doing a combination of running and walking and people were passing me all over the place (including my friend from earlier). My only goal was to finish the race and take up golf again - endurance sports suck!

After 5 hard miles at the end, I saw the finish and shuffled my way across the line. Race over. Where can I sit???

Go out slower and drink more - see below for real answers.

After I crossed the line I found a chair as I was very disoriented. I don't think I've ever felt this bad after a race (including my IM). Shannon came to sit with me and the muscles in one of my legs completely locked up for a couple of minutes. After about 15 minutes we got up and made our ways towards the shuttle busses. All the time I was telling myself - no more. I am done with endurance sports.

Well, 2 days later, I am continuing on with my training for the Disney Marathon and IM Moo later in the year. Like most of us, I have a short memory. :)


Overall, my lack of run endurance and the 10 pounds I've put on since CdA. The lack of proper hydration didn't help, but that was more of a symptom of stupid racing and poor training.


Average race and course at best, with poorly organized start. Somewhat boring scenery given the fact that we were running on an island. However, the volunteers and few spectactors that were there were great!!!!

It was a flat track, and given cool weather this would make a good BQ/PR race for someone looking to run fast.