The 20MR Episode 45: The Marathon

Welcome to Episode 45. In it we cover my thoughts before the race, and you go along with me to pick up my packet. Then follow me as I start the race, give updates along the course and finally sprint to the finish. I also share some thoughts after the event is over. Included are the sounds (and sights, above) of the event. The race was very well organized and having the family made it that much more meaningful. We will post additional pictures on the Blogspot page at the left part way down the page. I am including my actual journal entry (Buckeye Outdoors, link to the left of the Blogspot page). That seems to be the best way to express what I want to share. It has been a real honor having you along for all of the training, injuries and finally the marathon itself. Would I do another one? YES! I'm already thinking about another one in a year or so, possibly this one. Here's the journal entry. More details in the podcast. Thanks to everyone who contributed with prayers, financial contributions to The American Lung Association or were actually there cheering all of us on. Here is the information from the Buckeye journal: 1ST MARATHON: HIGH POINT, MARATHON, HIGH POINT, NC (4:05:31) Felt good today, ran a negative split (between first and second half) as the information below shows. I knew I did, but now know exactly what it was. Walked through water stops that I took water/Gatorade at. Used the gels/beans/raymond cakes as planned, except did not take the last two cakes, full stomach. Finally began picking it up after the 14 mile hill. Hills not a problem, until the last 3-4 miles, then still ran them all. Drank Gatorade the last 2 or three stops as well. No real problems, but hills got difficult near the end. Walked 30 seconds at the 25 mile mark--for the first time other than a water stop and finished strong. Sprinted the last block and ran the entire 1.2 last segment. Legs really ached after I stopped and sore on Monday, but not more than I was expecting. Really enjoyed having Carol, Sammy and his family, Cindy and her parents and Charlotte J. at the end. Gave it my best shot. Weather was a factor--warming into the upper 60s by the time I ended. Ran with Jonathon Lewis part of the first half until the 8 mile split with him (half-marathoners). STATS FOR THE MARATHON: First half: 9:34 pace/2:05:13 (194th overall) Second half: 9:11 pace/2:00:18 (ended 64th overall out of 302 marathoners) 9:22 pace for the entire race 49th out of 211 men 16th of 32 in the 45-49 age group. Cooler weather and training without injuries would have helped break four hours I think. Knees a non-issue (wore knee straps), hip not a problem after a few miles. VERY PLEASED and looking forward to my next one, perhaps this one next year (?) I will give an update on the amount raised as soon as we have the final figure. Thank you again for your support and as always, Thanks for sharing some of the road with me, The 20 Minute Runner Download this episode (right click and save) ________________________

Links for this Episode

North Carolina Marathon Home Page

My stats from the Marathon Home Page High Point Enterprise e-edition related articles: (Go to page 1B) (Go to page 1A) (Go to page 2A) Article on marathon winner mix up

The music heard in the opening section of the podcast is entitled “Requiem" by Roger Subirana from the album, "Point of No Return". Check it out at Jamendo. The opening and closing music heard in this podcast is entitled “Point of No Return” by Roger Subirana and is the title cut of the album. Check it out at Jamendo. The music heard in the body of the podcast is entitled "Feels Like the End" by Shane Alexandar. Check it out at Music Alley. The background music near the end is entitled "Second Half" by John Williams. Check it out at Magnatune.