that was ridiculous, literally laughable.

On Saturday, November 7th, I traveled to Burr Oak State Park in Glouster, Ohio for the inaugural Bobcat Marathon.  The universe smiled upon Emily, Cassie, Bob, and I as we set off minivan style for a weather-perfect marathon road trip.  After a few hours of stories, giggles, and easy travel, followed by another hour of winding roads, hills, and a little nausea, we arrived at Burr Oak State Park Lodge.  Since we were all newcomers to the area, we quickly set out to explore our surroundings.  Packet pickup, pasta dinner at the lodge, and a serious game of Scattegories filled our time filled our time before bed.

 

headed down to the lake

all the married ladies

hello, hello

With an 8am race start, that was literally right out our front door, we had more than enough time in the morning to sleep in and even sit down at the lodge for breakfast.  Bread products, peanut butter, and bananas were the breakfast of these champions.  Runners organized for a patriotic race start, including the national anthem, raising of the flag, and even some service men.

ready to run

this was a trail run, so of course nick was there

the course before us

this is my game face...i like to smile

I was not nervous, at all really, about this marathon.  Given the drive in and our brief scope of the land, I knew it would be hilly and the ground would be leaf covered.  However, the weather was gorgeous, crisp but sunny, for this November weekend.  Plus, all around was brand new to me, which made the impending run an exploration of sights and fresh trails.  Lastly, given my year of running, multiple marathons, back to back marathons, a 50K trail ultramarathon, I thought I could get through whatever was before me.  How hard could it be?  Every marathon is work, but in perspective, my last trail marathon was downright euphoric and this one was 5 miles shorter.

the only asphalt of the course and we are kicking it

The only asphalt of the entire course was the beginning and ending stretches, less than a mile for each.  It was actually a nice way to start out and see everyone.  The total group was an intimate size,  about 130 or so runners.  Quickly, we entered the trails and before long the group separated into small packs, partners, and solo explorers.  Although Emily, Cassie, Bob, and I traveled and trained for this marathon as a group, we did not plan for the marathon to be a group run.  Rightfully so, Bob and Cassie took off from the start.  Emily and I stuck together for the first 6 miles or so and later separated during a bathroom break.  I brought some tunes along, a new collection of muzak from the hubby.  I was truly excited to take my time on this beautiful day, take in the scenery, and enjoy myself.

stay to the left, lake on your right

The course was well marked, with colored markings on the trees and small flags.  The lake kept everything in perspective as well, as long as you kept it on your right, you were headed in the right direction.  The course circled the lake, so if for some reason you felt you needed to quit, you might as well keep going, as there was no cutting the course or rides back to the finish.  I felt blessed by the trails and the temperature.  The hills were ever present, but manageable.  I did not scrutinize the course map and elevation before hand, I just expected them to be there through out.  For the first 10-15 miles or so, I’d say that my biggest challenge was not the hills, but the visibility of the trail.  While the fallen leaves made it easier to see the sights, it made it very challenging to see the trail.  The leaves hid holes, roots, and rocks.  Picturesque, yes.  Easy, no.

The aid stations were well stocked, with food, beverages, and cheering volunteers.  I am so very grateful for people who choose to support runners in this way.  I plan to return the favor this coming year by volunteering at a few races.  A couple words and a helping hand can raise the spirits so much.  Miles 14/15 presented a monstrous uphill, out of the woods, with an aid station waiting at the top.  Runners then went back the way they came, downhill and winding away further into the woods.  This was nice as it allowed for some viewing of runners ahead and behind you on the course.  A little reminder that you are not running alone, even if in fact you are.  I distinctly remember coming down the last part of the hill, listening to the Black Eyed Peas, hands in the air, doing a little dance, and feeling good.  I remember this so well, as it was the calm before my marathon storm.

I stood on the bridge with broken legs and said thanks for letting me be here

Around miles 16/17, the wheels fell off my marathon train.  Usually this distance on a course gives me a boost, as I know I am approaching the point where I can countdown my remaining miles in single digits, 9, 8, 7, etc…  However, the preceding miles and hills had taken a toll on my legs and my mind.  I am typically not bothered so much by the uphills of trail running.  As primarily an uphill-walker on the trails, I find this strategy breaks up long runs and gives me a chance to recover.  I get to the top of a hill and take off running.  There had been so many hills, that the start/stopping of running had become exhausting.  To boot, the downhills were tearing up my quads and knees.  I didn’t feel like I was making progress.  I compared my pace to the Buckeye Trail 50K this summer where I averaged about 13:15 minute miles.  While I started this course with 12 minute miles, I saw my average mile time only increasing and increasing.

The time shift and knowledge of what lay before me became demoralizing.  It was not that I felt bad about my performance, I just knew I had a long way to go.  And although I was not looking to finish first,  I did want to finish sooner than later.  I had expected my finish time to be about 5:45 based on Buckeye and general trail pace.  However, this was quickly…I mean slowly, becoming  unrealistic.  My goal switched to finishing before the 7 hour cutoff to get the “finishers” sweatshirt.  Also, since I really did not expect to be on my feet this long, I wanted to avoid any leg cramps.  I fueled and hydrated, added some salty snacks at the aid stations, and forged ahead.  Sometimes I would pass a few runners and then later on get passed by the same few people, going back and forth like this until the finish.  I focused on my music and my surrounding.  While thoroughly mentally and physically challenged, I found that I could still laugh about it all, the ups and the downs.

The 20 mile mark did not present its typical high and reaching mile 22 was personally a bit brutal.  I knew I only had 4 miles to go, and this tends to be the point in a marathon where I like to pick up the pace and get to the finish.  I was looking for some negative splits, and all I saw were trail and hills.  I could not even convince myself that I was less than an hour away from the finish–perhaps it would even take longer I fretted.  I knew the finish and the countdown spirit were out there for me.  I knew the mental motivation of “3 miles to go, only 2 to go, 1 more mile” would feel so good.  I scanned my ipod for my song, my reminder song of why I come here, what it is, and what it is not.  I played my song over and over and over until I reached mile 23.  The tempo and lyrics work for me.

You ready?  Let’s go!
Yeah, for those of you that want to know what we’re all about
It’s like this y’all (c’mon!)

This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill
Fifteen percent concentrated power of will
Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain
And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!

–Remember the Name, Fort Minor

I began to see more people at this stage of the race, not just the familiar few I had been playing tag with earlier on the course.  I assumed these runners had started out ahead of me and were also crushed a bit by the course.  When I had the extra breath to chat, I would say, “This is a bit ridiculous.”  When I just trudged along silently, others spoke up to check on me.  At one point, another run commented that I looked as bad as he felt.  Awesome.  What I kept in perspective was that you never know when that next surge of energy will come along.  For me, it was my 25th mile.  Out of no where, everything felt easy.  Uphill, downhill, passing new folks along the way, I was full steam ahead.  This was all it took to get me out of the woods, off the trail, and onto the familiar asphalt path that we started with for the final turns to the finish.  It was actually refreshing to get on a stable, flat surface.

strong, smiling finish

I crossed the finish line with a time of 6:35 (15:06 pace) and still with my game face smile.  Thanks to Cassie and Nick, I even have pictures and a video to prove it.  Bob and Cassie greeted me at the finish.  They both had stellar races.  Bob ran a 5:05, finishing 31st overall, and Cassie ran a 5:22, finishing 46th overall and 2nd in her age group.   As part of my established marathon routine, I crossed the finish, gave a few remarks, and proceeded to walk away while people were talking to me.

alas, emily and i meet again

Emily soon came around the corner, finishing only 5 minutes after me.  It is amazing how close we were on the course, yet did not see one another for several hours.  Oh, how I would have gladly sat down and waited for her if I only knew!

The Burr Oak Lodge was a welcoming and accommodating venue for race central, and the park was just about everything a trail runner could ask for.  Vertical Runner put on a superb event, including a challenging and did I mention ridiculous course.  I’d say the only point that was missed, and maybe it was a typo, was the published elevation change of about 2100′ gain and 2100′ descent.  My Garmin had it at about 5000′ each way, and from what I hear, it was actually closer to 9000′ up and down.  Regardless, if you were there, you know what I am talking about.  If not, I challenge you to run this race next year.  The course time limit is now 8 hours, so newcomers, you guys are getting it easy.

Very salty, but cramp free.

N.B.  In follow up to my previous race reports of severe muscle cramping, I am pleased to report that I finished this race with no leg cramping.  About 45 minutes after the run, I had one minor cramp under my rib.  Post Oct 11th Chicago marathon and prior to the one, my doctor found that my potassium levels were low.  Despite my fueling and hydrating, I think I am someone who sweats and/or depletes at a high level.  In response, I have been taking a potassium supplement the evening prior to and morning of a long run.  So far, so good!

 

all done, thanks for the trails.

we are the champions - my friends. and we'll keep on fighting - till the end

 

what i am running from and what i am running to…

A friend of mine recently shared the following perspective on my habitual marathoning:

sometimes the goods are in the journey. so the just plain ‘running’ makes complete sense. if you aren’t running away from something may be towards something?

We had been corresponding, updating one another on our respective lives.  I let him know about my upcoming marathon tour of Akron, Chicago, and the trails of Southern Ohio.  I ended my latest message with a quip, explaining that I was not running from anything I knew of.

I liked his perspective and considered if perhaps this new life course, my relationship with running was in fact a journey leading me to something.  It’s a romantic notion, which I like.  While I have not dismissed this theory, I am not completely sold on it yet either.  It has certainly stirred my thoughts as to they why of this all.  Beyond questioning myself, given my schedule as of late, I am often asked why I do this, why I run, but also why I marathon.

Sometimes I go running because I want to run–the actual running part, the sweat and the release.  Sometimes I run because I want the feeling I have after I run–this is true a lot.  Sometimes I run because I want to visit with friends or talk something out.  Sometimes I don’t want to run, but I go anyway.  Because I know regardless of what I want and how I feel, the only thing I have to do is go running and I figure anything else out later.  If I’m lucky, it gets forgotten or resolved when I run.  I know running is good for my body and for my mind.  Not from what I am told, but from how I feel.  For me, running is a sure thing.  And while every marathon run is different, completing one is always the same.  I can consistently count on the pleasure and pleasurable pain of the experience and the joy and satisfaction when I am done.  Sometimes I run an entire marathon, just for the feeling of the last five minutes.

Beyond the action of personally running, I also enjoy immersing myself in the community of running.  I enjoy the bond amongst runners, particularly marathon distance runners.  I like being able to meet a complete stranger and be able to talk in great detail about training theories, running philosophies, and experiences.  For me, I do not even have to have anything more in common than running.  They could be the first or last across the finish and I’d still want to know what marathons they’ve done, what they eat before a race, and if they’ve heard of the book Born to Run.  I may be talking to an 70 year old marathoner who has hit all 50 states; the first time marathoner preparing for the challenge; or an ultramarathon elite athlete like Mark Godale at a party and still be able to relate on some basic level.  I like the humanity of the running community and knowing that it is open and available to whomever seeks it out, even me.

My life today is such a stark difference from the person that I use to be and the way I use to live, that I know sometimes I am running as far from that as possible too.  With less than two years of true marathoning on my feet and 30 years without, I often feel like I am living someone else’s life or playing dress up.  I guess because I only found running later in life, and so much of the experience and the community are new to me, I am making up for lost time.

Time for the actual race report…

This past weekend, I ran away to Chicago.  With a free entry to the biggest of all marathons, I headed to the Cleveland airport with my friend Erin on Saturday morning.  We made a game of waiting in the security line at the airport, trying to pick out who also was headed to Chicago for the marathon.  Saucony Jacket Guy was an easy pick to start, as was our friend Joe from running club.  We left on an half-full morning flight, making friends with our Chicago-native stewardess and marathon runner Donna and Mr. Saucony Jacket, a.k.a. Ben.  Donna provided the low down on the race, including course description, secret bathroom locations, and water stop logistics.  Ben explained that he was on a marathon tour of his own, with Chicago also being his 8th marathon and his first in a quest to complete a marathon a month for the next year.  Donna took a brief break from our chat to give the final landing instructions, well most of them anyway, and our flight to Chicago was over in no time at all.

We took the L train downtown and made our way to the race expo, which did not disappoint.  It was not surprising that the biggest marathon had the biggest expo.  Huge vendor booths or vendor “towns” more so, like Nike, among many others.  There were lots of goodies to sample, which came in handy as we were overdue for lunch.  The marathon also provided a nice tech tee, with mens and womens sizing.  The day was going by quicker than expected.  We fit in a late lunch and proceeded to crash out with an even later afternoon nap.

Fueled and Ready to Go! The Second Sole Striders, one of my local running clubs, met up for a pre-race dinner, discussing personal strategies and sharing experiences with our first time marathoner Miriam. Here's a photo of myself with Striders Joe, Chad, Erin, Miriam, and Aynne.

Sold Out, but we got in!

I usually tend to be an early to bed, early to rise person, especially before a long run and surely before a race.  However, I also like limited amounts of spontaneity.  Chad mentioned that across the street from our hotel was a sold-out show for the comedian Kathy Griffin.  On a whim, we decided to inquire if perhaps there were in fact a couple of seats left. Carried away in the excitement and convinced by the early show time (done by 9:30pm), we snagged up two excellent seats and enjoyed a hilarious show.  I was back in the room and ready for bed just after 10pm.  Given the time change, that was really around 11pm for my body clock, but still not bad.

While my alarm was set for 4:45am, my body was awake at 4am.  I laid in bed till my alarm went off and then proceeded with my pre-race routine of breakfast, bathroom, bib placement, and bag packing.  I met up with the other Striders by 6:15 am to depart for the race.

Most recently, Chicago is known for the horrifically hot temps of 2007, when the race was actually called off halfway through (2008 temps were up there as well.)  This year, a cold front moved in early and the morning temps hovered in the 30s.  Who better than Clevelanders to be ready to adapt from the summer heat to the warm fall to a 30 degree drop in temps?  It could have snowed for all we cared (and that was a prospect according to some weather reports).  We all donned shorts and long sleeve shirts and then layered up for the walk to the race start, about a mile from our hotel.  I brought along a camera to capture some shots of the city preparing for the big event.

Layered up, headed to the race.

Our view from the Corral D

Plenty of Water this Year

Because we all had received free entries from for the marathon, thank you Nike and Striders leader Kate Pophal,we were among a select group of non-super fast runners allowed in the starting corrals.  The corrals were grouped elite first, followed by sections A, B, C, and D, for a total of about 13,000 runners.  We were in corral D.  The open corral behind us contained the remaining 32,000 or so runners.  For an event so large, I have to give props for how well organized everything was.  Race staff and volunteers were in abundance.  All race information points, bag drop off, bathrooms, were clearly marked.  We huddled amongst the masses waiting for the race start.  Here are some photos of my warm tech gear and Erin and I showing our nice and tough girl poses.

Note: The hood even has a spot for my pony tail to escape. Love Sugoi gear!

Now here's our tough faces!

Very Peaceful!

Just before and continuing after the 7:30am race start, sweatshirts, jackets, pants, garbage bags and the like could be seen flying across the crowds and scattered across the ground as runners shed their pre-race warming layers.  This actually continued through out the marathon to a lesser degree.  From our starting point, it actually took less than four minutes to cross the race start–I know how lucky were were for that.  I ventured out on this marathon with the ambition to run alone.  I had brought along my ipod and Akron marathon mix and settled in for what I hoped to be a laid back marathon and tour of Chicago.  With the cramping of the Akron marathon fresh on my mind, I was focused on learning from that experience to improve this one.

I started moderately, with the goal of averaging 9:30 minute miles, until I had a really good reason to go faster, like seeing the finish line or at least being beyond the 20 mile mark.  I also was content with going slower if need be.  I still was not sure what had caused my cramping at Akron and if going too fast was the culprit, I wasn’t going to risk it here.  While I do embrace the challenge of marathoning, yes even when it’s a struggle, I’d prefer for it to be more about enduring exhaustion than crippling pain.  Besides checking my splits this time around, pace was hardly on my mind.  There were too many sights and sounds to take in.

With my previous road marathons, there have been some absolutely spectacular crowd experiences.  Some had more crowds than others, but there’s always at least some heavy populated sections throughout, especially the last mile and the finish line.  In Chicago, these kinds of crowds filled the entire race course, all 26.2 miles, both sides of the street, and when possible, straight down the middle  as well.

Chicago was told and they listened.

The cheering families and friends were especially touching and particular groups could be seen multiple times on the course with distinguishing signs and lofted objects, like ballons, umbrellas, and blown up bobble head photos of family members.  Even if they were not there for me, I knew they were there to support someone and that energy still surrounded me and affected me.   While waiting for someone else, they still used their time on the course to cheer on all the perfect strangers too.  And of the 1.5 million spectators, I even got to see 2 of the 6 people I knew on the course. (Thanks Michelle and Kevin for driving out to cheer on your fellow Striders!!)

Young and old lined up with hands out for some low-fives.  Every so often I would veer to the left or right with my hand out just to pick up a boost.  Sometimes I would even raise my hands up, dancing along to my current tunes–who was going to remember me anyway I thought, dance on!  Cow bells and chimes and bull horns galore.  The cheerleaders and performers in Boys Town were especially entertaining.  Water, candy, beer, and even kleenex was distributed to anyone in need.  And this was just the crowd handing out freebies, not to mention the again, well organized, aid stations, with volunteer after volunteer standing at attention.

To be honest, the course experience and the way I felt were pretty much the same throughout.  Given my muscle cramping experiences the last 8 miles of Akron, I was really happy with my body response.  After about 3 hours of running or mile 18, that latent muscle memory of marathoning resurfaced, oh that’s right, running this long can be tiring.  My legs were a bit heavy, but no cramps so far.  For an extra boost, I would return to the crowd or my music.  I reminded myself how lucky I was to be here, that while this took effort, I had this effort to give.

At miles 22-23, I began to feel a further tightening in the muscles of my legs and only once a calf cramp which halted my forward motion.  Ef.  At these water stops, I took the opportunity to walk through them, drinking water and gatorade, also popping a sodium replacement.  Beyond that, I was running to the finish.  I was very observant of my pace, trying to relax my muscles and not stir up any cramps.  In a sea of 45,000 runners, at mile 24 I get tapped on the shoulder by my friend and traveling companion Erin.  She looked great, and I was especially pleased to see her here as I knew she was on target for a huge PR.

I chipped away at the last couple of miles, the already encasing crowds continued to swell the closer we came to the finish.  With only one real hill (and only 24 feet at that) and a last turn, the finish line came into view.  We both crossed the finish about 4:18 clock time, which put our net time around 4:14/4:15.  A PR for both of us!  Marathon #8 was complete and for all intents and purposes, I was no worse for the wear.  Or so I thought…

I walked through the finish chute with Erin.  When I went to have the timing chip cut off my shoe, the first time I looked to my foot all day, I saw it was not there.  Ef, again.  No chip, no official time.  I asked three or so volunteers what to do, no one had an answer.  This was the first time and only time I felt let down by the the race support.  I didn’t expect them to go find it for me, but some direction would have been helpful.  I was tired, a bit confused, so I walked away and thought I would figure it out later.

My legs and feet began to feel very heavy and as I walked I started to get dizzy.  Erin and I headed to a nearby podiatry tent to have someone look at my feet (it made sense at the time, although I had no blistering).  As I took a seat and then laid back on the a cot, I was struck by a severe cramp underneath my right rib.  Podiatry volunteers took off my shoes to check out my feet.  In the process, cramping began in my calves and my quads.  Wait, how did I get here again, I thought.  I just got through over 4 hours of running and avoided successfully avoided this.

The volunteers were prepared to help.  They covered my calves and quads with bags of ice, began massaging the muscles, and discussed starting an IV for fluids.  I know in theory these things should help, but at the time I couldn’t tell what helped and what made it worse.  The shivering, the cramping, and the sudden change in scenery was overwhelming, especially what happened next.  They tried to take my blood pressure, but could not get a reading.  I am not sure if the cuff was too tight, I couldn’t feel it actually, and soon I could not feel my hand either.  The hand of the cuffed arm began to tingle and then both hands, and then they were numb.  I believe I started to hyperventilate at this point too, and I vaguely remember the wheel chair ride from podiatry to the medic tent.

Shoeless and soon shirtless, but with sports bra in place, I was covered in ice and warm blankets.  As soon as the feeling returned to my hands and I slowed my breathing, I asked to forgo the ice.  With some delicate muscle massage, gatorade, warm chicken broth, and time, my mind and body relaxed.  I am appreciative and grateful to all that provided me sensitive and caring assistance, including race staff, volunteers, and my friend Erin.  During my chaos and shuffle, Erin looked on, saved my shoes, and waited on the outskirts of the medical tent when they refused to let her in.  From the race finish to podiatry to the medic tent, I estimate only about 30 minutes passed until I was upright and feeling better.  However, it took another 30 minutes or so to coordinate getting my shoes and clothes back to me before I could be on my way.  Reunited with my PR partner Erin, we took the mile walk, which was particularly cold, back to the hotel.

From that moment on, I have felt great.  Not one cramp and only very little muscle soreness.  72 hours later, my body has no memory that it ran 26 miles, walked another 2, nor was a visitor at the post-marathon medic tent.  I have been in contact with the Chicago Marathon regarding my time.  I assume that my chip was eventually found on the course, as my finishing time was updated to a 6:11 clock/6:07 net finish.  However, at least for awhile, my status was also listed as disqualified.  This status has since been removed.  And because my finish time is not dependent on qualifying for another event, like Boston, they will also look at my photo/video finish to estimate my true finish time.  Regardless if this happens, I am happy to have an official course time and am content personally knowing how I ran and how I finished.

My Garmin splits tell the story as well:  9:31, 9:33, 9:39, 9:04, 9:13, 9:34, 9:20, 9:26, 9:35, 9:38, 9:33, 9:33, 10:02, 9:36, 9:53, 9:45, 9:37, 9:40, 9:31, 9:36, 10:03, 10:00, 10:26, 9:52, 9:53, 9:47, and 8:26 pace for the final .2 miles.  And of course, these splits align with the official chip times that are available through the 35K (or roughly mile 22) mark.

05K	00:29:20
10K	00:58:48
15K	01:28:36
20K	01:58:51
HALF	02:05:37
25K	02:29:38
30K	02:59:42
35K	03:30:42

I am closing in on the mystery of my cramping, having ensured that this time around I started with and kept a moderate pace, in addition to fueling and hydrating well.  I met with my doctor the day after the race to get his guidance.  A runner and tri-athlete himself,  Dr. Todd Podl, is not quick to assume that too much marathoning is the cause.  We discussed my training, race strategy, and most recent marathons.  (He by the way asked if I had heard of the book Born to Run–no joke.  He sports the Vibram 5-Fingers too!)

As far as my mystery, his primary suspect is an iron and potentially calcium, potassium, and/or magnesium deficiency.  We are waiting on blood work to confirm this.  I am hopeful one or more of these things are the culprit and with some adjustments to my diet that I can avoid cramping during or post-marathon in the future.  After all the Bobcat Marthon is only 3.5 weeks away.   I personally am going to also investigate too much road running as a culprit as well, as nary a cramp appeared during my near 7 hour 50K trail marathon this summer.  For now, I am running away from the roads, as much as I can, and running to the woods for the trails.  I hope to see you there.

-beth

The evidence is all over my face! Sodium Depleted again.

Thanks Chicago!

PR Girls!

you don’t have to go fast. you just have to go.

Saturday morning began in Akron, Ohio with cloudy, but dry skies.  The temperature was a cool, and so I hear, humid, 60 degrees.  The temps never rose to more than 63 the rest of the day.  I met up with friends for some pre-race high fives and well wishes.

Along with my friend Erin Lewis, I made my way into the race start area, which was already quite packed.  While I had no interest in joining a pace group, I tried to get into the general vicinity of 4:15 runners.  Last year, I had run this marathon feeling physically good and happy with a 4:34–it was in fact the marathon that convinced me that it was possible to enjoy all 26.2 miles of running.  With a lot more miles and marathons since then, I thought this would be a good place to start.

My only strategies were to try and avoid sight of the race clocks and my Garmin, and instead, judge my effort by the way I felt.  I also wanted to avoid race talk and save my breath.  I mastered up a great ipod mix to curb my tendency to get chatty.   (A couple weeks earlier these tactics proved very beneficial to me in the Buckeye 1/2 marathon–I had a huge PR with a 1:48, but I also felt pretty good.  It was not without effort, but it was not awful.)

We were off before the sun was up, as the race began at 7am.  My eyes took in the sites of Akron, which was all decked out for the runners; my mind was focused on the lyrics and sounds of music in my ears; and my body was in motion.  I was very happy to be running, pleased with the weather, big crowds, and how at ease I felt.  My only minor discomfort was some side stitch pains that I had been having for the past day.  Running made these a bit more intense and longer.

At the 5.2K point: Beth Trecasa, 00:32:14 (NET) @ 5.2K Pace 9:12 , Predicted 04:01:12.00. powered by Road Runner Akron Marathon

Garmin miles 1-3: 9:50, 9:18, 9:08

I knew my pace was increasing, but I felt that I was still keeping it pretty moderate.  In hindsight, I should have taken the fact that I was passing a few people here and there as a sign this was not true.  But I felt good and continued.   I stopped, literally, at almost every fluid station.  I find that I am not skilled in the art of running and drinking at the same time.  I either opt to walk and drink or take the first or last drink from the station and step to the side, stopping to quickly drink, and then go.  Today, I chose the drink and dash method, alternating with water and powerade, and also getting in my first Gu, around mile 6.

At the 15K point: Beth Trecasa, 01:23:46 (NET) @ 15K Pace 8:59 , Predicted 03:55:31.00. powered by Road Runner Akron Marathon

Garmin miles 4-9: 8:47, 8:52, 8:41, 8:46, 8:52, 8:39

At this point the jig was up, between catching glances at the race clock and my math prowess, I knew that I was in personal uncharted marathon territory.  I had my second Gu between miles 10 and 11.   As the moving crowd entered the towpath section (mile 11.3)  of the course, I could see a pace group sign ahead.  It was not close enough that I could make out the time.  My hope was that it was the 4:15 group, but I had a sense it was the 4:00 group.  My sense was more accurate than my hope.  The rain was still holding off and the wind was picking leaves off the trees.  At one point I reached up and caught one, putting in my hair for decoration as I ran.  I crossed the halfway point, just under 1:57.  To be honest, this realization was a bit exciting and scary.

At the 25K point: Beth Trecasa, 02:20:03 (NET) @ 25K Pace 9:00 , Predicted 03:55:58.00. powered by Road Runner Akron Marathon

Garmin miles 10-15: 8:44, 8:34, 8:34, 8:56, 9:00, 9:26

My overall pace remained steady.  Could I not only PR, but PR on the hilly Akron course, maybe even sub-4, AND feel pretty good in the process?   As I entered the Sand Run Parkway, about a 3 mile incline section of the course, I noted a decrease in energy, so I took my third Gu.  I reminded myself of my own rules, I didn’t have to go this fast, I just had to keep going.  I adjusted pace and noted how tight my legs were getting.  Just past mile 16, I decided to walk for a minute–it’s still a forward motion, I was going.  Ignoring my Garmin, I picked a point ahead, walked to it, and began running again.  I did this a couple more time until I reached the end of the parkway, when I started to experience cramping in my quads above each knee and in each calf.

At the 30K point: Beth Trecasa, 02:49:57 (NET) @ 30K Pace 9:18 , Predicted 04:03:50.00. powered by Road Runner Akron Marathon

Garmin miles 16-18: 9:49, 9:36, 9:35

I am very unfamiliar with muscle cramps while running, having only really cramped one other time (March 09 National Marathon-miles 23-26).  In general, I know cramping can be due in part to dehydration, low sodium, or low potassium.  I had been keeping up on water and powerade, and at mile 19 I took my fourth Gu.  Now I was taking 2 cups of fluid at each fluid station and using these stops or mile markers as visual points to break up my run/walking routine.  Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t.  My energy level and mental state were good.  This did not feel like a wall, it felt involuntary.  My muscles were messed up.  I tried to remain hopeful that this too could pass and focused on my theme song. 

Garmin mile 19-22: 10:36, 10:37, 11:10, 11:59

I entered Stan Hywett Hall, knowing that I had only 4 miles to go.  After a short loop, I approached a race photographer, alternating between my smiling and focused running look.  Hopefully just after passing his shot range, but maybe not, my legs seized, stopping me where I was.  Cursing loudly enough for the photographer to hear, he advised me to get some water and someone may have even asked if I needed help.  I tried to stretch and walk it off over the next couple miles.  I had no doubt if I would make it to the finish.  It was nice to know that.  I was just not sure how long it would take me to get there, and I wanted this race to be over as soon as possible.  However, the faster I ran, the more my legs would cramp.

The passing of time felt slow, yet my recollection is still a bit of a blur, maybe some marathon amnesia already.  I climbed up the last Akron Marathon hill on W. Market Street and made the last road turn of the course onto S. Main Street.  Knowing I only had about a .5 mile to go, I went to put my foot on the curb to stretch one last time.  Before I could, Chef Bill Bailey, of Running with Knives and Fire, gave me a pull and said, “Come on, let’s go.”  I winced my way down the road, into the Stadium, and even coming down the finish line.

At the finish: Beth Trecasa, 04:16:21 (NET) @ Finish Pace 9:46 . powered by Road Runner Akron Marathon

Garmin miles 23-26.2: 12:35, 11:05, 9:55, 10:48, 9:54 (.2 pace)

Overall, I achieved a PR time of 4:16, at of all places, the Akron Marathon. This bested my March 2009 National Marathon time of 4:22 and my 2008 Akron course time of 4:34.  I could stop right here, but that would be leaving out the true and total experience.

In a daze, I made my way through the finish area, collected my medal and finishers hat.  Luckily, I met up with another running friend who walked me through the food pickup area and to the massage tent.  I gave my name, and found a place to sit on the ground, while I waited out the large group of people ahead of me.  I was completely overwhelmed at that moment, out of touch with the way my body was feeling and with little idea of what to do next.  I put my hands on my face and cried.  My friend coaxed me to drink some fluids and gave me a sodium replacement tab.  I tried stretching, to no avail, the angle of my legs even taking my shoes off, brought on more muscle spasms.

Realizing that I would not be able to wait out the massage line and further, not wanting to stay in that moment any longer, I attempted to get up.  Obviously I looked awesome, as I was then asked if I needed a medic.  I honestly wanted to make a break for it at this point, but moving, quickly or slowly, was not within my capacity.  The race staff presented me with a second option, an Active Release Technique massage.  My friend ushered me to the table, where my calves were thoroughly and magically rubbed out.  Following this very helpful release and relief, I was able to make my way through the stadium, collect my belongings, and meet up with friends.  I only aimlessly walked off my course, a common post-marathon habit of mine, once in the process.

Less than an hour after the finish, can you guess where I am?

Since I am not going to count on my race photos, I snapped a couple post race self-portraits to capture my state of being.

Note: Over 3 hours later, I am still wearing my medal.

Today, I am well.  A bit tired, some quad soreness, and challenged when walking downstairs.  Given that I have had no calf pain or soreness since my Active Release Technique massage, I have to think that helped.  I also ran 2 very easy, treadmill miles the day after the race to help in the recovery process.

I am curious, but cautious as I approach the Chicago marathon in less than two weeks.  I have a very light schedule planned with easy runs ranging from 4-6 miles.  I am curious what got the best of my legs in the Akron Marathon.  Was it my hydration and fueling the week of the race or during the race? (not sure) Did I start too fast?  (well, yeah) Was the humidity a factor? (every keeps saying it was) Should I maybe have checked my Garmin every so often for pace?  (probably) Will I be ready for another marathon so soon?  (i believe so, how ready is the bigger question) The flatness of the Chicago course, its only incline of 24 feet, taunt me a bit, making me wonder what I can do there, perhaps with a smarter race strategy.

Here’s hoping for a cool and dry Chicago Marathon.  Perhaps, I will wear my new favorite tech tee to keep myself honest.  Congratulations to all Akron Marathon Race organizers and participants!

my mantra

-beth

p.s.  i got my this cool tech shirt at the marathon expo.  you can find it, along with many other funny ones, online at One More Mile.