I was actually on a great pace and past mile 13 at 2:17 and was feeling good considering the hill workout that I was getting. Unfortunately for me I got a charlie horse in my left calf just past mile 15. Thinking that a little electrolites and walking it out, I slowed for an uphill walk while forcing my foot to relax. Too bad I must have lost my man card at that point as I never gained the motivation to run again. I spent most of the next 11 miles walking or jogging on the downhills.

I think that I need to look into salt tabs or other such items as the sports beans, bananas, and GU did not do the trick for me. However, I nowe have a base time and can only get better from here. Still not excited by marathons the way runners are, but know that I can survive it now and will do this race again next Feb 2009!

Walk back to the condo and took a cool/cold jetted tub bath while sucking down a chocolate shake!


Drive after a walking spurt - the ability to get going to speed again.


The race was great and I finished my first marathon. Any failings were my own and based upon lack of continuing drive. That said, I will still be there next year and think that 4.5 hours is a mark that I can hit a year later.