The upside-I blew away my PR. The downside-I missed Boston by quite a bit.
1-7:49
2-7:26
3-7:18
4-7:04
5-7:17
6-7:02
7-7:22
8-8:11
9-8:14
10-7:53
11-8:14
12-7:40
13-7:28
14-7:34
15-7:08
16-7:07
17-7:23
18-7:41
19-8:09
20-8:07
21-7:40
22-7:48
23-8:03
24-8:34
25-9:11
26-9:44
26.2-1:42
Chad, his friend, and I met right before we got on the bus to head up to the start line. The weather couldn't have been better. We hit the start line @ 6:00 AM, then I stood in the "john" line for over 25 minutes. That is my only complaint of the whole marathon. Other than that the organization was awesome.
Since all the other 3:15 group had elite bibs, I jumped the barrier and got in the chute with them. I hope they let me run next year after I admitted that. Chad and I started out an hit the 1st mile perfect. The next few were a little fast, but I didn't think it would bother me. I felt really good. I sailed up the Veyo hill at 8:15+/-, then the next two miles were a little tougher for me. My right calf started to tighten up. The 3:15 group started to break apart right around mile 13. Chad stepped up and I hung back with the others. I was 1:40:34 @ the halfway point which was great.
I tried to make up a few more seconds @ the two Snow canyon Miles, but I didn't have enough to get below 7:00 a mile. Jeff and Mark disappeared and I was so focused on my race I didn't know whether they went out in front or not. I thought I was doing quite well until I hit the "ledges." Mike, one of the 3:15 guys, passed me right at the overpass. He gave me some encouragement and I tried to hang but couldn't keep step. I had left a gu and some gummy bears at that hill. The gummy bears were a life saver on my 1st marathon, but they were hard to chew and choke down. The gu worked great and the extra water bottle was helpful as well.
By mile 20, seeds of doubt were being planted about the BQ, but I kept pushing on. I remember seeing my time at 2:31 and thinking, "If I can keep this 10K @ 7:30 per mile pace, I can still do it." The next two miles felt really good and I was just off my pace.
Coming down into town, I blew up. The most demoralizing feeling was the 3:20 pace guy passing me at mile 22. He was holding his balloon sign like a marching band baton and acted like he was running a warm-up lap. I wanted to set down on the road and scream! I knew it was the end of my BQ run. My next three miles were terrible. At the 24 mile mark, some of my students were handing out water. This motivated me to keep running. The last mile was slow but felt better. I knocked down the home straight, because I could see the finish. Mom and dad were there, as was Brady F. It was great that he had come over to see me finish. He is great guy. I took a little time to get out of the runners area, but when I stood up, I felt like I was going to pass out. I walked out of the runners area and mom rubbed a my calves out, which was great. It was great to have the support during and after the race!
Overall, it was a good race. I felt so much better than the other marathons that I have run. I know I can get the 3:15, if I do a few things.
Get my diet and nutrition right. No more doughnut and ice cream binges!
Get my mileage up from 40-45 miles a week to 70-80 miles a week.
Run two or three full 26s sometime during the training.
I am not giving up on that Boston jacket.
"The credit belongs to the man...who strives valiantly...who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly." -T. Roosevelt
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