First off, coming in at under 4 hours, 5 weeks ago my goal was 4:20:00 but the group I run with on Thur. mornings mentored me in how to train for a marathon and I changed my expectations to closer to 4 hours and if I felt good maybe breaking under 4. Those hopes were dashed by the weather report for Sun. which predicted 25-35 MPH winds from the NNE which would bring the wind right down the Fox River unimpeded. Weather predictions held true and the wind came on full force. Now I was back to my earlier expectations.
My plan was to stay with a pace runner for the first 16 miles and then if I felt strong to attack the rest of the course. By mile 2 I ditched the pace group because they were running slower than pace. The first mile marker we should have hit at 9:09 but hit at 9:49 and mile 2 was not much faster. I was running with brother for the first three miles and then he was going to take off at his normal pace. At mile three he told me to just slip into a comfortable pace that kept my breathing easy and stick with it till mile 16 and then go for it. By mile 10 I had made up my loss from a slow start and at mile 13 I started to attack knowing that mile 14 -20 were going to be going straight into the headwind. Miles 14 - 20 follow the rec trail right along the Fox River and the wind just came howling down with nothing in it's way. Sometimes a gust would be so strong it would hold you to a standstill. Amazingly I was picking up my pace ( I didn't actually know this at the time I just knew I was running faster then everyone else) along this stretch and every runner I passed gave me a shot of confidence.
When I got to them bridge to cross the river the wind gusts were so strong that at one time it knocked me back a step. Crossing the bridge the wind would knock you sideways a step or two at times but it was such a great mental boost knowing having the wind at your back was just around the corner.
Mile 20 marker and 6.2 miles to go. Now my upper legs were getting very tired and here the crowds along the roads were a big boost to keep the pace going. I was too fatigued to do the math as what my finish time might be. Now it was just can I finish? It was sinking in how much energy it really took to get through miles 14-20 and did I screw the pooch back there. At mile 22 my upper thighs getting very tight and my stride was getting shorter. The temptation to walk for 30 seconds was great but the fear my thighs would lock up were greater so I just kept running.
Mile 24, I looked at my watch and saw I had 20 minutes left for the 4 hour goal. I pushed harder again but the tank was near empty. Mile 25.2 and a mile to go. Just outside of Lambeau field, now I'm getting nauseous. You swing into the tunnel and out onto Lambeau and do a lap around the legendary frozen tundra ( not a very big deal it seems to me) back out through the tunnel then out along the stadium. A right hand turn and the finish line is 100 yards away. The timing clock on the arch just clicked over at 3: 58:00. Something in my head says to me don't let it get past 3:59:00 and I sprint full out for the line and trip the clock at 3:58:34 ( gun time)
Afterthought #2
If not for the wind I think I could have shaved several more minutes off my time. Everyone struggled, even my brother posted a disappointing 3:50:00.
#3
I think I pushed harder because I knew I was being watched by friends via the text and email updates like Steve was posting.
#4
Don't run with a pace group, watch your watch and listen to your body. Those first few miles are very congested with runners and trying to get a group through it costs you time.
#5
Don't listen to my brother as he says to me " Now lets get you qualified for Boston"
#6
You are never to old to take a radical change in lifestyle and accomplish things you never thought you could because it's too late. Create a bucket list and go for it. If friends roll there eyes and tell you your nuts, find new friends.
#7
Anything you do is easier with a group than doing it on your own.
And finally #8
Oh Shit! Only 5 weeks till my next Half Ironman Triathlon.
55 of 134 M 50-54
After the race we all went out to lunch and I had a great big spicy sausage sandwich and a huge plate of fries and a Guinness.
Directly after the race I kept walking around and stretching my thighs.
Drove home drank 3/4 of a 1/2 gallon jug of Chocolate milk and then worked on a couple big glasses of wine and read.
Today my thighs are killing me. Going up or down stairs is torture. Tomorrow I will ride my bike as a first step in recovery.
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