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November 19, 2007

Philadelphia Marathon

3:16:51. I just looked at my Garmin data for the first time since before the halfway point of the marathon on Sunday. It’s fascinating and frustrating at the same time.

My garmin says I was pretty erratic in my pacing, which is inconsistent with the way I felt I was running. But the course is hillier than advertised, which played a part in the inconsistency. It says I was pretty steady around 7:10-ish pace for the first five miles and then clocked two sub-7s at 6 and 7 and then a 7:24 at 8. But then back at 7:08 for 9 and 7:26 for a mile 10 with a good hill in it, and 7:01 for 11 and 7:15 for 12.

The problem with these splits, though, is that I was letting the Garmin take them automatically. They weren’t taken manually as I passed the mile markers, which seemed to get further and further off where the GPS said they should be. But I naively thought that at some point they would synch back up.

So despite seeing splits that seemed to indicate that I was doing really well, somewhere between 6 and 7 (I think) the 3:10 pacers caught up to me. I ran with them for a while, and then after a water stop that involved picking up a dropped gel I looked up and they were far ahead of me. I had tried to stay on top of how my overall time was comaring to where I should be for a 3:10, but was having a hard time reading my pace band (and when I could read it, I was having a hard time believing it – I just kept thinking the mile markers were off somehow.) Having them pass me took some of the wind out of my sails, and then going through the half, just under 1:36 on the clock, I just lost all enthusiasm for a p.r.; I knew I wasn’t fresh enough to pull off a 2-minute negative split.

Mentally I was in a rough place during those miles when the pace group left me all the way through the half. But after the half marathoners left us and the route followed the Schuylkill River, I had a few miles of reflective time before the rush of the faster runners started coming in the other direction to think about what I wanted to do with this marathon. This may have been a “moment of truth” kind of moment when a “true champion” digs deep and goes after that negative split. I just decided to stay strong and relaxed and see what happened.

And my second half splits are slower than my first half, but they’re steady, as opposed to getting progressively worse. And I felt strong the entire way, never fighting the urge to walk, and never fighting any true physical breakdown (there were strides near the end, though, where my leg would inexplicably twitch and go off in a slightly erratic angle.) I passed many more people than passed me. And I got to enjoy running with Janie, who jumped in with me around mle 22, rather than being oblivious to her or even possibly annoyed at the company. I did turn down her offer of a story, though; telling her that “quiet is good.”

I really truly and honestly enjoyed the second half. It was gorgeous out there. The crowds at the 20-mile turnaround were fabulous. I don’t know that I’ve ever enjoyed miles 14-26 as much.

I can’t help but wonder if I would have had a more legitimate shot at a p.r. if I had started the training cycle actually in decent shape. Or even just not completely out of shape! Maybe I should have chosen a marathon later in the winter to give the speed a chance to catch up with the endurance. Maybe maybe maybe. But I didn’t. And what I got out of it was pretty great, even if it wasn’t “perfect.” I had a really, really good time (with some bouts of despair early on) on a great course on a not-glorious-but-perfectly-acceptable Pennsylvania November day. With lots of friends, no less (one of whom actually got his p.r.!)

And yes, they played both “Eye of the Tiger” and the Theme from Rocky at the starting line. And yes, I got ferclempt when I heard those trumpets. Yo! Philly! Thanks for a great time!

Posted by jenandmats at November 19, 2007 10:30 PM

Comments

I read your blog all the time, even though I don't comment much anymore. I know this wasn't your ideal race, but I am really impressed (and encouraged) by it! I think you'll be ready for a big PR next time. I am in the same position--starting from the completely out of shape point--and it's good to know that it does come back. You ran a great second half, and I think I can only dream of enjoying the second half of a marathon someday. Philly was my first marathon, and I remember it involving a lot of walking!

Congratulations on a strong race and for hanging tough! Recover well.

Posted by: Alison at November 20, 2007 8:28 AM

"ferclempt"? Waz dat? 99% of the world would find a 3:17 marathon a personal miracle. I couldn't do a 3:17 marathon on a bike! Congrats, Shnuggs!
Dad

Posted by: at November 20, 2007 11:06 AM

Hi Schnuggs (I just love it when family types stop by blogs and let the rest of the world in on secrets like pet names and such. :),

I've also gotta agree with Alison that you made a huge comeback fitness wise over this training block. There is also something to be said for your mental toughness in that you ran a steady second half and actually enjoyed it. I'm expecting lots more big things from you in the near future.

Recover happy,
Meghan

Posted by: Meghan at November 20, 2007 7:59 PM

Gracias, y'all!

By the way, Dad, there's no rounding up in marathon times. 3:16:51 is a 3:16, not a 3:17. I'm just sayin' is all.

Posted by: at November 21, 2007 7:55 AM

Great race Jen. I was really looking forward to reading what you thought about it. I think that considering where you started 3:16 is awesome and a very good indicator of what is to come next time around! Finishing like you did - pleased but maybe not "thrilled" is always a great place to be - motivation galore for the next time out!

Posted by: Beth at November 22, 2007 4:10 PM