Modesto Marathon race recap 3/31: sorry for the wall of text, it was my first marathon!
Let me start by saying I’m not a racer. I love running, but hate races. Mostly because I want to constantly improve, so put a lot of pressure on myself.
That said, I decided to run a marathon having only done a 10k last year. I figured this was my only window for a few years where the baby doesn’t need to nurse around the clock, but not old enough to go skiing and major vacations.
I asked
@DopeyBadger to come up with a training plan and he was very kind to help me to achieve my goal: BQ on my one and only marathon (3:40)! So this was immense pressure.
I never was able to successfully maintain pace during my long training runs with tempo mixed in due to a variety of reasons/excuses (overpasses, cracked ribs, headwinds). So was intimidated by the pacing he set out for me. Plus, race weather turned out warmer than I expected. Luckily I started heat acclimating 2.5 weeks earlier right around when my ribs finally healed. Also, I had completely fallen apart during the last 4 miles of a 20 mile run I had asked
@DopeyBadger to add to my training (for mental fortitude) and I didn’t want a repeat.
I was so upset since I put so much effort and time into my training. But Coach Billy helped come up with a plan to follow the 3:30 pacer to achieve my BQ goal with cushion.
My DH who generally isn’t very supportive of my running (but supportive this time as long as it was my “only marathon”) surprised me with flowers and a note of support that brought tears to my eyes.
We stayed overnight in a nearby hotel and because I didn’t want to wake the baby up early, I stayed in a separate room next door. I felt oddly at peace. Decided to just take whatever the day gave me and slept 7 hours!
Woke up early the next morning to get prepared and luckily was able to nurse before heading out the door and walk the 2 blocks to the starting line.
I searched out the 3:30 pacer and he told me his plan was to run even miles and about 15-30 seconds under 3:30. Perfect!
Marathon, half, and relay had the same start time and I stuck behind the pacer to keep the weaving to a minimum. Mile 1: 8:13. Perfect! We ended up maintaining about a 7:59 average pace after that. I’ve never run with anyone before, so ended up striking a conversation up with the group. As I was chatting away I realized it was a pretty easy-ish pace. But I knew feeling good at mile 14 was not the same as mile 20.
My family came at mile 16 to cheer me on and my DH and older son made an amazing sign!
I got antsy at the pace and finally pulled away at mile 19. The pacer wished me luck and I asked him to pull me in if he found me falling apart later.
The next 4 miles were at a 7:40ish pace. I wondered if I would regret it. I was nervous that any minor twinge I felt was a warning of impending leg cramps, but luckily none came.
Mile 24 7:33
Mile 25 7:14
Around this time I passed the 3:25 pacer who didn't look too good.
Mile 26 7:23
Mile 26.2 6:48
Finish time: 3:26:14
1st place in AG! (got a travel mug)
5th woman
51st overall
I just missed NY marathon cut off by 14 seconds. I wonder if I hadn't run so conservatively if I would have made it. But ultimately, I wanted to finish without breaking. And instead I finished strong! Usually I'm fading fast, but this is the first time I've ever "pac-manned" and had a negative split. I actually felt pretty good after the race after walking a bit.
Goals:
Ultimate goal: BQ (yes! by almost 14 minutes!)
Secret goal: sub 3:30 (yes!)
Cherry on top: age group placement (yes!)
And yes, my DH is on board with going to Boston next year!
A special thanks to
@DopeyBadger! He made an amazing training plan around my scheduling limitations. I don't think I missed any days except at the very beginning due to hazardous air quality. He talked me down for the edge quite a few times and I'm so thankful for all this help.
) 
) marathon. 
