Tahoka Freeway: 2009

Before I say any more.... THIS WAS A BLAST! It wasn't perfect but it was great.

Strangely, I slept very well the night before. Woke up at 4:45 am, a normal time for me. My normal running breakfast. I didn't want to change any routine. Carrie and I drove downtown from the South Hills. We didn't hit a single red light until almost downtown. (That is pretty cool and unusual). Once we got downtown, it was pretty neat seeing all the people heading toward the starting area in the early morning. We parked in the bus station garage nearby. A short walk to the starting area. I found the 4:30 pace team and hung around the group. Weather was in upper 40's and cloudy.

Once the race started, it took five minutes before we crossed the starting line. We took an easy pace down Smallman Street in the pack. I started talking to others in the 4:30 group. Mark was from Baltimore, his 5th marathon but he hasn't been able to finish below 5:00. Lawana was from Greensburg and this was her first marathon too. We got the Mile 1 at 10:45. A bit slow but there was still a long way to go. About Mile 3, I saw Steve Lucas (from the gym) and his wife running ahead of us, so I ran ahead with them. I was feeling so good that I kept this pace. We crossed the 16th Street bridge and Carrie was taking pictures.

We continued on to North Side and still I was feeling very good. Crowds were great. At Mile 6, we at about 60 minutes. I was feeling like I had to control the pace. At Mile 7, let's just say there were some unusual sites along the side of the road. When you gotta go, you gotta go.

I was still feeling pretty strong when we crossed West End Bridge. When we hit Carson Street, it began to rain a bit. Steve was starting to slow so I started moving ahead as we hit South Side. I waved bye to them and ran on. I was raining fairly good as we ran down Carson. Crowds were thin because of the rain. We turned onto Birmingham bridge, the 12 Mile point, right at 2 hours. I was running with a gentleman from Five Points, Ray, who told me he was a teacher and track coach for middle school students. Never would have expected Ray to be a runner, let alone, running at this pace in a marathon.

The one big hill in this race was from the bridge up to Oakland. I started passing a bunch of people up the hill and left Ray behind. It was cool having people see my name on the back of my shirt and shout encouragement.

As soon as we got to the heart of Oakland, we were at the half way point. I was still going strong. I felt that I could have run faster but was trying to control my pace. I ran with another gentleman, Jeff, who was from Washington PA. He told me about his son who was running Pittsburgh, after just running Boston, the week before.

As we turned from Forbes on to Craig Street, Andy and Sara were standing there, in the drizzle, waiting for me. That was really cool and encouraging. They had literally gotten there minutes before I got there. Sara said I was looking very happy at that point. We hugged, said hello, and I ran on with Jeff.

Next we headed up 5th Ave. in the rain to Shady Side. The relay exchange point was right there. As we ran down Walnut Street, I saw Dr. Dell running as part of the relay. Again, running up the hill back to 5th Ave., I started passing a bunch of people. The hill was a good change on the legs.

Soon at about Mile 17, Carrie was on the side of the street, taking pictures. That was a pleasant surprise. Kissed and ran on.

I told Jeff that I needed to change my stride and began a longer stride, and a little faster. Again, I was feeling very good but noticed that I was beginning to slow around Mile 19. I figured that if I could get to Mile 23 or 24 feeling like this, I would be able to "sprint" to the finish in a 4:15 marathon.

So much for best laid plans. Almost exactly at 20 miles, I started cramping in the back of my legs. First it was just tight, but kept getting worse. I was surprised how quickly this came on. I seemed to be a matter of just minutes I went from feeling good to pain. I even tried some Icy-Hot from the first aid station. It didn't help at all. I had stopped for a Poweraide at every water station. I felt well hydrated. I had been taking Gu every 4 miles, pretty consistently as well. It was getting tough to focus on running. I would run a bit, then walk a bit. Jeff ran past me about Mile 21. I tried really hard to keep up with him but I had to walk several times and he just kept on. Next couple of miles were a blur.

Bloomfield was one huge party. Lots of people and music. I wish I could have enjoyed it more but all I could think of was trying to stay ahead of the 4:30 pace group. My dreams of a 4:20 marathon kept slipping away. Running down Liberty Ave wasn't much better. It was still walk and run. I was very much afraid that if I stopped, I wouldn't be able to restart. The one highlight was getting beer from the Church Brewery. It was a bit of a boost.

Finally, the last mile arrived. It was really tough. I was being passed by people I had passed miles back. That was very disheartening. I just couldn't go any faster. My legs just wouldn't cooperate. At Mile 26, I sucked it up and ran as hard as I could. There were a lot cheering people a long the course those last .2 miles.

I did it! My first Marathon and in less than 4:30.

When I finally stopped walking after the finish, got my metal, drinks and a banana, I found Carrie in the throng of people. As soon as I stopped walking and give her a sweaty hug, my legs cramped up terribly. It was painful but wonderful. It was a terrific day.