NYC Marathon Race Report

OK, so maybe I wasn’t properly trained.  According to my training log, my final substantial long run (20 miles) was on September 17, 7 weeks prior to race day.  I had a little bit of a knee issue and deferred my first attempt at an Ultra (Can Lake) until 2012.  So that brings me to November 6^th, NYC Marathon day.  Was I nervous?  Not really.  I have completed 2 marathons in years past.  I knew I would finish, it was simply a matter of 1) How long was it going to take and 2) How much was it going to hurt. 

The day before

The day before was not your typical day leading up to a big race.  Actually, it was everything you are NOT supposed to do before a race!  First, I had to pick up my race number at the expo.  Everything was well organized and we were in and out.  What would an early morning trip to the city be without a snack.  This time, it was a trip to the Doughnut Plant!  Three doughnuts later, I was sitting on a bus on my way back to New Jersey.  Another problem was that I had a “Haunted Hayride” trip scheduled for the previous weekend.  Because of the snowstorm, it was rescheduled to the Saturday before the Marathon.  And I had to eat before the trip so of course 4 slices of Pizza would do the trick (did I mention I squeezed in a hot dog in between the doughnuts and pizza?)  The Hayride was fun but I didn’t get home until 10:30.  And the drive home wouldn’t be complete without three burgers off the dollar menu from Wendy’s!  After that it was off to sleep, thank goodness for the extra hour of sleep I got because of the end of daylight savings.

Race Day

Like I said before, thank goodness for the extra hour of sleep.  I actually woke up feeling ok at about 4:30 AM as the buses from NJ left between 5-6 AM.  I was at the staging area for about three hours before the start and met some pretty nice people from all over: Washington D.C., Colorado, Vancouver, England & Holland.  It was nice to strike up some conversations and kill some time.  The start was jam packed with people however they did a good job getting people in proper groups based on their predicted time. 

10:10 AM and my wave was off.  My entire section of the wave was running a solid 8:30-9:30 minute pace.  (This was in line with my previous goal of 4 hours)  I did recognize however that I needed to temper my expectations based on my lackluster October.  I continued to tick off the miles through Brooklyn and Queens to the halfway point where I started to get a little tired.  I give a lot of credit to the crowds along the course as they were loud and very supportive.  It was awesome to have thousands of total strangers out there cheering for you!  Then came the Queensboro Bridge at mile 15.  At this point, I knew my 4 hour goal was a bit too lofty so I decided to walk the incline in an effort to save my legs.  My nutrition was on point as I was taking in a little water most miles and a GU about every 3 miles, my legs were just starting to give a little as a result of my light mileage in October.  As for walking the inclines, I am looking to eventually run ultras so this is acceptable right???  Anyways, I did just that and used to downhill to my advantage.  For anyone who has run NY, you know how special turning onto first ave in Manhattan is.  I was so overcome with emotion; it was the runners high time 100!  The crowds here were the best.  They really make you feel like a Superstar out there, even if you are now on pace for a 4 ½ hour finishing time. 

“All good things come to an end”.  This was my feeling about 30 blocks into Manhattan.  It is a slight incline however the extended climb got to me.  At this point I was stopping at the water tables, taking short walk breaks to drink my water.   Entering the Bronx brought the next walk break at I took a breather, walking up the bridge.  It was a short stay in the Bronx and soon I found myself back in Manhattan.  This turned out to be the biggest challenge.  Miles 22-25 really tested my resolve.  Coming south on 5^th ave before entering Central Park was killer.  I was completely gassed, my calves were tight, my quads were tight and my right hip was bothering me.  Needless to say, there were a bunch of walk breaks included in this stretch.  The crowds were very supportive though and helped carry me through the pain.  And then I could see it, Central Park.  At this point there was no turning back and the end was in sight.  Also, I was still within the possibility of a 4 ½ hour finish.  I dug deep, pushing the pain to the back of my mind and was able to clock my final 2 miles at a 10:00 minute mile pace.  I finished with an official time of 4h 25m 09s.  Not what I originally wanted yet still in line with my “adjusted goal”.

What’s Next?

This is the big question.  Do I go for speed or do I go for distance?  I am going to try both right now.  I recently put in some raffle tickets for entry into the 2013 Western States Endurance Run.  The drawing is on December 10^th.  If I do not get picked I will still continue as if I were going to run it in 2013 and shoot for a possible 100 miler in 2013, even if it isn’t Western States.  I am also going to continue running local 5ks along with my wife.  2012 I plan to take part in the NJ track & Field Grand Prix series.  I do not have high expectations however I look to improve my speed throughout the year.  My next race is a local 5K on Thanksgiving morning which has become an anual family tradition.  Stay tuned for a race report!