Marathon review

Spinx runfest SRF
October 30

I got to the stadium in good time-about 7:30 AM. I had on jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. It was in the low 40's. Before the race started i got some free coffee and added lots of sugar. I hit the bathroom- it was nice and warm. I took off my pants and coat at about 7:40 and took them to the gear storage area along with my phone that I had intended to keep in the car. I hit the bathroom yet again (lots of coffee this morning). We all headed to the start line at about 10 till. A jet flew overhead low. Elvis led us in singing "God bless America". He was in the gaudy white flared out Las Vegas era Elvis outfit. What a hoot.

I got up near the front (which i did not do at the Greer half marathon and had to wait 50 seconds after the gun) so as to not get behind. I started with the 3:30 pace group. We did the first mile in about 7:30. Pretty quick with no warmup. I was not sure how long I could hang with the group but was allowing myself to go slower if need be. I let them go ahead but At mile 4 I had 31:50 on my clock. It was neat and fun running through downtown on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and onto Cleveland Park.

I joined the 3:40 pace group in the park and hung with them until the hills leading to McDaniel. The leader was a lady and she had 4 other ladies with her. I followed the women as they chatted about child birth. The leader started talking about child birth and having to go to the bathroom all the time while pregnant. I was starting to believe I had to go no 1. I hit McDaniel harder and my ave HR for the 10th mile was 161. Eventually they ran away from me. My heart rate was going too high it seemed (up to 160) and I was afraid of burning out too soon.

As I headed down Augusta I hit the aid station at Fleet Feet and G-man yelled "GO DAVE". I grabbed a water from him. Nice to have someone yell for you. Continued on solo across Church Street. Just then I saw a dime and could not help my habit and turned back to find it and scrape it up. Back on my way.

As I ran on near mile 13 there was a non runner black gentleman out in the street singing loudly a gospel song (as far as I could tell). Interesting distraction. I tryed to yell out an "amen" but I think it was weak. I was out of breath. We ran down under a bridge and I just flew down. It was about here that I noticed I had been following a lady in pink (number 283?).

I followed pinklady for miles. Sometimes I led. We hit an aid station at mile 16 and I grabbed a few gels and a cup of sports drink. Onward. The heart rate was pretty consistent at near 155. At mile 18 a group of 3 came up on me. A tall lady slowly passed me and then got right in front of me. I had to kind of put the brakes on to keep from running up on her heels. That is when we came to a section where we had to get on a sidewalk for about half mile. I was upset with the lady so I punched the accelerator and got ahead on the sidewalk. I led the whole way and as we turned south toward the next aid station.

The slopes were generally down from mile 18 to 25. Hit the aid station at mile 19 and grabbed a gel and drink. I guess I got in front of someone there and he kind of pushed me from behind as I slowed for a grab. Oops.

Soon it was onto the SRT at mile 20. I was back with pinklady. We were doing 8:30 miles and slowing as we ran down the trail. The sun was out and I was glad I had on my dad's billed cap (Tad's Reel Repair, Ninilchick, Alaska). Lots of traffic coming in the opposing direction so i had to watch out. Hit the aid station at mile 22? More gel and fluid.

At mile 24 we hit the SRT where there was the rubberized portion and I opted for that over the asphalt. Squishy but perhaps a bit slower. At the end of the trail and onto River Street. Pinklady said to me "don't slow down, you are pacing me". We had a little chat as we began the last mile or so uphill. I started chasing her and then slowly my turbo kicked in and I passed her for the last time.

I ran the last 1.2 miles pretty hard and it was uphill. I ran into the stadium and the announcer said I was "blistering the field". A guy in the stands said "good strong kick" as I flew into the finish line. I could barely walk. I had to wait a few minutes before I dragged myself up the stairs.

Finished in 3:40:04
Average heart rate 157
Three purple toes. Right knee pain. Left foot outer tip bad pain.


To be revised!!