Some of you may remember me. Some of you may even recall that I am a runner. After I graduated from college I got the crazy idea that I would run a marathon. After all, I went from being a mediocre JV runner in high school to actually winning a few road races and was running crazy mileage and basically feeling invincible.
So I registered for the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA and dedicated the past 10 months of my life to training for it. I averaged 70+ miles per week, with 2 or 3 weeks at 85 miles and 4 runs of 20 miles or longer. I only took 8 days off this entire year, and 4 were because I was on vacation at the time (2 separate vacations). I lowered my half-marathon PR by a minute a half and basically got into the shape of my life. I figured with my half time of 1:21:00 (6:13 pace) that I could run 2:50 (6:30 pace) for a marathon.
The big day finally came yesterday, and all the thousands of miles I have logged were all put to the rest as I started off with the sound of the cannon to a journey of 26.2 miles. I was right on pace for 2:50 all the way through the half, but somewhere around 16 miles, the wheels just fell off and I blew up. Those of you who have done marathons can relate to what it's like to feel like crap and have 10 miles left. I slowed down to 7:30-8:00 miles until mile 22 or so, and then every single muscle in my lower body cramped up. I was forced to walk right before the 23rd mile marker, and spent the remaining 3.2 miles alternating running, walking a stretching. I can truthfully say it was the single hardest thing I have ever done and took more willpower to continue on than I ever imagined. I ended up finishing in 3:18:42, or 7:35 pace. Honestly, I'm not all that disappointed, as I still consider that a decent time, but remember, I thought I was a seasoned runner. I may not be the fastest, but I've been running for almost 10 years and have seen huge improvements in the past few years and I'd agree that most runners would describe me as pretty good. But this marathon kicked my ass.
Looking back, it's apparent that I set my goals too high, especially for my first attempt at the distance. 3:00 would have been a good goal, but it seems to me now that my success in the half-marathon did not translate well into success at the marathon. I am sincerely humbled now and realize I was overconfident. I was completely flabbergasted for the sheer physical pain the distance inflicted on me. After I finished, I couldn't even walk. Even just standing hurt too much and took too much out of me. I was quivering, blubbering mess.
I have come to the conclusion that the marathon is an insanely, ludicrously, absurdly stupid distance to race and all marathoners are bloody fools. Yet, my failure has only strengthened my resolve to return and prove to myself and to everyone else that I can run under 3 hours, and eventually under 2:50. For today though, I will continue to whimper at the sight of stairs and raise my glass of lager to everyone who has completed a marathon, regardless of time. Stand tall, brothers and sisters. It takes more physical and mental strength and willpower to complete a marathon than most men and women would be willing to endure. My hats off to all of you.
So I registered for the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA and dedicated the past 10 months of my life to training for it. I averaged 70+ miles per week, with 2 or 3 weeks at 85 miles and 4 runs of 20 miles or longer. I only took 8 days off this entire year, and 4 were because I was on vacation at the time (2 separate vacations). I lowered my half-marathon PR by a minute a half and basically got into the shape of my life. I figured with my half time of 1:21:00 (6:13 pace) that I could run 2:50 (6:30 pace) for a marathon.
The big day finally came yesterday, and all the thousands of miles I have logged were all put to the rest as I started off with the sound of the cannon to a journey of 26.2 miles. I was right on pace for 2:50 all the way through the half, but somewhere around 16 miles, the wheels just fell off and I blew up. Those of you who have done marathons can relate to what it's like to feel like crap and have 10 miles left. I slowed down to 7:30-8:00 miles until mile 22 or so, and then every single muscle in my lower body cramped up. I was forced to walk right before the 23rd mile marker, and spent the remaining 3.2 miles alternating running, walking a stretching. I can truthfully say it was the single hardest thing I have ever done and took more willpower to continue on than I ever imagined. I ended up finishing in 3:18:42, or 7:35 pace. Honestly, I'm not all that disappointed, as I still consider that a decent time, but remember, I thought I was a seasoned runner. I may not be the fastest, but I've been running for almost 10 years and have seen huge improvements in the past few years and I'd agree that most runners would describe me as pretty good. But this marathon kicked my ass.
Looking back, it's apparent that I set my goals too high, especially for my first attempt at the distance. 3:00 would have been a good goal, but it seems to me now that my success in the half-marathon did not translate well into success at the marathon. I am sincerely humbled now and realize I was overconfident. I was completely flabbergasted for the sheer physical pain the distance inflicted on me. After I finished, I couldn't even walk. Even just standing hurt too much and took too much out of me. I was quivering, blubbering mess.
I have come to the conclusion that the marathon is an insanely, ludicrously, absurdly stupid distance to race and all marathoners are bloody fools. Yet, my failure has only strengthened my resolve to return and prove to myself and to everyone else that I can run under 3 hours, and eventually under 2:50. For today though, I will continue to whimper at the sight of stairs and raise my glass of lager to everyone who has completed a marathon, regardless of time. Stand tall, brothers and sisters. It takes more physical and mental strength and willpower to complete a marathon than most men and women would be willing to endure. My hats off to all of you.
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