Well, I'm logging this as a race report even though it wasn't much of one and was a DNF, but the weather was gorgeous (mid 50s) so I felt foolish not to get out and enjoy it.
I decided last night that despite my lack of training, I'd at least show up at the start line and run as long as I felt good enough to run. I had the bib, perfect weather, and needed to get myself kick started again. I'm familiar with the majority of the course since it goes through a bunch of neighborhoods around downtown that I've run in. I'd studied the course and had a few places I knew I could hop out and make it back to the car without much trouble. I had the goal to cross all three rivers before quitting, but that was a stretch goal since it would mean a 9+ mi run which would definitely be a "long run" for me. So, I had the 5mi mark (first relay exchange and very near where I'd park), the 6.2mi mark which was right before the second river (but a pretty good walk back to the car), or the 9.5mi mark (the 2nd relay exchange), then walk/jog across the third bridge with a decent trek back to the car. I decided to take it as it came.
The race is the biggest I've ever run (approx. 25,000) and it was pretty crazy. I was placed in the last corral, but I ended up not being able to get over to it and so I just jumped in the fourth. Race started at 7am so I got up about 5:30, was out the door by 6, parked by 6:15 where I normally park when I walk into work. Walked the 1.25mi in and only had to stand in the corral for about 20 mins before the race started. Decided not to jog it in since I knew I'd be standing around waiting anyways so no sense "warming up". It took about 20 mins before our corral finally got to the starting line and then we were off.
The start was cool, but wasn't real exciting for me since I knew I wasn't going to finish. I did have some friends that were running both the full and half, so I was excited for them and mentally wished them good luck. The first mile or two were no problem. I had to stop at a POP just shy of the 2mi mark and lost about 3:00 waiting for that. Not sure why it took so long when there were only 2 guys in front of me, but oh well. A lady hopped in behind me and made a comment that the guys line would be quicker. I'd thought so too, but just like at the grocery store, I'd picked the slow line. She thanked me for being quick when it finally got to be my turn. LOL
Headed out and enjoyed the bands, the costumes, gave lots of high fives as I plodded along. The pace was pretty easy and slow with so many runners around me. It would have been very frustrating if I had wanted to go faster. I know for all the speedy folks, it doesn't matter, because they don't have anyone in front of them, but if I had been trying to BQ, I would have been frustrated trying to get around people. Some places during the course were quite narrow, especially downtown with all the spectators.
I walked a little off and on after 3rd mi, then as I got to the 6mi mark, was walking more. I was almost to the 10k mark and the point of no return if I headed across the second bridge. There really wasn't much of a place to pull off since security was tight, and as I looked across the river, I could see the runners headed back up river so I decided to head across. I was a bit shocked to see that the course didn't take an immediate left to go back up river, but took a slight right to head through the West End. Oh boy, this was definitely longer than I had thought. But I couldn't really stop and turn around and walk back to the car at that point.
I continued on, walking more and running less. All the toes on both feet seemed to be on fire from the ball of my foot out and my feet were definitely getting tired and sore. I finally made it to the relay exchange, went far enough past it where I could pull off, and called it a day. Almost 10mi exactly according to the Garmin, and almost 2hrs. Walked back to the finish line (1.2mi) and sat down on the lawn to watch the big screen of the finishers. After watching a friend from work finish the marathon, I started back to the car (another 1.5mi). Loosening up the shoes while sitting there helped, but man they sure hurt! I was sore and tired, but satisfied I got out there today. After a little rest and a nice soak in the tub, I'm still sore the day after, but it was worth it. Didn't notice until this evening that I've gained about 17 lbs since the last time I weighed myself, probably 4 weeks ago! I was shocked...I guess that's what a lack of physical exercise will do to a guy. Time to get in shape for a great fall race! Edit: Forgot to add the awesome quote I read from the back of some guy's t-shirt. I was behind him long enough to read it, but I know I won't get it perfect. It had the author's name and birth/death dates, so I'm thinking it may have been someone he knew, but maybe this is well known and I'm just now discovering it. Anyways, this is what I remember it as saying: "Not every run has to be a personal best...you've already won by showing up." There's something in the middle that I forget now, but you get the point. Anyways, it made me feel better having made the decision to show up and get in a run knowing I wouldn't be going home with a finisher's medal or anything tangible to show for it.
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