RACE SUMMARY
Here's the summarized version and splits:
Chip time: 3:16:47
Clock time: 3:17:03
Age: 33M
Age Grade: 63.5% (still disproportionately low)
Overall Place: 200/16373 (top 2%)
Division Place: M33-34 : 54 /1331 (top 4% - BQ range is usually sub-7% for age grouping!)
Garmin lap times (ran slightly faster than race clock times):
1 - 7:07 Wow, this was easy
2 - 7:01
3 - 6:58
4 - 6:38 (building GPS interference)
5 - 6:47
6 - 6:59
7 - 7:01
8 - 7:08
9 - 7:21 Still feeling really great
10 - 7:20
11 - 6:50
12 - 7:14
13 - 7:07 A bit nauseous, but went away
14 - 7:04
15 - 7:07 Starting to work now
16 - 7:11
17 - 7:00
18 - 6:59
19 - 7:11 No problems
20 - 7:11 No problems, optimistic for 3:08
21 - 7:29 Small climbs, still with a 2 min cushion
22 - 7:33 The Wall came out of nowhere at mile 22.5!
23 - 8:52 Needed 8min/mile for 3:10 from here, kept it up for 0.5mi
24 - 9:37 Tried hard, but gave up when I saw it was impossible.
25 - 8:58 Lots of walking
26 - 8:45 Ugly final hobble
THE SOCAL RUNNERS WORLD PRE-RACE DINNER
I've been active on the Southern California Runners World forums, and a large FE, or "forum encounter" dinner was set up by regulars going by the handles CharliePro, smd, shacky, and others. Nearly 40 of us met up at the Little Italy Spaghetteria restaurant in downtown San Diego for group carbo loading the day prior to the race. This was my first time to a big FE, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience.
Lots of fun (and fast) folks hereI met so many familiar faces from the forums that I can't even recall them all, but suffice to say that everyone I met was super friendly, very interesting, and had some great running stories to tell. I spent a lot of time with Charlie, 261 to 26.2, and Billyburger, all of whom I've been in close contact with in the past 6 months. Charlie in particular is quite the public speaker, in addition to dominating the local race scene at age 50, and he got us all 30-40 of us up on a small stage to award small gifts to "furthest traveled", "marathon trivia', and also to wish us well on our race. I felt that this dinner was one of the best outcomes of my participation on the online discussion boards as of late, and I'd recommend others to try it out if they have the chance.
I'm getting roasted by Charlie onstage about PACERS! LOL!THE RACE
I joined up with the local LA Running Club for both hotel booking as well as transportation to the race, which worked out great. We got to the start line bright and early, and had plenty of time to get organized and to get into the corrals. I was a bit anxious at how warm it was, as I wasn't chilly at all at the start line at 6:30AM. Fortunately, the conditions were overcast, so it offset most of the early heat. I actually lined up the front of Corral #2 rather than Corral #1, because I didn't want to be too overzealous in the first few miles of decline.
5:30 AM with the runnersMiles 1-6 Feeling great and holding it back
I felt very, very good for most of the first half of the race. I completely focused on maintaining a pace that was equivalent to my recent long run training paces on the flats/uphills, and opening my stride up to pick up some time on the downhills. Overall, I felt that I paced out very appropriately for my ability. Even with the retrospectoscope of knowing about my later cramping in the final miles, I don't think running slower would have significantly helped; the 7:05 pace I was running felt very easy, and for at least 6 miles, did not even approach the intensity of my easy-paced long runs.
The race unfortunately starts off with a net 300 foot drop over 5-6 miles, so it's easy to take the pace out too fast. I definitely do not think that I over-burned these downhills, although my pace did drop to 6:40-6:50/mile on the steeper parts of these sections. I was getting passed by HORDES of people at that pace, and I started in corral #2 with the 3:15-3:30 marathoners, so I suspect lots and lots of people were running too fast (likely including myself!)
Miles 6-13 - Still feeling good on the climbs
There's an ensuing climb from miles 5-10 where you give back all the elevation loss that you started with, and climb back to the same height. This section also went well, although my effort was correspondingly increased. I was now running only a little bit faster than my long run training pace, and it still felt easy for the most part. I dutifully took a gel at minute 40 as per my plan of a gel every 40 minutes, and hydrated every 2 miles on the run. I did have a small scare at mile 11, where I felt a bit queasy from all the water and gel I had eaten, but fortunately that faded quickly. Due to the uphill, I started passing a fair number of people here, but I was still very surprised at the many hundreds of people who were ahead of me, given that less than 120 people had lined up in front of me in corral #1.
At this point, I met up with RT forumite "Giglenn" - we had met during warmup when I noticed his corral #1 bib. GI glenn runs 100+ miles per week routinely, and clocks sub 3:10 marathons routinely (he's older than I am), so I knew that I was in good company. We ran together for awhile, before he dropped back a bit at around mile 11 - then dropped me cold at mile 23.5 when I crashed.
Miles 13-18 - Right on track
I felt that I'd run the first half of the race as conservatively as I could given the goal of running 3:10. I hit the halfway mark with a 2 minute cushion, and very near my original target of 1:34 at the half. Furthermore, I felt very good up to now. Unfortunately, the adage that the marathon doesn't start until mile 20, is 100% true, as you'll see later. Mile 13 was nowhere near my half point. I was hoping now to actually begin my true race, and pick up the pace 5-10sec/mile, but with the brisk time I had gone through the halfway mark in, I decided that it would be more prudent to maintain the comfortable pace.
About mile 15 was when I started feeling the first sensations of possible difficulty. I was still feeling strong overall, and had definitely not hit "race intensity" yet, but the toll of the prior 13 miles were starting to be felt. My heartrate creeped up a bit for sure after mile 15. Also adding to the problem was the gradual thinning of the clouds and peeking sun, which I hadn't been considering, but which would become a definite factor later on the course.
When I hit mile 18, I was guardedly optimistic. I was wearing a 3:10 pace band that clearly showed that I was 2 minutes ahead of schedule, but I also knew that the race was starting to not go as planned. I was truly intending to run a significant negative split on the course, and should have been able to start a charge to the finish at mile 18. Although I still felt pretty good, and was still maintaining the 7:05-7:10 pace without significant HR creep, I felt that pushing it at this point would be very dangerous for my legs, as I started to feel the impact of the road slowing me some. Everything else was going great - HR, energy levels, and pace, but I knew that there would be some challenges ahead at this point.
Mile 18 - 22 - Crusing along right into the WALL
I decided that I'd try and maintain my pace until mile 22, and reassess at that point. I had not dropped off pace at all, and still had my 2 minute cushion from miles 18-21. I was passing a lot of people at this point, although there were a good number of people who were passing me as well. I still would not have considered my effort at this point in the race a hard effort; I've run much, much harder on most of my long runs in the final miles. I was still able to talk with ease (although I tried not to), and was holding rock solid steady on the pace. However, I was definitely unable to accelerate, and that was a very ominous sign for me, since I was still too far out to just "hang on."
I hit mile 22-23 feeling optimistic about a 3:09ish marathon, but out of nowhere, I was hit with some really nasty cramps in my quads, bilaterally. These really took me by surprise; I'd expected to at least feel significant fatigue or drop off in pace before the cramps hit, but I had virtually no warning before I was hit by them. Surprised, I immediately slowed to try and stave off worsening. I also tried to get a sense of how far I'd have to hold on. According to the race clock (not my Garmin), I still had a nearly 2 minute cushion at mile 23, and would only need 8 minute miles to run 3:10 and change. I'd hit the wall, and it was taunting me.
Miles 22-25 Survival mode, and not surviving
I knew that if there was any time in my racing career where I'd have to hang on for dear life, NOW was the time. No time for excuses, or what-ifs. I was hurting bad, stumbling along, but only needed to run 8 minute miles for another 3 miles or so to get that BQ.
By now, the sun was out in full swing. Although the temps outside were not blazingly hot (low 70s), the sun was a real life-sucking orb on the coverless course. To add insult to injury, the "flat" finish elevation profile as seen on the map, was definitely NOT flat. I had been warned about some small but significant inclines in the final miles, and these inclines had become literal monsters to my cramping quads. I gritted my teeth, and hobbled along for about 3/4 mile, when I saw that my pace was only 8:30/mi at best, and worsening. I basically ran until I was physically unable to anymore, and then slowed to a walk.
At this point, I "gave up." In my frustration at just missing the BQ mark, I'd forgotten that I was still clearly in PR range. I slowed to a walk, and was so angry that I couldn't continue that I would have cursed aloud, had it not been for all the small children nearby. Furthermore, aside from my quads, I felt pretty great! My energy levels were tanked up, and revving to go for a 10k flying finish. I could tell that even my fast-twich hip flexors were also rearing to deliver that finishing kick. However, the weak link of several quadricep fibres gone haywire were enough to deliver the death blow to the 3:10 goal.
As can be expected, I got passed by hordes of people at this point. It's amazing that even with all my miles, training, and even marathon experience, that I can still feel like a complete rookie out on the course. I actually took miles 24-25 pretty easy, and walked huge portions of them. I was just planning to finish at this point, and couldn't care less what my finishing time was.
Mile 25-26.2 - It's an ugly finish!
This mile started off ugly enough, with a walk-run combination. (I'm actually well-familiar with this routine now...unfortunately.) At about mile 25.5, I was passed by a familiar-looking guy who shouted out my name - it was forumite "A-Muse" from the SoCal forums; he had been aiming for a very ambitious sub-3 first marathon, but he too was having a bit of difficulty with cramping on the course. He rallied me a bit as we hit the final 0.6 miles onto the military base finish, and I decided that I should at least put in true race effort for the final segment of the race.
I picked up my pace, and it felt pretty good - for about 0.25 miles. I really fell apart at this point, and just as I hit the finishing home stretch with the grandstand rafters. But man, those people can really cheer you on. There were thousands of them out in the stands along the final straightaway, and they were going nuts. I was really, really bummed that I couldn't do a celebratory high-five victory lap along the finish, but at the least, I could show them what guts with no glory - the stuff that is the essence of marathoners in my opinion - is about.
I threw caution and pain to the winds, and decided to barrel down that chute as hard as I could, cramps and all. And it really, really hurt. I definitely didn't expect it to hurt as much as it did, and I'm glad I was wearing sunglasses because I couldn't even open my eyes since my quads were hurting so badly. In the final 50 feet, I couldn't even use my right leg anymore! I did a demented hop-skip to make it to the finish, and had to lean on someone for a bit after I was done to keep moving out of the finishing area.
Fortunately, my legs got back into walking shape fairly quickly afterwards. Right now, my legs still hurt from the cramping, but they're functional - I suspect that stairs will definitely be an issue tomorrow, though!
REFLECTIONS ON THE RACE
When I crossed that finish line immediately after the race, I was very disappointed. I really felt that I was in great shape for a strong 3:10 shot, even in heat, and I just couldn't deliver it today. Fortunately, misery loves company, and post-race, I ran into the other SoCal Forumites from Corral #1 - 261 to 26.2, runnerinparadise, and A-muse. Turns out that the heat and elevation got all of us - we all finished 6-8+ minutes slower than our projections. Also, when I finally sat down after the race in the finishing area, I realized how hot it had become in the sun - I was literally baking out there, and had to immediately find shade.
Now, with a few hours between my finish and this post, I'm satisfied with this result. It's still disappointing to miss the 3:10 mark, but running a 4 minute PR on a warm day on a hilly course with a conservative overall effort is pretty good for me, especially considering that my PR at San Francisco '07 was the absolute, best race of my life. Furthermore, I'm encouraged in that the 7:00/mile pace was never a problem for me (until mile 23.5, of course!), and in fact, felt in general, easier than my typical long run efforts . Unfortunately for me, the marathon emphasizes pure endurance over everything else, and I need to beef up that endurance bit to last the final miles. I would have to characterize today's race as an "off" day for myself, in that I don't feel that I got to really demonstrate my true ability - the weaker endurance link cut the whole affair short prematurely, especially since I started at a conservative pace given my leg speed.
I hate making excuses for underperforming in races, and I definitely don't think I had it in me to run a 3:10 given today's course and conditions regardless of strategy and pre-race fueling, but to put my performance in a bit more perspective as well, I finished in the top 2% of all marathoners today and top 4% of M30-35, which in the overall arch of BQ statistics, places me well into BQ-ability range (Jim2's BQ statistics gives shows that in general, a sub3:10BQ marathon corresponds to 7% of all M30-34 marathoners.) I would have had to finish in the top 1% to achieve a 3:10 today, or in the top 2.5% of all M30-34 finishers. That's definitely out of my current ability range, so that puts things in perspective.
WHERE TO IMPROVE
Obviously, late-game cramping is the problem to overcome. I did expect this to be my single biggest enemy in this race, as my VO2, lactate, and anaerobic training and performance were well-beyond 3:10 standards for this race. The simplest solution would be to maintain my leg speed, and just repeat the 18/70, with the significantly accelerated paces. Alternatives are to try longer long runs (more 22s, and a few 22-24s) or hilly long run routes. Hilly routes, in particularly, will likely make a big difference on my long runs - I'm actually fairly certain that my relatively hill-free training period in March-April, while great for leg turnover, left me unable to fully deal with moderate hills on top of the 26.2 mile distance; I won't make that error again, and will exceed the elevation profiles of my anticipate race courses in long run training. I used this approach successfully for the San Francisco marathon without fully appreciating it (I did some monster climbs on 20-22 milers), and it has worked very well for me.
I do think that on an "ideal" cool day and course, I could go out and run a 3:08-3:10 with my current physical conditioning. I'm not planning on anything definite in the next few weeks, but if my legs bounce back quickly, I will consider another go at the 3:10 effort sooner rather than later. Still, if I break 3:10, I'd like to do it convincingly, and not "by the skin of my teeth." It's clear to me now, marathon performances can be very variable since small differences in weather, course layout, and physical conditioning, are dramatically accentuated over the 26.2 mile distance. I'd love to be able to break 3:10 on a variety of courses, but this will likely require me to be in low-3 hour marathon ability range.
IN SUMMARY
Overall a successful race, 3 minute PR, and a very fun weekend! I did learn a lot about my abilities from this race, and I've now got a more concrete direction in terms of where to take things. I still think the Pfitz training program is an outstanding one, and I do think that sticking with it at my upgraded training paces will net me an eventual mid to low 3 hour marathon, even with no changes in training volume. In the meanwhile, I'll be taking a bit of down-time from running as my legs recover from the beating I laid on them today, but am really looking forward to some faster overall training paces this next go-around.
Congrats to all the other marathoners who finished today!
Good times to be had by all - yesterday, today, and in the future
26 comments:
Hey Willis,
Great race bro! I know you missed the 3:10 mark, and that had to be disapointing. But it seems like you have quickly come to terms with the fact you set a 3 minute PR today and had a great time.
Its funny how many parallels I drew from your race report and my recent race. Although, you ran it much faster than I. I know the EXACT feeling you were talking about at mile 15. A foreshadowing of possible troubles ahead. It is also apparent the heat played a large role today.
Keep us posted on the recovery and upcoming race plans. It is obvious you still "love" the marathon. After you boil everything else down, that is what it comes down to.
Nice job, Willis! That is a great improvement and no doubt the heat was a big factor in you meeting 'the wall.' 3:16 is just awesome, and you are just minutes away from that BQ. I'm glad you're happy with your effort today because you should be. And FWIW, I think you should give some thought to the CIM in Sacramento in December. 40s-50s are typical temps. Tiny little rollers in first half, mostly flat in last half. Lotta BQers there. Anyway, rest up and recover. Just wanted to say congrats on your new marathon PR!
Bummer, on missing your BQ. Damn, I was really rooting for you! 3:16 is still a GOOD time, but yeah, still a disappointment, considering your strong 10k and half marathon times.
I totally hear you, about the necessity to be at low 3 hour marathon in order to honestly have a good shot at BQ'ing. Just too MANY things that can get you on those very FEW marathons that most of us can manage to race in a calendar year.
Enjoy your recovery and abundance of free time..and hope to read about your next attempt soon!
Willis,
Congrats on a fine race.
I ran the race, too. It was my first marathon. I was hoping for a sub-4 hr finish (I'm 45). I had a 9 mile pace after 21 miles and then my legs got tight and I ran out of gas. From there, I walked intermittently and finished with a 4:08. I do believe that mental and physical toughness after mile 20-21 is a key ingredient to dealing with those difficult miles. Being mentally prepared for those miles is very important. It seems like the only way to understand how one feels during those miles is to run a marathon.
Do you think any particular training run would help prepare for those last miles?
John
Willis,
Just read your RR and just wanted to chime in here and say congratulations on your race today. I know you were looking for sub 3:10 but you were just 6 minutes off while hitting the wall and having to walk on and off over the last few miles. Your effort and fitness were there and as others have said, you are knocking on the door. You're going to reach your goals soon. Rest and recover from this and give it another go later in the year. Thanks for the motivation and just wanted to say you did great out there!
Congrat's once again on a great effort and run!
Gregory (Pudov on RWOL)
I would do anything to have your speed and endurance man.
A sub-3:10 is in the near future, no doubt.
You ROCKED it brother. That's all I have to say. Great to meet ya!
Willis,
Great race, and even more importantly, I'm glad you had a great time out there. After reading your race report, it just reiterated to me the importance of building your endurance during training, so it can get you through those rough spots at the end.
I think it's pretty cool that you can have an "off" day, and still PR by 3 minutes...nice!!
Willis,
If BQ-ing was so easy, it wouldn't mean as much. You ran a great race yesterday, and should hold your head high. A PR in the heat means you are fitter than you've ever been, and your sub-3:10 is lurking behind the next marathon door.
May you recover quickly, train well and find the right race on the right day.
Cheers, ESG
Willis,
I know you were looking for more, but (all things considered) a 3:16 is a good time -- in fact that beats the recent efforts by both SQ and myself!
Best wishes for your recovery and maybe I'll run with you at CIM...
Eh, you'll get your BQ. I'm not worried. You are so young.
But SUPER job on the race and a new PR!!! Don't let your expectations get you down. You ran a great race.
seth - I hear you on the parallels - it's amazing how cramps can even take down more "experienced" higher-mileage runners such as myself. I suspect we'll be running another PR at about the same time later this year - keep up the running and blogging yourself!
gb - Really appreciate the props, coming from a superstar runner such as yourself! I will likely hit CIM later this year as my "A" race for the year. Hoping to run with you in Boston!
adhoc - I totally think that to run 3:10s consistently, you need to be at around 3:00-3:04 ability range. I admit that I overlooked the temp difference between 40-50F vs 60-70F, and I probably should have slowed more at some of the points on the course to compensate. Still, I'll be trying to kick that 3:10s rear later this year! Thanks for following along!
john - Congrats to you for your 1st and a great finish; 4:08 on the first at San diego is a super solid time, which equals my 2nd marathon last March at LA. The solution to fighting off late cramping are generally to 1) run SLOWER earlier on (I probably could have benefited from this), and to 2) Train with higher mileage (extremely effectively, in general.) #2 is particularly important if you're shooting for a discrete goal such as a BQ, or a sub-4. Good luck in your next!
gregory/pudov - I suspect we'll be hitting sub 3:10 about the same time this year - it'll be super cool to get it done together! Good luck on your outstanding running as well.
burger - You're on the brink of some amazing marathon performances. I'm giving you full credit for a sub-4 today given the late heat, although I can understand how you'll feel better about seeing the 3:xx. I think you can eventually run substantially faster than 3:45, if you choose to. I'll be joining you on some trail runs in the meanwhile, and I'll also be eyeing San Francisco as a "fun marathon" (something I've never done) if I recover fast enough.
ESG - Thanks. I really don't think 3:16 is anywhere close to my real ability, and I'm really looking forward to doing another where I can at least get my HR into true race range - those first 20 miles were like a long training run for me, and I got cut short before I started racing. Good luck on your upcoming breakthrough season as well.
dlgoldman - Thanks man! I may be much weaker in the marathon despite all that training, but it's strangely paying off in spades at my short-distance races - I'll admit that I was fantasizing that I'm actually fast enough at 5k/10k/HM to take you on in SF despite your blazing times! (I'll pass on racing you at the marathon, though!) LOL!
nat - Thanks girl! I do feel very strongly that this BQ will happen in the next season or two. I'm hoping to clearly blow by 3:10, and not squeak by, so I'm definitely not cracked up over this one. Appreciate the shout out - lemme know when you're going for your next BQ as well, you speedster!
Willis, a PR is a PR! Sometimes improving little by little makes it much sweeter than PRing big time too early in life (then it leaves you with not much to look forward to).
Anyway, you are still young. At 33 you have a long way to go!
I can say congrats on the great time but I am not sure that helps because you wanted more than that. Stuff happens, it sucks and you move on. You are not a 80 yr old guy who can only look back in life and never expect better. You have so much ahead of you. Good luck in your next marathon, wherever it may be and race shorter race for the fun of it and for guaranteed PR. Search other goals other than BQing because you can only run marathons well 1/2/3 times a year. If you fail, it sucks and you always have to wait a "long" time to do another one. On the other hand, you are so fit that you could probably race 5ks, 10ks, half marathon every other week.
Best of luck and get that BQ this year so I can meet you in Boston.
Congrats on your PR! Stick with it-you'll get there!
-JeremyTD
I'm so glad you're seriously considering the CIM! My brother is going to try to BQ (he needs a 3:15). I'm going for as close to 3:00 as possible. We have PLENTY of time to gear up for it. As it gets closer to training, we'll have to exchange notes. But you make yourself recover well first. You done good, kid!!!
Willis, after checking out the CIM course I would agree that your BQ is there for the taking.
Congratulations again on a fantastic time!
Great post, and a great run Willis.
Glad to see you are happy with your result - what's meant for you won't go by you!
I have also been thinking about hills. I am using Pfitz's 18/70 program, and there is hardly a whisper in the whole book about hills.
I am attempting to BQ 3:20, and will need to take your advice on conditions - train such that you can overcome these types of difficult conditions - and still maintain your BQ pace. That may be hills, altitude, or weather.
A solid race after a good training cycle. I can't wait for you to get that BQ as your journey is one I have followed. The marathon is a strange race. Not to go offering advice, but McMillan's no fuel long runs are touted by many to help push the wall later and later. I have to use them because I can't fuel in a race. I just have to hope the wall comes at mile 26.3. However with my recent results - you had best look elsewhere for training and racing tips.
In any event, you got a PR on a tough day! Just think what will happen when it all comes together. Fast course, great weather, great training cycle and a perfectly executed race!!!!!!!
Willis,
I was almost afraid to read you race report, but was relieved that you are maintaining your usual positive, upbeat attitude. You did get a new PR and had a fantastic overall placment. I'm sure that soon everything will come together for you and you'll get that BQ.
jbetanoff - Appreciate the props. I probably should go and slay those short-distance races, but I'll admit that until I can get that marathon to a "respectable" time for my ability, I'm going to keep on hacking away at it. I do think, though, that I if I can BQ, I will likely switch to predominantly half marathons, and do at most 1 marathon per year, since it's clearly one of my worst distances to race. (Albeit the one that has yielded the most benefits during training.) Perhaps Pfitz 18/70 for a half-marathon!? Looking forward to seeing you rock out the sub-3 later on this year!
JeremyTd - Thanks for stopping by. I'm also eagerly awaiting your return to the sub3:10 paces - I'm sure you're really close or there already now, and I'm looking forward to sending you congrats when you get it done.
gb - You go girl! 3:00 rocks! (I won't be pacing that fast, I think!)
john - CIM is definitely on my schedule. Thanks for the props!
cipherscribe - I really feel strongly now that exceeding the elevation profile is critical in training for those less-gifted with endurance fibers. I did ALL the miles of Pfitz 18/70, and the pace never felt hard for me even through mile 22.5, so I'm certain that my endurance was insufficient to go 26.2 with moderate hills. I suspect I would have been 3:05 or lower on a FLAT, cool course, as all of my training times on similar courses predicted such a finish. I'd highly recommend seeking out some challenging courses for long runs - it keeps you honest.
Wonderduck - Thanks for following along. I'm looking forward to seeing you achieve big PRs later this year as well. In terms of training, I will likely rearrange some of the Pfitz runs to be "back-to-back" long runs so that I'm really geared up for endurance, even at the cost of my leg speed. I already don't fuel on the runs.
booboo - Thanks for the support! Great to hear from fellow Pfitzers such as yourself. I'm hoping to join you in Boston 09 later this year!
Willis:
You are so close. Just keep plugging.
I have on question for you, though. It seems you have frequently had cramping issues at the marathon distance. Have you tried the salt tablet or whatever other anti-cramping type of supplements people have used to try to stave them off? I've never really had that problem, so I have no concrete suggestions to make, but I know I've seen posts where people swear by those things.
Given your detailed preparation, I'm sure this is something you have thought about, but I don't recall having seen you specifically address it.
Best of luck...I'm still epxecting to see you in Boston in April.
4chi
Nice job!
I warned you about marathoning this time of year--the weather's a factor. But you still PRd and I'm sure you'll shatter your PR with good conditions. I don't think you need to change training...you need to be lucky to run a fast time: good temps, course, no shellfish;).
You'll do it.
Ron
4chi - Thanks. I'm going to try those S-caps or alternative salt tabs. I wonder what's in them - I'll have to look, but it would be pretty funny if they were no different than salt packets from McDonalds! LOL!
Ronster - You were dead on right about the weather. I actually thought I'd be able to power through it, but the extra 5-6 minutes of slowdown from 60+ temps was too much for me to overcome. I'll be re-strategizing for the next one. Thanks for following along and the great advice all along the way.
Hey Willis,
I've been following your training/marathoning career for a while (as I think many have) and would like to congratulate you on your PR. I know you put in all your time for your BQ but hey, the running gods were against you. Reading your race report was a bit unnerving for me actually as it brought back some repressed memories from Chicago last year; the explanation of the 'ominous feeling that something bad was about to happen' around mile 18/19. Ugh. The cramps. Horrible. Anyways, enough about me. Keep up w/your training and good luck in all your future endeavors. Peace.
Sparky13
hey man- first off congrats on your PR. I think 3:16 is still an awesome time. I totally hear ya. The same thing happened to me in Charlottesville (4/19/08) where i missed the qualifier by 1 minute with a 3:11. Because of that I did the same as you...registered for another marathon (in your case, SF and in my case Long Island). The second time will be a charm-- it worked for me!- I'm looking fwd to running with you in Boston '09! I know you can do it Willis!
Sparky13 - Man, feel bad for you to have been caught in that Chicago 90F debacle. Plan for a great comeback in the cooler weather later this year, and thanks for following along over here. Appreciate the shout out!
Morrissey - Great blog, and great running as well! I don't think my endurance is quite as strong as I'd like it to be right now, but I think running a second marathon will be helpful to get a better sense of how fast I can really run the 26.2 distance without cramping. Hopefully 3:10 for me later this year.
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