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Shamrock Marathon - RunMarathon


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Virginia Beach, Virginia
United States
45F / 7C
Sunny
Total Time = 3h 43m 9s
Overall Rank = 415/1219
Age Group = M 35 - 39
Age Group Rank = 72/217
Pre-race routine:

Great dinner the night before with Sue (PTinVA), Jen (Artemis), their spouses, and Shannon (thegoddess). In bed pretty early for me and managed to get a decent night sleep, despite the late night wrong number phone call.

Up way too early for shower, Cliff Bar, Vitamin Water, and BAD 7-11 coffee.
Event warmup:

Shannon and I arrived a little too early for the start of the half so we sat in the car to stay warm until it was time. The weather started out perfectly - mid 40's with very little wind. Little did I know this would not hold true by the time the marathon started. Once Shannon was settled in her coral for the half, I waited for the National Anthem (with flyover) and wished her luck. Back to the car I went to warm up once again and get into my race clothes. One hour later it was time for me to start. The only problem was the wind arrived (20 mph ish?). Downwind for first 6ish; upwind for next 12ish; downwind for final stretch.
Run
  • 3h 43m 9s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 08m 31s  min/mile
Comments:

Original plan for today was to run an easy race as this was really considered IM training and nothing else. I wanted to stick with the 3:40 pace group up until mile 18 or so, which is exactly what I did last year. I also planned to concentrate on nutrition, which has been a weak point in my marathons. Typical marathon nutrition consists of 1 or 2 gels along the course. Today's plan was 4 gels between start and finish with mix of water and gatorade along the way.

Once we were off I quickly found the 3:40 pace group and stayed with them for the first 4-5 miles. Foolishness got the best of me and I left the pace group behind around mile 5 and turned into the wind. At that time I also offered to serve as a wind blocker for a woman behind me and I pushed it a bit too much. Miles 6-9 were all mid 7's. I let her go around mile 9 and she thanked me. So, my male ego did me no good today. I took the wind AND ran a bit fast using a bit too much fuel along the way. At the half point right I was right on 1:45 (or 3:30 pace), too fast for today's plan! The only good part about getting to the half point so soon is I got to see Shannon coming in from the half.

Miles 13-16 took everything I had left as it was straight into the head wind. Miles 17-20 along Shore Drive were protected from the wind, but I battled to keep it together. After mile 20 it was all downwind, so my only goal was to stay on track until that point. However, I just spent too much before that and gave in to a time goal at mile 21. Miles 21-26 featured some walking with splits in the 9's to one mile close to 11 minutes. The 3:40 pace group passed me a bit after mile 24............

Oh well, I didn't really expect to PR in the race and I figured it would be better to save my legs for another day. That being said, the race hurt more than I remember most marathons hurting. I guess IM training and full on marathon training don't really mix. Overall, I was happy with my nutrition and I don't think it had anything to do with my poor performance. The performance was the result of improper marathon training (which is TOTALLY excused for IM purposes) and improper pacing (which is TOTALLY stupid).
What would you do differently?:

Run with the 3:40 pace group as planned.
Post race
Warm down:

Caught my wits, found Shannon, and headed to the car for shelter from the wind/cold. I was spent!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

IM training and that stupid bike/swim thing.

Event comments:

I really like this race as it is my hometown race. Well organized, lots of volunteers, lots of water stops! It is just a friendly, small town race. My only complaint is that they ran out of marathon shirts on Saturday afternoon. They say they will mail me one, but I don't understand how that happened. Oh well, I will run it again for the third year in a row in 2008. :)




Last updated: 2007-01-30 12:00 AM
Running
03:43:09 | 26.2 miles | 08m 31s  min/mile
Age Group: 72/217
Overall: 415/1219
Performance: Below average
Course: Flat loops around VA Beach oceanfront. RNR course for first half and much of my 'training loop' for second half. I had home course advantage. ;)
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Below average
Mental exertion [1-5] 2
Physical exertion [1-5] 3
Good race? No
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5] 4

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2007-03-19 4:42 PM

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Master
1254
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Chesapeake, VA
Subject: Shamrock Marathon


2007-03-19 5:03 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Extreme Veteran
372
1001001002525
Williamsburg, Virginia
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon
Great run, and after you become an Ironman this year you can go for a PR at the 2008 Shamrock.
2007-03-19 5:09 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Veteran
205
100100
Fayetteville, NC
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon

They ran out of marathon shirts?  When I went, all they had left was large!  I was pretty upset to get a large, I don't know what I would have done if they didn't have any!!  But that may have been better - they would probably at least mail the size I need (small).

You ran a great race!! That was very nice of you to act like a wind blocker for that woman. 

 

2007-03-19 7:30 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Extreme Veteran
316
100100100
Nashville TN
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon

you rocked captain!!!

very nice of you by the way to be the wind shield I would have loved you for that boost

2007-03-19 8:53 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Extreme Veteran
348
10010010025
Cary, NC
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon

Nice Job, Doug!

You are one tough Bastad!

2007-03-20 8:10 AM
in reply to: #729129

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Master
1932
100050010010010010025
Savannah,
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon

You are a very tough, very strong athlete.  I like that you listen to your body and know how far you can push yourself.  Great job.  I'm ready for another one!



2007-03-20 12:56 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Regular
63
2525
Lynchburg, Virginia
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon
Congratulations!!!

I also ran the race on Sunday and really enjoyed the event (it was my first marathon). I agree that the two sections with strong headwinds were VERY challenging! The section on the boardwalk, between 10 and 12 was FREEZING and the section after the half point was where I lost my pace group, because they slowed down and I ended up doing the solo/windshield for another runner for about 2.5 miles.

All in all, I really enjoyed the race, the course, and your town. I will be there next year and maybe for the rock'n roll as well. I think I like flat, fast courses. The only flat I get in central va is if I go run on the track, but I get dizzy after 5 or 6 miles.
2007-03-21 9:55 AM
in reply to: #729129

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Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon
What was up with the wind switching??  I was expecting a tail wind all the way back, but it started blowing across me.  I think you did a great job, especially considering the conditions.  It was cold! 
2007-03-22 11:46 AM
in reply to: #729129

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Extreme Veteran
365
1001001002525
Winnipegosis
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon

Yet another fine marathon, sir. Look at you and your gentlemanly ways: breaking wind for the ladies! You wouldn't think that would take so much out of you...

Regardless, congrats on another great performance. I love those full marathon training runs!

2007-03-22 3:33 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Expert
830
50010010010025
Chesapeake, VA
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon
Great race.  Wish I could do that good in the marathons.
2007-03-23 8:49 PM
in reply to: #729129

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Pro
3705
20001000500100100
Vestavia Hills
Subject: RE: Shamrock Marathon

... but I battled to keep it together.

THAT's what I'm talking about!  That is the mental  training that is going to get you through those dark mile on June 24th.

(that said, sheesh - a 3:45 finish is an awesome finish time ... I'd still be telling everyone )



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