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Date: 10 Apr 2006 05:15:13
From: runjmb
Subject: St. Louis marathon Report
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Well I finally got myself to the starting line of a marathon. The last
three springs have consisted of three different stress fractures (left
2nd metatarsal, right tibia, and right femur). I ran a 3:08.10 at
Philadelphia in November of 2002 and that was the last marathon I ran.
About five weeks before this event I came down with influenza and
managed to train through it. After that I developed a nagging cough
that bruised my ribs and finally I got pneumonia. About 9 days before
the race I did a course of Azithromycin which helped clear things up.
I managed to consistently put in some 40-45 mile weeks for about 8
weeks before the race; 2x19 mile runs, 3x20 mile runs; and 4 good tempo
sessions. During my last two weeks of training while I had pneumonia I
felt weak on just about every run.
The weather was perfect, sunny skies, starting temps in the low 40s and
ending temps in the mid 50s. The start is beautiful, running towards
the arch, through the brewery (which smelled like a bad hangover), and
past the clydesdales. My legs were a little tired in the beginning but
they kicked in at about mile 4. That lasted for 3 miles and then I
felt tired again. I went through the half at 1:36.34 and felt pretty
lousy. At about mile 15 I had to start walking, my legs were just so
fatigued from all the hills. I managed to run to every aid station and
then walk for the next 5 miles. At about 20 I was ready to quit, but I
wanted to finish a marathon so badly. I walked a good portion from 20
to 23 and then started to alternate running two minutes-walking one
minute from 23 to 25.
At mile 25 I realized I could still break 3:30 and hauled ass. My
quads, groin, and calves all cramped simultaneously but I kept running.
I passed dozens of people as I sprinted the last 0.2 to make the 3:30
mark. I came in at 3:29.55. I was ecstatic to make that time given the
amount of walking I had to do in the second half.
So no negative split, no PR, but I finally finished one after 3.5
years. This morning I am sore everywhere-even my biceps and
abdominals. I am looking forward to training and racing Chicago in
ober.
This is a hilly and turny course. It is always doing something. There
are very few flat sections. The aid stations were plentiful and well
staffed. Post race refreshments were adequate. The spectators were
present but not always cheering, they looked a little confused. I
would give the race a 4/5.
My wife placed 3rd among females and took home some money, so we are
both excited about that. She ran a 3:14.34- a new PR.
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Date: 10 Apr 2006 17:10:54
From: Tim Downie
Subject: Re: St. Louis marathon Report
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runjmb wrote:
> At mile 25 I realized I could still break 3:30 and hauled ass. My
> quads, groin, and calves all cramped simultaneously but I kept
> running. I passed dozens of people as I sprinted the last 0.2 to make
> the 3:30 mark. I came in at 3:29.55. I was ecstatic to make that
> time given the amount of walking I had to do in the second half.
>
> So no negative split, no PR, but I finally finished one after 3.5
> years. This morning I am sore everywhere-even my biceps and
> abdominals. I am looking forward to training and racing Chicago in
> ober.
Well done on toughing it out. Awfully reminiscent of my London marathon
last year (3:28 with similar walking breaks a rush at the end to beat 3:30).
Do take care over the next week or so though. You've pushed yourself hard
when in mcuh less than optimum health and you're much more likely to fall
ill or pick up an injury just now so take it easy.
> My wife placed 3rd among females and took home some money, so we are
> both excited about that. She ran a 3:14.34- a new PR.
Oh and congrats to your wife. When do we get to read her report? ;-)
Cheers.
Tim
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Date: 10 Apr 2006 08:48:20
From:
Subject: Re: St. Louis marathon Report
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On 10 Apr 2006 05:15:13 -0700, "runjmb" <jbraun461@wi.rr.com > wrote:
>Well I finally got myself to the starting line of a marathon.
Congrats! Next time try making it to the finish line, instead of
dropping out at mile 4.
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Date: 10 Apr 2006 10:50:04
From: Ed Prochak
Subject: Re: St. Louis marathon Report
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Wow getting ill but raining thru it all. Your dedication paid off well
I see. Congratulations on a great race. maybe next time a healthier you
can catch your wife. Good luck with Chicago.
Ed.
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