Back in May, 2010 I started training for the December 2010 California International Marathon. It was an experience I'll never forget, although maybe never repeat. I was religious in my training and worked my way up to some very long solidary runs, reaching about 23 miles. I was able to taper for nearly 3 full weeks heading into the marathon and had a couple small tune-up runs with the Folsom Half Marathon a few weeks prior and the Sacramento Turkey Trot 10 days prior. I BLAZED the turkey trot, logging a time of just over 42 minutes for the 10 k race (6:55 min/mile).
The day of the marathon was P-E-R-F-E-C-T. It had been threatening rain all week but on the morning of the marathon it all cleared up and the sun started peeking through the clouds. Temps were expected to be in the 50's, just about perfect for the race. I was carbo loaded thanks to a delicious spaghetti dinner prepared by Laura the previous night.
An iPod, snacks, and energy gels filled my pockets as I waited anxiously at the starting line. When the starting horn fired I was off, along with 9,000 other hopeful runners. We surged in a hoard down a 5 lane road blocked off for us for the half mile then turned onto a long and flat two lane country road, heading West from Folsom to Sacramento. It was crowded in the first two miles with some people surging ahead and others obviously starting too far in front and falling quickly behind other runners. I was zipping along at just under 8 minutes per mile avoiding those falling off the pace.
After a few miles I settled into my race groove which kept me at about an 8 minute per mile pace. I passed the time rocking out with Jason Aldean and other country superstars, watching other runners, and soaking in the crowds. As a runner you definitely get a boost from the crowd energy and excitement of the day -- and all the nice snacks and drinks handed out by volunteers along the way.
I kept surging along, but then miles 17 through 21 were strenuous; my pace dropped off probably 20 seconds per mile and I was starting to labor. I think that because of all my training my body was able to push through this and I picked the pace back up in the final 5 miles. Running shirtless a la the Incredible Hulk I ran full sprint the last 200 meters, releasing my inner beast with war whoops and various other displays of manliness.
I crossed the line at a time I was really happy with, 3 hours, 31 minutes and 51 seconds for a 8 minute, 3 second per mile pace. Not bad for a first timer! I exceeded my own expectations when I set out to train for this thing and I will always consider it a big life accomplishment.
Will I run again??? Perhaps -- I've since been on a few short runs and one 14 mile slow run. Maybe I'll run again at the end of 2011 ... until then I'm going to devote my fitness energy to something different .... stay tuned.
Official Results:
http://www.flashresults.com/2011_Meets/CIM/searchind/
June 2010 Post:
Today I signed up for the California International Marathon (CIM)! I'm really excited for this and have been training for a couple months. Running a marathon is something I've wanted to do for a while, one of those personal accomplishments I'd better get done in my youth. It's all about the journey. The training isn't necessarily fun, but it is good. The long runs TAKE A LONG TIME; I prefer morning runs so waking up at 5:30 or 6 o'clock takes extra motivation and commitment. That feeling of accomplishment during the last miles of the run makes it all worthwhile; the adrenaline on race day should give an extra kick too.
One of my favorite things about the training is the time to just think; there's not a whole lot is happening out there at 6 in the morning except me running with my iPod. It's the perfect time to reflect on what is going on and the important people in my life. Oh, and you know I'm listening to country music when I run ... a techno country mix ... that's what I need.
My goal is to finish strong and run about an 8 minute per mile pace.
26.2 miles, one stride at a time.
