Minneapolis Marathon

The race on Sunday went well and I thank everyone for all their support! Special thanks to 3 particular groups though. First, thank you to my folks for being so accommodating to my training while I was living with them on the move out here. I know they thought I was a bit off my nut when I would head out to train in the snow or at 5am before work, but they were always so supportive. Dad even learned when he saw the Cammelpac in play, not to expect me within 3hrs. The second thanks was to the Solas' in MN. You guys were an incredible hometown support team! From going out to carb out Sat night to finding 3 places on the route to cheer, you guys made it so very special! The last and deepest thanks is to Tiffany. You keep me going and always help temper my ridiculous expectations of myself with reason and humor. I could not do this without you!

In keeping with tradition from Chicago, here is how the 26.2 miles broke down (literally at times). It was harder and a considerably different challenge in many ways.

Here goes:
Miles 1-5: These were fun and a short loop through downtown Minneapolis. the sights were beautiful and the running pack was not too dense. They started the half marathoners and full at the same time so this was all of us. I was trying very hard to hold my tempo down, but the thrill of the race and the abundance of oxygen from training at altitude were hard to suppress. I saw myself take some fast passes that seemed dangerous so early.

Miles 6-10:
Temptation was getting the best of me and I was enjoying running quicker, as I had most of my training. There were no clocks on the course to keep me aware of my tempo and I often forgot to check when crossing mile markers. According to Nike+ I was running around 8:30-8:45 tempo. That was faster than I knew I should, but it felt good. When I passed the pace team for 4:00, I wondered if that might be a mistake. I also only knew I might have friends at mile 10, but missed the connection. The fans were already thinning and when the half group hit the turn around, the running crowd became so thin as well, there were points I had to remind myself I was in a marathon. No crowds on the course or off it at several points.

Miles 11-13:
Great cheer sections. I enjoyed interacting with them and felt euphoric every time I passed. So far, I only hurt where I knew a blister had formed on one foot, a problem spot from training. Not so bad as to stop though.

Mile 13:
This is where thing changed. The course left main roads and headed into a state park on a narrow trail. The overhead canopy of trees was fantastic, but it was obvious there would be no one watching this section of the course. The running pack had thinned so much that it was common to only see about 5-10 other runners from where I was at. I know enough from my few races to know that I get huge energy from two things. People that are cheering and passing people. Neither was going to happen at this point in the course. I tucked in behind a group of 4 that were keeping a steady pace a stayed there. They would become my pace team through this beautiful, but lonely part of the marathon.

Miles 13-17:
My pace team was running faster than I wanted to go here, but I did not want to lose them. I was keeping about a 8:15 tempo at this point. At the only water stop in the park I let them go on and held about 50yards back. The course was muddy through here and I slid a few times. There was also a significant hill to climb near 17 that stopped the entire field. When I came around the corner, it was a hill of walkers with numbers on. The hill did not slow me and perversely felt good using different muscles. My pace was not quick but I did not walk. I was rewarded at the top with seeing my friends. Huge boost.

Miles 18-20:
These were not easy. The sun was in full force an there were few places of shade. Additionally, the course was right next to the freeway mostly and dull to run. Thus far, except for a bum foot was was still good, just tired. The heat was breaking me down quick though. I was taking large amounts of water at each stop and had drained my little bottle on me. There were few runners around too as you can see in the picture. My friends made it here too (ergo the picture) and that was the best part of this section.

Miles 21-25:
This was a darker time. My knees were hurting. it felt like exhaustion but I had to walk a lot more and it hurt like the devil when I would transition from a run to walk and or vice Vera. Several runners were now doing the same thing. The sun and humidity seemed to be equally leveling most of the field. It was with humility, I saw the 4:00 pace runner pass me here. His pack was reduced to one other runner. I just wanted to finish and knew even if I had to walk it I would cross the line.

Mile 26:
I ignored all the pain and thirst and just ran. It was a humbling pace but I wanted to get to the line and could not endure walking any more. It was starting to concern me when I would walk that I may not be able to run again, the legs hurt so much. There also seemed to be a huge hill to ascend there too. Didn't care just kept going.

Mile 26.2:
The crowds were back and the ground level. Adrenaline kicked in and I ran a good clip the last stretch. It felt good to have that last burst still in the tank and would have told you it wasn't there for the last hour. My friends had made it to see me at the finish and I was so glad to have them there.

When all was said and done my time was 4:06:55, a new PR.

The adventure continued, but for now that's enough.

It was a great experience still and good contrast to Chicago is ways. I learned a lot of humbling and valuable lessons here but aside from one, I achieved my goals. They were simply:
1. Have fun
2. Finish
3. Match my Chicago time
4. Get a negative split (sure that did not happen, but I don't mind)

Thank you again, for all the support!!