Troubles, Troubles, Troubles - fitting for the lat hoorah - you can't fake a marathon (Sly). no doube about it.
Pre-race prep - decided to wear compression socks bought at the expo and my trail shoes, both a mistake, socks caused toe nail problems, losing three toe nails, the trail shoes, not much opportunity to run off the road.
Race morning - when runners are not huddled around the fire, troubles are on the way, way too warm. Tallked to Mark and Rachel, got a picture them with me and Sylvie. Race morning attitude - finish under 6 hours, I thought this would be easy.
We started in a good spot, the runners in front of us took off, no clogging, way good start. 1/2 mile down the road, chucked the hat, and already starting to sweat, thinking stay hydrated. At mile two, my knees were aching, the pace was slow, I knew right then it would be a survival marathon, manage the race and make it to the finish.
Veyo, ran 10 minute miles to the bottom of Veyo, walked a moment at each water stop to ensure fluids were taken, walked and ran up Veyo. First time in all my years running St.George, walked part of Veyo, time to throw in the towel, managed walk and run to half way in 2:19. The rest of the race was run and walk, 70 percent run and 30 walk.
The IPOD generation, I was hoping to entertain myself by talking to runners, about 90% ot the runners back in the pack, IPODers. Finally met the sunshine girls, 4 girls dressed in bright yellow, having a great time, ran with them leading them in cheers and chants, this was the funnest part of the race.
Walking, walked all of Diagnoal street, slant and pitted, then started run walk again. Thanks to the popcicle man, the coke man and all the cheers and encouragement from the spectators.
A couple of funny things, at mile 20 or so, missed getting my picture taken, turned around and ran back to be my picture taken, made sure at every photo op, ran for the picutre with gut in and chest out, tried to look strong. The finish -ran the last few blocks and kicked in the last 100 yrds, the annoucer said - finally, someone is finishing running. Back of the pack, many runners were walking, tough day at the George.
Summary - Often thought, quit running marathons if I could not finish under 6 hours, in the back of my mind, finish under 6, maybe you will come back some day. Well, left a crack in the door. This was my 18th Stg, and 38th marathon, time to move on, Tris and halfs are waiting.
10 year club banquet, nice to see Frank get the 10 years, Donna 20 and chat with old running friends.
Sylvie - hope Sylvie blogs her race, she ran a 4:10 for 16th in her divsion, proud of her, she ran a hard race trying to break 4 hours.
Thanks - thanks again to all the bloggers who have encouraged me over this year, and recently about the marathon. It was a tough day for PR seekers, one thing about running, there is always another race.
Read many blogs today, the heart of the marathoners is strong, great efforts, some disappointment in results, none in spirit or effort.
Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out
Overall - 4929 out of 5702
Div - 209 out of 234
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