BayState Marathon - It's my first...

[KayAyZee]

... and I can't wait!

I'm so excited about this race! It's still almost 2 days away but it's all I can think about. Does anybody else get completely pre-occupied about racing?

I don't want to get myself psyched up too early, so I'm trying to stay calm and relaxed today and into tomorrow. I keep telling myself there's nothing left for me to do now but eat and sleep well -- and post on TE to spread the excitement!

Counting down until Sunday at 8:30am

[colby]

I love your avatar picture.

In those last few days before a bit race, it's anything I can do to stay focused. Combine an upcoming race with Friday-itis and I'm about spent.

[Urlea]

You aren't alone!

I have horrible pre-race ADD. Especially when it's a big race that I've put a lot of training effort into.

You're right, just rest and eat well between now and then. Going out to a movie works pretty well to get your mind off things too.

Enjoy your race on Sunday!!! I'm sure you'll do great!

As for me: I've got a 15k tomorrow. Some of the runners wear costumes since it's closer to halloween and I've decided to join in the fun this year. I'm going as an escaped convict. Figure it makes more sense for me to be running in a costume like that.

I'll post pictures later so that you guys can see!

[kacie tri-ing]

Good luck and have a great time!

I can't wait to see pictures from that costume!

[jesvetmed]

HOW DID IT GO????!!!!
Inquiring minds want to know!

[Urlea]

Yes! I'm all sorts of curious!!!

Tell us how it went.

[KayAyZee]

Sorry to keep you all waiting!

The marathon was a blast!! I really had such a great time and already I can't wait to do another one. Well... in a few months anyway

The morning of the race, I got to the starting area about 30 mins. early and walked around a bit to calm my nerves. It was supposed to be in the mid-50s during the race, but it was probably only 38 F at 8am. Luckily I brought a pair of gloves along, so about 15 mins. before the start, I removed all my extra layers and stood around in just shorts, short-sleeved shirt + gloves. Thankfully there were enough people at the starting line to block the wind and keep me warm!

The race started out really well. I typically start out way too fast b/c of adreneline and the excitement of the crowd, but I tried to keep an easy pace knowing I had 26.2 miles to go! My first two miles were 8:05 and 7:55. Too fast!! But still slow enough that I wasn't breathing hard and was really enjoying myself.

Miles 3-13, I felt smooth and steady (especially after slowing my pace more). Took some GU's at miles 6 and 12, drank Gatorade at the water stops and got some inspiration from friends and family along the course - espeically exciting b/c I wasn't expecting most of them! I think my time was around 1:48:00 at the half-way point, which I was really pleased with.

Mile 15 was where I first started to notice the tightness in my legs. Nothing extreme, just noticed that they were being well used. Unfortunately, by mile 18, my pace started to drop a few seconds per mile. Then I turned into a headwind and started slowing even more. My head and heart were telling my legs to 'go faster!' but at each mile marker, my pace was either the same or a bit slower than the last. But not to worry! I was breathing easily the entire time and never once felt fatigued. Just the lead in my legs slowing me down

For the first 24 miles I ran pretty much by myself. Of course I caught other people and was passed by other people, but didn't really stay with anyone. At Mile 24 though, I caught up with a man that I had been randomly talking to at the very start of the race. It was his first marathon too, so we ran the last 2 miles together and talked about how our races had been going, how our training went, etc. It was nice having some distraction during those last few miles.

So the conclusion: even with a few slow miles, in the end, I finished in 3:49:05 I'm so psyched about that time!! Everyone that saw me finish said I looked strong and relaxed even up until the finish line, which were such perfect compliments after you run a marathon. I now have a nice shiny medal and some beautiful flowers courtesy of my boyfriend, who I owe so much for making me eat and stretch and get warm after the race. Overall, it was everything I could have asked for in my first marathon and I loved every minute of it.

I think my next goal is to try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I would have to run a 3:40, which I now think I am capable of. Major thing to improve for my next marathon: running longer distances at a goal pace. All of my long training runs (10mi+) for this race were at a much slower pace than my actual race, and I think that will be a big help in keeping my legs running smoother in the last half of the race.

Hopefully I will get some pictures soon and will try to post them. Thanks for the encouragement!

KayAyZee

[OakLeaf]

Way to go! That's terrific! And fast too!

[michelem]

Thanks for such a great race report! I love reading these stories and gleaning tips and tricks along the way.

WAY TO GO!!!

[Urlea]

Well done!!!

I'd be happy to run just two sub 9min. miles and you did it for an entire marathon. Awesome!!!!