FoxCities Marathon - RunMarathon

This is my first marathon run.

Started off faster than I had planned, but I felt good. I was also running with my dad and he was setting the pace. After about 1 mile we were at a 7:55 pace. We gradually slowed down and were averaging an 8:00 pace at the 10k mark. I continued to hold this pace and my dad dropped back. I was feeling really good at the pace so I just kept going. Around mile 9 there was a steep down hill. I coasted down the hill and that brought my average down to 7:57. Miles 11 - 18 were a gradual uphill climb. I did good for a ways and was still feeling strong at the 13.1 mile point, but started losing speed somewhere between miles 16 and 17. I kept thinking once I get to 18 it is a gradual downhill and I will be able to pick it back up. When I finally came to the top at the 18 mile marker I was at an 8:04 pace. But, my speed didn't come back. I was going slower now, even with the slight downhill grade. Around mile 20 my right calf started to grab, almost cramping. I pulled my toe up to prevent it from cramping. From this point on I tried to keep my toes on my right foot pulled up as much as possible and just rolling through on the right leg. I continued on, but my pace was gradually falling. The last 2 miles were torture. It took all I had to keep from walking. Even with my toes pulled up and barely using my right calf, it almost cramped up more times than I can count. I was able to hold out though and even managed a limp sprint (only driving off my left leg) for the last 50 yards into the chute. A few minutes after I finished it felt like I had been hit by a truck. My body ached all over.

I was going to be happy as long as I at least finished in under 4 hours. My real goal was under 3:45. I thought I may have a chance to finish close to 3:30. So, I am very happy with my time and I know I gave it my all. My dad came in at 3:49:43.

Probably take it a little slower through the first 15 miles.

Tried to walk around, didn't make it far and sat for a while. Eventually had the half mile walk back to the car.


Need more long distance runs during training. Only had 1 20+ mile run. Before the next marathon I plan to do several 20 miles runs during training.


23 water stops along the race was great. Plenty of water. They also had gatorade at the water stops. Course was well marked and police at all intersections stopping traffic. The course was very well done.