Nov 08 2008
Chickamauga Marathon - 3rd time a charm
It finally happened. A race, a goal, and a check mark by “break 3 hours” in my 2008 goals.
This has been a dream of mine since I ever contemplated running a marathon. There is just something magical about having a 2 in front of a marathon time. My first attempt was exactly 1 year ago at Chickamauga 2007. It was my 1st marathon and I was in no shape to sustain that hard a pace for 26.2 miles straight, especially on a hilly course. I hit the wall so terribly bad I thought I may never run a marathon again. The last 4 miles were absolutely the most miserable miles of my life. Recovery was exceptionally tough with lingering pains and aches in my legs for weeks.
2nd time was in Boston this past April. Once again the Newton Hills and especially Heartbreak Hill proved to much for this old boy. I cramped on my right leg which was gimpy from Achilles tendinitis that kept me from running the last two weeks before the race.
Each time I missed the mark by over 10 minutes.
This go around was different. I was healthier. No injuries during my training. I was eating better and had raised my protein intake which has helped the way a feel tremendously. I was more focused. Training came easy. I was excited each day to get out and knock out my runs. Finally I was experienced. This was my third marathon and I knew how to taper, what to wear, how to start, how much fluids to take. After-all I was a marathoner now. A veteran with 2 races under my belt and a 3rd for the year.
Things went very well through most the race. My half marathon split had me on a 2:55 pace. Things got a little hairy from miles 23 on, but I knew I could work through it. I hung on and felt incredibly happy that last 400 meters as I came around Barnhardt Circle on the victory lap. I knew the sub 3 hour was in reach. It was so satisfying to hear my family screaming their lungs out for me. They knew what this race meant to me. 2:59:24 was my time, good enough for 8th overall.
Another great high was watching my buddy David come in and make his sub 4hour goal with a smile on his face and plenty left in the tank. He worked very hard for this race and was rewarded with a very satisfying 1st marathon experience. He is now proud to join the group of “Marathoners”. Well done David.
Congrats to all the other friends that ran so well today also. Andrew with a new marathon P.R., Troy with a new half marathon P.R., Amy, Tim and Melissa also.
It’s been 7 hours since I finished the race and I am still riding a high. I feel pretty good and already know this recovery is going to be the best one of all. I am walking pretty good and am already thinking about when I may do my 1st recovery run.
Thanks for all the well wishes friends. It’s so awesome to belong to such a great running community.
Run Strong Friends,
Sam