Turtles Can Run

After two long years I finally completed marathon number 3.   I decided to run the Missoula Marathon again so that we could go on a family vacation to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons afterward and because I enjoyed it in 2010.

Going into this race I was pretty confident I could PR because my training went pretty well and I was lighter and leaner than I had ever been.  In hindsight I should have eaten a little more in the days before the race, I woke up feeling really drained and tired on Saturday and could tell I had lost more weight…not a good thing on the day before a marathon.

Weather was supposed to be hot in the afternoon but not horrible during the race ( 55 at the start and around 70 at the finish).

I felt great for the first 11 miles of the race, kept the pace in what I considered a safe range, no heavy breathing and no pushing.

My family was following me around during this portion and their cheers made me smile.  I only spoke to 2 ladies during this portion of the run and oddly enough they were from Austin.  The coolest thing I saw during this portion of the run was a golden eagle catch a fish out of the river and fly away with it.

8:02

8:10

8:02

8:07

8:05

8:08

8:10

8:07

8:12

8:05

8:08

Running at my goal pace became a little harder during miles 12-16.  I didn’t push on the hill at mile 14 because I didn’t want to burn myself out.  Having such a large hill in the middle of the course is rough but just like in 2010 I felt the climb was worth it because the views were breathtaking.

8:13

8:09

8:59

8:10

8:02

After coming down the hill I started to struggle.  My hamstrings and glutes were really hurting and I started to feel really drained even though I was fueling.

8:19

8:18

8:37

8:54

8:46

8:54

Andrew met me at mile 23 and I was really hoping this would help me run a little faster but my legs were dead and all I could manage was a death march to the finish line.

9:32

9:47

9:45

9:32

8:14 pace for the last .32

My official time 3:44:00, a very tiny 19 second PR.  But a PR, so I will not complain.  I was happy that I was able to complete the marathon and improve on my time from 2 years ago even if it is only by a few seconds.  A BQ has eluded me once again.

Looking back at my long runs they all ended pretty slowly and so did my marathon. I will need to add in some fast finish workout and more progressive runs.  Not losing weight the 3 days prior to the race would also help.   I also need to strengthen my hamstrings, so that they don’t crap out on me during the final miles.  The final thing that I think would help is finally getting some cooler weather during a marathon but I have no control over that.

We loved our trip to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, so much to see and do.  I took the full week off of running and am now easing my way back up for 2 weeks.  After that I will start training for a winter marathon.

Filed under: Races