| Author |
Topic: Baystate - More Patience??? |
joev9
Cool Runner |
 posted Oct-15-2007 10:10 AM
  
This was my first marathon so there was a lot of nerves and worry, but I must say that nothing that I was worried about was as bad as I thought it might be. Finished at 3:23:01, 7:02 off the BQ that I really wanted but I am still very happy about my race.The race started about 8 minutes late which kind of sucked because my father was gauging my progress of the 8:30 a.m. start. I also thought it was kind of odd that they didn't do the national anthem but whatever. I tried to find Gazelle but couldn't. At the start I decided that I had trained hard to try and BQ and that I was going to go for it and whatever happened, happened. The start went well and the temps were perfect. Very little wind on the first loop heading NW, so that was good. I felt really strong at the half and hit that mark at 1:37:03 under BQ and feeling strong. Passing people and hearing others breathing really hard, I felt like I was in good shape. Here's a pic of me at about 12.5 feeling great:  Miles 13 and 14 were 7:19 and 7:28, then the headwinds had their way with me as my paces dropped to 7:31 (15), 7:39 (16), 7:28 (17), and 7:33 (18). I was still on BQ pace but here's where I kind of lost my patience. I crossed over the upper bridge and out of the wind. I got a burst of that good feeling and hit mile 19 in 7:24 with a faint hope of still making the BQ. I hung tough till mile 22 when my pace started to drop. Never really hit a wall just had a gradual fade. Paces dropped to 8:26 (23), 8:56 (24), 8:54 (25), and 9:31 (26). Positives of the last few miles were that I never walked and that I was in much better condition than some others that I saw (one guy was clutching a tree in cramp agony, another woman was in really rough shape and could barely walk). I finished with a smile:   Anyone else think it was a cruel joke that they make you walk up the stairs of the stadium to get food and drink? Also, I thought the sound of soup at the end of a race was odd, but that bowl of soup may have been one of the best I have ever had! Lessons? I probably could have gotten down to 3:19 or 3:20 if I hadn't gone for the BQ but I'm happy that I went for it and didn't blow up completely. 3:19 would have still been a non-BQ and I would have wondered what if. Now, I know. I really gave it my all and am still a bit away from BQ'ing, but I know I can do it down the road.
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spkoest
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 10:23 AM
Was waiting for your report. Sounds like you ran a great first marathon. No whatifs and a good time. You will get the BQ the next time. If you really want it! Good Job. Steve
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gregw
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 11:58 AM
Great race! Looks just like my rac from May right down to finishing on a baseball field. I got to 3:24 on my 7th marathon though, not my first. You're still on the steep part of the improvement curve and will no doubt BQ very soon. Good job![This message has been edited by gregw (edited Oct-15-2007).]
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runninlaw
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 01:22 PM
Congratulations! That is an awesome race debut! It is definitely cruel that they made you go up the stairs for food. I laughed when I saw your soup comment though - they had nice hot soup for us at the end of Twin Cities. It was pushing 85 degrees. Now THAT is cruel!! I hope you recover well and enjoy the fact that you conquered your first marathon. Next you can shoot for the 3:15!
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jlwjr54
Member |
posted Oct-15-2007 01:58 PM
I posted elsewhere. Am a senior. Raced a 3:15.41 gun time with negative splits with 1:39 flat first half and 1:36 plus in second half. No one passed me in the second half. Had no problems throughout and cruised if you consider 26.2 miles a cruise - still gritted my teeth in last mile to maintain my form.
Question? How are some of you handling your recovery? Any of you now focused on Boston, and if so, when will you start to refocus towards 4/21/08?
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rootsrunner
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 02:03 PM
Good job! That's a wonderful debut.To answer your question on how to avoid the fade, I'd probably would ask more questions about your training, like your weekly miles and how many long runs or such. But they're not really necessary. As you gain experience, you will know how to react to the late fade. My 2 cents: training faster is not necessarily the answer to fix the fade. Its somewhat counter-intuitive to accept that training slower will make a faster marathoner. In my experience, one can make gains by increasing the amount of slower, easy, and fat-burning pace by training at lower heart-rates. Food for thought. If you continue to train for marathons, no doubt you will improve. Maybe in the next season, maybe not. I do believe, however, that this past season is just the beginning and you are destined to improve and build upon what you've already accomplished. Good luck with your endeavor. That you already have the desire to run another is a wonderful sign.
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thereshegoes
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 04:48 PM
Nice job, joev!! Congrats! How good does it feel to finish your first marathon? You better still be smiling today  Sorry about the BQ but now you have an excuse to run another and something within reach to shoot for. If they all went exactly as planned they wouldn't be as thrilling to begin with. So congrats again and welcome to the club!!
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QuickSilver
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 05:14 PM
Great job joev9!!!Thanks for your report and pictures. The last part of the marathon is always the hardest. If you expect a drop in effort in miles 20-26.2, you can fix your pace or train harder to prepare for it. Any walking up or down stairs after a marathon is cruel. Also, Dallas White Rock offered beef soup on a cold race day--it was the best soup I ever tasted. I think you will BQ on your next race. Good luck! ------------------
QuickSilver
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natural running (or how I learned to run from pre-historic predators) My Profile
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equinox marathon 43
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 05:21 PM
Congrats joev9! Great job in your first marathon!
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Gazelle2007
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-15-2007 06:58 PM
Joev9...Great race and marathon debut!
There is nothing...but running a marathon...that can give you the experience of those last 4 miles of this awsome distance.You came through with flying colors and you have plenty more ahead of you...which will include a BQ! Miles 14-18 were tough with the stiff head wind...and that is where I lost all my gas that I was hoping to store for 22+. I was looking for you...but I can't even count how many guys I saw with short hair, blue shorts, and gray short sleeves Good job and enjoy your recovery!
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bowulf
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-16-2007 08:21 AM
Congratulations on your marathon, and I am sure you will BQ in your next attempt. You certainly have the speed, and you managed the final miles well and ended up running strong and not doubled over. I agree walking up the steps for food and water was cruel. The pitcher's mound would have been a desirable place to lay down. Good job!
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joev9
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-16-2007 02:32 PM
Thanks for all the kind words. I'm already psyched to run another marathon so I guess I must have done something right this first time around. But for now, some shorter races with hopefully some PRs...
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Q
Member |
posted Oct-16-2007 02:58 PM
Wow, your race sounds almost exactly like my marathon debut in Denver on the same day. I agree, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but there is no doubt the last 3 miles were brutal and never-ending.I hit the half just a little slower than you. But I thought I still had a shot at sub 3.16 as late as mile 20, but I too faded down the last miles. Never hit the wall and stopped, but faded. My full report is in the Denver Marathon thread. I too really have no regrets. I gave it my all, and I know with a bit more training and experience I can get there. Nice work!
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lamerunner
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-16-2007 03:03 PM
Great job!Those stairs were cruel indeed.
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capesong
Member |
posted Oct-16-2007 03:12 PM
Hey Joe,
I'm happy for you even if it wasn't a BQ. Great job!Go Bombadiers! Bob L.
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bobscamman
Cool Runner |
posted Oct-16-2007 07:43 PM
Great job joev9...I wish I could have been there but my schedule just wouldn't permit it, I really love the course. What a great way to finish the race and a great spot for family and friends to see you as you come in to finish.You really did well for your first marathon and will get that BQ in no time at all just keep plugging away at it. It sometimes takes a few trys to get the hang of it. Take it easy for a few days to relax and savor that great time and then you'll be right back at it. ------------------
My User Profile "Keep on Running"
Bob
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