Bank of America Gasparilla Marathon - RunMarathon

Start of the race was interesting due to the narrow start area and the mass quantity of people. The full and half start together. It took me just over 4 minutes to actually cross the start line once the gun went off. Slow going for the first few miles - again due to sheer numbers of people and the narrow streets of the course.

By mile 5 I was doing a nice pace of about 10 mins per mile. Of course, I didn't have my Garmin since I had given it to Jeff to use since he left his at home and was trying for a PR.

Crossing the Platt Street Bridge was interesting since a water stop had been placed on the bridge and the grating was wet (and slick) from the dropped water and cups.

The wind had picked up and was gusting to about 30 mph at certain points and made parts of the course a challenge. Ran into a bit of ran at about mile 10 but it was brief and sort of refreshing.

At the start of the course south on Bayshore, I had plenty of energy and legs and feet felt good. No issues with nutrition or water intake. About mile 13, a bit more rain - but it was brief.

However, at mile 18 or so the course is reaching the south end and it was windy as hell. A couple of times it blew so hard in my face that it almost stopped me dead in my tracks. But I managed to keep going but my pace suffered as did my mindset.

I hit mile 20 and seriously considered stopping briefly once I hit mile 21 but I didn't. Still doing well, in my opinion, when it really opened up and started to pour - mile 21.5 or so. It rained for a good 30 mins or so and the temp dropped which really took it's toll on me. By mile 23 I had stopped briefly and walked a bit before starting to run again. My pace had really slowed down but I pushed through to the finish. Jeff was there to run me in the last .1 mile or so.

Funny, I didn't have any leg cramps until about 100 feet from the finish line when my right hamstring decided to act up. I had to hobble a bit to cross the line but I did it.

Overall, I figure I only walked about 1/2 mile of the entire course which really amazed me. Had blisters on the balls of both feet but no other issues post race - except for being stiff and sore for a couple of days.

Nothing. Nutrition was great. Took eGels at every 5 mile mark. Hydrated well with water and Gatorade along the course about every 2 miles or so. Even had some small pieces of chocolate that were being handed out.

I had plenty of energy - my body just was worn out from the pounding after 20+ miles. Just need to build up the body to be able to handle this type of distance.

Walking back to the convention center. Just trying to get my mental faculties back and get some additional fluids and solid food in me.


Not really sure that anything did other than just not having any previous marathon experience to draw upon. Need to do longer training runs to help improve overall time.


Definitely a fun race. Next year, we are talking about doing the Michelob Challenge which is the 15k, 5k, and Marathon. Definitely will do this one next year.