It was a valiant effort. 5 miles in I was feeling good, running 7:00 miles at worst, and told myself if I could comfortably keep this pace up through the 10 mile mark without any fatigue, that maybe this was the day to really go for it. 10 miles came and I was still clicking off miles that varied between 6:50 and 7:10 depending on whether there were any inclines, but I felt good. So I decided I would hold this pace for the duration and see if I can bring home a 3:02 type of run. That would shatter my 3:15 PR, but the training had been going well, legs felt good, and all systems seemed to be a go. Only thing that was bothering me was the headwind. I hate headwinds and for much of the race it seemed to be a stiff wind.

Miles 15 and 20 came and went, still seeing mile splits of either 6:55, 7:00 or 7:10. Fatigue wasn't bad at all, and I was just about to start lap 5. Told myself to take it really easy on any inclines so I had a great pace going and didn't want to burn out. Pace was good on mile 21, and the same for mile 22, but mile 22 was tough. Fatigue was building big time, the lower back started hurting, someone ignited my quads, and despite my best positive thinking, the wheels were beginning to fall off.

At the start of mile 23 I walked for about 30 seconds to regroup, started running again and ran for another mile or so. But the back and leg pain was killing me, and I realized my 3:02 hopes were all but gone. I really didn't care what my finishing time was, as long as it was faster than 3:15, which is my PR and also my Boston Qualifying time, but it's pretty discouraging when you're that late in a race, only a few miles from the finish, and you've put so much effort into an awesome time to see it slip away. So I told myself to not even worry about the time, and I started my walk/run shuffle. I'd walk for 30 seconds, then run a 1/2 mile, again and again. I knew I'd get to the finish line, it was just a matter of staying somewhat positive and taking the pain. Out of all the marathons, I think that was the toughest last 4 miles I've ever had.

I'm honestly mixed with emotions on the race. Glad I lowered my PR and ran a Boston qualifier, but frustrated the wheels fell off so bad. I've decided to walk away from this marathon as though it was a nice confidence builder. I think I proved a very low 3 hr marathon is doable, I was close, just 4 miles short, but it wasn't meant to be and I came up short. Perhaps a little more training, a few more hills, another long run, or maybe it just needed to be another day, but I was close. Definitely gave it all I had and left it on the course. Ain't nothing wrong with that!!

Got some warm fluids, changed clothes and headed back.


If you like a small, quiet race in February. Volunteers were great.