The event featured more spectacle and event atmosphere than any race that I had ever been a part of. The running convention had all the usual suspects as far as gear distributors, race directors and fund raisers pitching their products or events. However, it also had many things that are not normal such as a whole lineup of elite professional runners that gave speeches, clinics, and held Q&A sessions.
On race day, the trafficking and parking of thousands of vehicles was accomplished with what seemed like extreme precision. The walk to the starting area was a bit far, but with excitement and anxiety beaming out of each of the participants, the air was electric with pregame energy. The sky was overcast and the temp was 50 degrees. You could tell by the amount of clothes we all wore that it was a lot colder than what most of us had become accustomed to during the summer training months. However, we knew that we had got a lucky break with weather that would be conducive to running a marathon.
The start and finish area were one and the same. It housed venders and visual spectacles like vintage aircraft lit billboards and various static displays. It also had plenty of bathroom facilities for runners to use prior to the big run.
The opening ceremonies included an inspirational speech that echoed USAF heritage; thank you messages to sponsors, runners, and volunteers; and the playing of the national anthem that faded out just in time to direct your attention to the approaching B-2 (an amazing wonder in flight).
At the starting line, I lined up with a pacer that would run 8 min 12 seconds per mile for the duration of the race to achieve a finish time of 3 hours 35 minutes. I planned on running with this group at a comfortable cruise then pulling away from them late in the race with the goal of breaking 3 hours 30 minutes (my current personal record).
When it was finally time, instead of a gun, a horn, or whistle, the race started with the roar of a one-of-a-kind B-2 spirit motorcycle produced by the famous Orange County Choppers. As it pulled away the runners began the 26.2 mile journey.
 |
| Me next to the B-2 spirit chopper from OCC on Friday |
My pacer was very chatty. If you have ever trained with me, you know that me saying this is like the pot calling the kettle black. But, THIS was not training. It was time to get down to business. I was trying to set a new personal record. Not only did the constant narration from the pacer annoy me, I did not feel as if I was running with the gait or form that I had trained to run with. So, I opened up a bit and slowly pulled away. I felt really solid. In fact, I had not felt this good since the Charlottesville marathon, way back in April. I began to close on the pace group that was running a 7 min 49 sec pace looking to finish at 3 hours 25 minutes.
Though I knew that catching this group meant that I was performing beyond my self-perceived potential, I felt good and was not ready to settle. Slowly but surely I pulled away from them and by mile 17 they were but a memory. Mile 18 did not bring the anticipated pain that I have come to expect at that point in the run. This race still felt good. I tried to ignore the fact that I was way ahead of my projected finish.
Finally, my comfort began to fade, but I had no cramps or real pain. I was just not getting as much bang for my buck. I felt as if my effort had stayed the same but my speed had slowed drastically. This feeling of falling off of pace was confirmed as the 3:25 group passed me around mile 23. At mile 25 I was able to gain a bit of new life as the half marathoners that had started an hour after us were merging onto the course and heading to the finish. It gave me people to target and pass as I grew closer to the finish. Then, at last, I could hear the announcer over the speakers, a clear sign that the end was near. So one last quarter mile push was all that was left. I don't wear my watch during races, so I was uncertain of the exact time on course. But I felt as if I had a shot at my personal record. So I dug deep and gave one heck of a final kick towards a strong finish.
As I walked through what would now be called the finish line area, I consumed anything that I could get my hands on and admired the amazing medal that had been presented to me at the finish line. After some time I managed to get to the stand that would offer me my official time. It turns out that I did not get my personal record. I did manage my second best outing with a respectable time of 3 hours 33 minutes and 22 seconds.
With all of the spectacle, the great organization/execution of the event, paired with a course that flowed the way that I prefer (constant changes in grade and limited straightaways). I have to say that this marathon is likely my favorite of the 5 marathons that I have finished thus far.
No comments:
Post a Comment