Three weeks ago, I had a breakthrough in terms of fueling strategy for my last 20+ mile long run before Hartford and managed to run well when it was 76deg and humid. I documented everything, and followed that strategy today. I don't think it could have worked out any better.
At the starting corral, I found my friend Kevin (who also wanted to run a 2:5x), and we decided to run together from the start. We kept each other in line when either of us started going out too fast, and we chatted a lot more than I thought was possible in a marathon :) Once we had declared a goal finish time out loud, a pretty large group of runners stuck behind us possibly for the commentary or for pacing, I'm not sure. We joked around a lot, and hammed it up for the spectators, and they responded with loud cheers. I don't think I've ever smiled this much in a race.
At around mile 10, I started to pick it up a little, and Kevin noticed. I told him that this was my plan, so he didn't have to stick with me, and he had every right to gloat if he passed me at the finish. He backed off before I could say good luck, and I was on my own. I truly think that sticking together in the first part of the race made the miles melt away, and kept us both in line. I am happy that we got a chance to run together.
I passed the half way mark in 1:28:07, feeling strong and relaxed. Still a bit unsure if I was going to hit under 3:00 or not, as I have never had a faster second half.
On the way towards East Windsor Hill (the turn around) I saw Westy volunteering at one of the water stations (thanks Westy!) and I got to see the leaders run by, so I started counting how many people were in front of me. While I was counting, my college coach yelled for me on the right side of the road, and startled me. I went by too fast to say thanks or anything really, and I would later find out that he was running in the relay, not just watching.
As I ran up to the turn around, I saw my sister Jen getting ready to take a picture... I totally didn't expect her to be there because of her 3rd shift work schedule. The other night I had told her that I was disappointed that none of my family was interested in coming to watch the race, and I said this one is "kind of a big deal". I was elated to see her.
I had counted 58 runners in front of me, and I thought to myself that this was a faster crowd than previous years. Hartford seems to be attracting more every year, and I'm proud that I live close enough to run it so often.
As I ran back from the turn around, I wanted to look for and cheer friends on the other side, but I kept putting crosshairs on the the people in front of me. As I was staring down one of my targets, Dane Rauschenberg, whom I had the pleasure of meeting at the expo the day before, ran across the road and gave me a big high five. I was surprised again, and I can't remember if I actually said anything or smiled, but that was what I needed.
I started thinking that he probably thought I was going to make my goal, then I looked at my watch and thought to myself: yeah probably! Then another runner started to cross the road to give me a high five. I almost missed him too! It was my XC and Track coach from CCSU, who also knew how I had been trying to go sub 3 for many years.
After these three people gave me seemingly insignificant acts of encouragement, I had the drive and confidence to finish the race strong. I kept my eyes far ahead on the line of people in front of me, and started aiming for as far as I could see. I wanted to pass every single person I saw.
For five miles, I passed runner after runner, and felt stronger than I ever have at the end of a marathon. I heard a lot of spectators yelling "looking strong" or "looking great", and that just kept the fire burning.
That is until mile 25.
As I started running up the bridge, on my way to catch the last runner I could see, my calves started cramping. I thought "NOT NOW"... then I thought, eh... maybe that was just a fluke, so I pushed a little harder and it happened again. I backed off and pushed as hard as my cramping legs would let me. I finally caught up to the last runner I could see and started to pass him on the inside, when he blocked me. I started running to the other side, he blocked me again. I thought WTF are you doing man? This is marathon! Stepped to the left again to pass and he started blocking me AGAIN. I double stepped left to avoid and both legs cramped. I was seriously about to deck this guy, but I couldn't control my legs. Pissed off, I ran down the hill as fast as I could while my calves cramped every step, and he let me go.
I pushed that last mile as hard as my legs would go, so he wouldn't catch me. After I looked at my garmin, I found out I ran the last quarter mile at sub 6! I tried to celebrate, but my legs were so shot, all I could do was raise my arm in triumph.
I finished the race, and all I could do was look at my watch. I did it... I finally hit a goal that I had set when I was a young cocky runner just coming out of college. I'm better than that guy now. I want to thank you all for your continued support and encouragement, it has helped me become the runner I am today.
2:53:45, 34th place overall, and 5th in my age group. This time is good enough to get me into the NYC Marathon without the lottery!
Congrats to all the dailymilers that had good races in Hartford today: Debra S., Patrick P., Dave M., Ryan M., Runfasterdaddy, and anyone else I didn't know was running!
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