Philadelphia Marathon - RunMarathon

Since the bathroom lines were so long/slow, Brad and I didn't get to the start line until late. Luckily, the race wasn't on time. Unfortunately, we were only able to squeeze our way up to the 4:15 group.

My initial goal, based off of McMillan Running and past performances at 10mi and 1/2 mary, was 3:23:xx, or 7:45/mi.

The plan;
4 @ 7:55
4 @ 7:50
10 @ 7:45
6 @ 7:40
2.2 @ 7:30

We spent the better portion of the first two miles dodging other runner, jumping up onto the sidewalk etc...just about anything to get on pace. The plan was to start at 7:55 for the first 4 miles. My splits were close for the first two miles (8:07, 8:05) but that was based on the GPS. Brad had the actual splits at 8:25ish for both. So that was 40s wasted just dealing with the human traffic. I wasn't worried as I was hoping slower early would mean faster later.

Miles 3-5 felt fine, but we were still dealing with a lot of runners on the narrow streets of South Philadelphia. Again, not too worried.

I thought brad might be filling the effects of his recent cold/fever as he was noticeably quieter than normal. He confirmed this but was planning on running together until 10ish, where we were hoping to see Laura volunteering at a water stand. Unfortunately, somewhere before mile 9 we parted ways.

Mile 9 was net downhill and fast. Mile 10 was a climb into Fairmount Park so I was ok with the 8:02. I tried to keep a steady effort until 13 and tried to not worry about the 1/2 marathoners who started their kick. I saw laura surprisingly around mile 11 as she wasn't at the water station (a whole other story) as expected.

Mile 14 was mentally tough. I thought the second half was exclusively on Kelly Dr and Main St. Little did I know there was a small loop at the beginning of Kelly Dr...and this meant a tough hill. (Stupid course map was cartoonie and had no cue sheet.)

At this point I knew I had given up a lot of time to my goal pace, but for the most part was still feeling strong and comfortable. That is until mile 17ish. At that point I could feel my left hamstring begin to tighten. Shortly thereafter, I got to see Laura again, which was a nice boost and surprise. About two miles later it was the left quad. I kept on focusing to keep my form and the splits were still in the 8s.

I got to see my brother, sister and some friends near the turn-around in Manayunk. I was hurting, but tried to make myself look fast for them:) At mile 21 my right quad started to hurt...feet were achy...and it went downhill quickly. Every step was becoming a chore. Next it was left hip flexor. Did my best to hang on, but I didn't have the drive to push through the pain.

Had a nice kick and heard cheers from karen, mike, sissy and barb and I was coming down the long chute of fans.

Although the race didn't go as planned, I still had a blast...even through the last sufferfest of a 10k.

NUTRITION:

~10 servings of Hammer Gel (~900cal). Had hit from flask every :20 b/t 0:00 and 2:40 and then single servings at 2:55, 3:05, 3:25.

4x Endurolytes. 0:00, 0:45, 1:30, 2:15

First, start with the correct pace/group.

Second, I wouldn't race with the GPS or I would only use it to help...meaning I will need to pace ~5s faster for most miles...even more for early congested miles.

Get some warm clothes on, get some food, gather the group.


Help!!! Not sure what it was but in both IMs and not this I tend to hit the wall. Not sure what the reason is. Here are my possibilities;

(1) Nutrition - My plan was 3 gels per hour, or 270cal. I have trouble getting full servings out of the flask (esp in cooler weather) and actually only took the equivalent of 7 (~630cal instead of 810) over my first 9 meals (2:40). I thought it may be nutrition so that's why I doubled up near 3:00

(2) Training - I have the heart/lung endurance...just not the muscular endurance...need more tempo work.

(3) It's always hard at the end of long races and I just need to HTFU (harden the f up)

Thoughts???


Good
- Good course, volunteers and fans
- Suprisingly easy to get to and park (granted we were earlier than most)

OK
- post race food (Bananas, oj, granola bars, chicken broth)

Not so good
- Packet pickup and expo far from race site
- Poor race maps with no cue sheets