That was a tough run to say the least!
Had some hopes of trying for a BQ (3:15) this year but had lots of lingering doubt too. (I probably need to work a little on my mental toughness and positive thinking) Decided I would go out and at least make an attempt from the start and see what happened. To make a long story short it didn't happen due to more factors than just the wind and rain. I did however PR and of that I am very proud.
Here are the splits for my posterity and anyone interested:
1 - 7:54
2 - 7:37
3 - 7:14
4 - 7:01
5 - 7:10
6 - 7:06
7 - 7:11
8 - 8:32
9 - 8:26
10 - 8:09
11 - 8:13
12 - 7:58
13 - 7:40
14 - 7:54
15 - 7:29
16 - 7:31
17 - 8:07
18 - 8:02
19 - 8:53
20 - 8:15
21 - 8:05
22 - 8:38
23 - 8:36
24 - 8:22
25 - 8:43
26 - 8:40
.26 - 2:10
I was glad to make it through with no miles in the 9:00/mile range, although that was in jeopardy during mile 19. Wished a few of those later miles could have been in the sub 8:00/mile range but fatigue got the better of me. Ended up not making one POP stop and I drank something at every aid station except mile 24. That makes two marathons in a row with no POP stops. Although if I had needed to go number 1 today I wouldn't have needed a POP or a bush for that matter......could have just let it go and no one would have known the difference.....it was THAT wet!
Didn't realize it until after the finish but I had bloody nipples. Thank godness I was wearing a slightly darker shirt and that the kid in the clothing pick-up area found my bag really fast so I could cover up that mess. I don't think any amount of body glide was going to help prevent that on a day like today. As I was running past Snow Canyon I was thinking to myself, I wouldn't be any more wet if I had just jumped in a swimming pool. Jumping in a pool and then running a marathon don't make for a good combo when trying to prevent the bloody nips. Should have grabbed that vasaline at mile 20 someting, may have helped the problem......oh well. Believe me, I can feel them now and they hurt like heck. I have kindly been told to "SUCK IT UP" by my wife who nursed all four of our kids and says she is well aware of what I am going through. I imagine some of you mothers can relate.....sheeeesh!
Final thoughts:
It was great to be part of history (2nd rain out in 32 years) but I hope I never have to go through that crap again!
I will use vaseline at the first sign of any pain in the nipple area! OUCH!
I enjoyed the girls screaming somewhere during mile 24-25. It made me think of what it might be like running Boston and passing the Wellesley college girls. There were probably only 4 or 5 girls but they were screaming their lungs out.
I Couldn't beleive the incredible crowd support that came out on a day like today to cheer on the runners with cowbells and high fives, that is why I love SGM, INCREDIBLE!
It was so great to run with Mark, even if only for a very brief time, the road was mighty lonely after he dropped back. We'll try again next time Mark.
NB768 307.28 NB768 (new) 126.26 Saucony A2 11.9 | 