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May 30, 2005
Marathon Day
Yesterday I ran in the Vermont City Marathon. It was a good day for the spectators, but a little too warm for the racers (at least that's my opinion). I was concerned that I was going to have trouble finishing the race, but did finish with a bottom-half-of-the-slug-pack time of 4:36:36. The time was not remarkable, but my race experience was: in the past, I started to loose it around mile 12-14. Yesterday, I felt good up until mile 23.
A couple things that made a difference:
- I had a gel shot about 20 minutes before the race, and another when I completed 6 miles (about an hour into the race).
- I started the race in 10 minute mile group. This was really my expected time (my average pace was 10:33). This group was a lot more mellow than the 8-9 minute mile crowd I've started with in the past, and hence there was no urge to run fast for the first 6 miles as has happened in the past.
- I concentrated on having a good time. I enjoyed being with other runners, the spectators, and the general festive atmosphere. It was fun.
There was one negative though: The race program had said there would be gel shots available on the course, but they had run out when I got there. Not good - I was counting on those babies. I grabbed some fruit that some spectators had prepared for the racers, so that helped a little. Further on someone was handing out candy which I grabbed, but the combination of these upset my stomach. I was starting to worry about the program when Kika road up next to me on her bike - she offered me a gel shot (!!) what a wonder. It gave me just enough kick to make the next 6 miles without problem.
Finally at mile 23 the lack of training caught up with me. I didn't crash hard as in the past, but a gentle glide down to I'm tired. It's something I could manage, but not without walking a fair amount. But this final pedestrian phase did not detract from the race - I love it, and can't wait for next year.
Posted by pgutwin at May 30, 2005 8:27 AM