Redding Marathon - RunMarathon

First 13.1 completed in 1:42, was feeling good. Went by percieved effort the entire race, felt great for first 18 miles. Mile 18 to 20 was well hrm starting drop seconds per mile off the pace. Mile 21 it was getting long, but time looked good for my training. Mile 22 starting to get longer. Mile 22-23 were so so just plodding along. Mile 23-24 man these miles are getting longer, slower, both hip flexors a bit sore, thighs a bit sore from the down hills, not aching too much just you can feel them. Mile 24-25 was just I need to not walk, just stay in motion, just stay jogging soo close. The last mile was suck it up time took alot of mental toughness to keep at a jog and start to increase pace for the last half mile. I eased up to a full sprint (as much as possible at that point, but pretty good) as I finished the last .2 miles and abut 100 feet from the finish line hitting top end my right calf threatened to cramp. I altered my foot strike slightly and got through without limping. After the race I wasn't thirsty or hungry, but sipped at a luke warm coke and had some grapes.

Everything was spot on, only thing I could have done was just have more run experience. My garmin showed 26.35 miles which based on when I crossed the start line put me at 8:40 pace, identical to my half marathon pace from May woot. That is about 30 min faster than I had expected. And no walking 8).

Sat for 5-10 min with some minor stretching, sipped a soada, had some grapes and a role, wasn't really hungry. I tried to soak my legs in the river, but the rocks hurt my feet and that water was 30sto 40 F and I just punted. Went to lunch had a burger and a large chocolate shake ahhhh. Drove home and did a proper cold water bath 15 min, hot shower and some minor stretching, popted the blister.


Just simply run experience. I only have about 15 months off the couch so need more years of running to bring that time down.


Post race could have been a little better, but everything else was spot on. The beauty of the run was top notch along the Sacramento river, over the dam, very very nice. Temp was perfect, never got hot.