Cape Cod Marathon - RunMarathon


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Falmouth, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
United States
Falmouth Track Club
55F / 13C
Sunny
Total Time = 4h 27m 27s
Overall Rank = /1400
Age Group = f50-59
Age Group Rank = 15/35
Pre-race routine:

ran late waiting for the dog to do his morning thing..coffee, yogurt & fruit & cinn toast.. ..late to park ..got to start & tried to find people & porta johns..accomplishing neither ..until just before the cannon went off... found pam & polly long enough for quick hugs & good lucks..positioned toward the back & we were off
Event warmup:

none-!
Run
  • 4h 27m 27s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 10m 13s  min/mile
Comments:

In short..Started out a bit sore-feet & derriere..by mile 11 ..feet were just..every step was excruciating..mentally tough as I knew that the REAL hills -(that make both the feet & butt hurt more-) were yet to come..ran into market & bought some advil..walked water stops & some on the hills after this..mental attitude adjustment somewhere around 16.accepted no 4 hrs but determined to finish as best could..C2 stuck with me & kept the spirit light & supportive without being overly solicitous..
What would you do differently?:

I did do the long runs..the nutrition/hydration (24 oz 1/2 water & 1/2 powerade)..& 4 GUs, sips of water at every other water stop.. stops (every 2.5 miles).seemed to be ok- one pee stop early on since I didn't get to go before the race..little gi cramping with the GUs but not major, and a bit of calf cramp, some other muscle tightness ...think even if had gone out slower or done a run 5 walk 1 plan would have had the same outcome- I was hoping to stave off the bad pain until mile 18 0r 19, but was pretty miserable from 11 on. was really about persisting despite the pain..get thru it.
Post race
Warm down:

space blanket..chat a bit.. to school for chowder & water..should have gotten a massage but line too long..walked back to car..waited for the awards ( a bit long to sit!)as C2 was was getting his "Iron Runner" Award & jacket for doing all the races in the Grand prix series .(.Very cool jacket they got too.)eventually took a quick shower & hit the post race shindig ..that $1.00 Offshore Ale was NECTAR of the Gods!!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

I actally felt decently prepared..but have not been able to successfully treat this (relatively)new Plantar Fasciitis issue and still dealing with the Piriformis issue..I knew I would have to run thru "discomfort" but more than 2 hrs of intense pain every step was ...a bit wearing...
The spirit was willing but the flesh was weak!




Event comments:

Though disappointed at my performance, I realise I had set a goal for myself that was rather unrealistic..I am satisfied to have completed the race in a reasonable time for a first marathon .I came away from the experience realising what is involved in running 26.2 miles..and a lot about my own ability to deal with and overcome the obstacles that may present themselves..
The race itself was a beautiful & challenging course on a gorgeous fall day. The volunteers & pre & post race stuff was well done. C2 was the best-a constant presence who encouraged & supported by simply being an even keeled companion..decided to stay with me (even though I told him to get going!)and tho he was feeling good & most certainly could have PRed.. Thank You
Wasn't my best day..but defintely an experience..so again, "all good"..




Last updated: 2007-10-05 12:00 AM
Running
04:27:27 | 26.2 miles | 10m 13s  min/mile
Age Group: 15/35
Overall: 0/1400
Performance: Below average
first few miles @ 9 & change..made it to mile 14 @ 2 hrs..think the last 6 miles took a LONG time..Hr never an issue
Course: starts flat downtown..pretty good hill going out of town, cranberry bogs, rollers , hills, and then a few more hills..and then there were some hills, followed by..a hill to the lighthouse, then flat to the finish along the beach over to Main st..Lovely & scenic..but ....hills.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Average
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Ok
Evaluation
Course challenge Too hard
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5