St Louis Marathon PR

What a great day to run 26.2. I woke up early for the pre-race rituals, coffee, banana, protein bar and a bottle of Infinit nutrition. The sun was just starting to make its way up when we left the hotel, and as we walked east toward the down town I could see a huge American flag blowing in the slight breeze and in the background was the Arch. I told myself this was going to be a good fast day.

Armed with confidence and my new Adidas shoes I was ready. After reaching the starting area the energy was just starting to build while he runners began to arrive. I took a quick Johnny on the spot break then headed over to the corral. I wanted to stay out of the crowd so I made my way up toward the front. The national anthem was sung by the St Louis Blues regular singer and the wheelchairs were sent off. After a short wait the gun went off for the rest of the runners. This was the only crowd I ran in all day. The first 5 miles I ran with a guy who was doing his first marathon and his goal was 3:10.

I also had a new toy with me, my Garmin 305. What a cool toy. The first 5 miles were logged in as 7:16, 7:00, 7:11 6:46, 7:07 and with all these new beeps going on it kept me busy. At mile 6 I lost my log sleeve shirt and powered on feeling good going back through downtown. Did I mention the hills on the course yet. Well there are some hills in St Louis. I guess that what I like about this course its challenging.

At the halfway point I was right on, 1:33 this would put me a 3:06 if I could stay at this pace. The hills again showed up as we turned back toward downtown. I was feeling strong physically, mentally and spiritually through mile 18, and a slight sign of a hammy cramp started in my left leg. Why ? I can't seem to get away from my left leg cramp. But I did not verbalize this one with anyone. I pushed through it kept pace. At mile 22 my left leg just seized up. I yelled stopped and began massaging the baseball size knot in the back of my leg. I thought my best way was to go ahead and take a few minutes, stretch, massage and walk it out. Good idea because it did help.

Now being off pace I started to calculate what time I had left to make it to the finish under 3:20. I was hoping for longer, but with only 2.2 miles left I would have to push out sub 7's. Sub 7's are not that hard to do I do it all the time. I had to go for it. I opened up the pace and as soon as I thought I had it, the leg cramp would stop me dead in my tracks. After about the third time of this happening I told myself to just finish strong. I crossed the finish line at 3:24:45 disappointed yes, but still a PR.

I will further analize what may have caused my problems and corrections will be in place for the next 26.2 . All in all it was a beautiful day to be alive and I am greatful to be healthy enough to accomplish what I do.

Thanks to the volunteers and the folks in St. Louis for another great race.

Next a little R and R.

"Pain is temporary, Pride is forever"