RACE: Chicago Marathon
DATE: 10/11/2009
WEATHER: 32, Overcast, 10-15mph Wind
TIME: 2:51:35 (NET) (1:27:00, 1:24:35) ** PR **
PACE: 6:32
PLACEMENT: 398th OA / 33,600
After a great year of maturing in the sport, I was looking forward to another shot at a marathon. I have consistently not only raced quite poorly, but also ran stupid. Champaign was really a disappointment in so many ways, regardless of it being a PR or not.
Melisa and I made it up on saturday (via Amtrak) and walked a solid 5+ miles around town to pickup my packet, etc. I ran a couple miles indoors on a treadmill just to loosen up, and then headed to bed early after a light dinner. I find that eating a smaller meal the night before is more beneficial, the nutrients make no difference.
4am arrives and I consume 75% of a Big 100 Colossal lifter protein bar, and start to consume my Inifinit. Melisa was still sleeping, and I just sat around. We were pent up around .75 miles from the start, and we wanted to ensure we met up with Seth and Jessica on time. I had some throw aways.
I took some of my magic supplements, and polished off a second bottle of Inifinit. I forgot to grab my Carb Boom, so I was stranded without contingency fuel. Life goes on.
I lined up without any warm-up, and sat on the curb freezing. I was terribly cold, but hoped that if i stayed bundled I would be ok.
Lesson Learned #1 – Warm-Up prior to marathon start.
I had race strategy written out almost to the T, with predictions on pace, etc, what I didnt account for was the temperature. The first two miles went by at an absolute snail pace , unfortunately I accounted for it being high 6’s, coming in through the 5k around 20:30, oh well.
5K 1: 21:12 (This after running a relatively expedited 3rd mile)
Now in a groove, it seemed to be smooth easy sailing , smiling as others already were drifting, I stayed alone, breathing through my nose, and planning on an easy first half. Nothing eventful.
(10K 41:28) 5K 2: 20:16
At this point I already had to use the restroom pretty badly, apparently hitting each water stop didn’t help. I was still freezing, and my legs felt tight so I was concerned about stopping, alas, I continued on.
(15K 1:01:43) 5k 3: 20:15
I had to go, pit stop at mile 10 cost, 39 seconds. I was already behind schedule, so I did a quick pickup without letting my HR climb, this got me back on track, and finally loosened up my legs.
Nearing towards the half, I knew very well I was behind schedule , but as opposed to my normal self, I waited. I knew where the race would begin, and consistency was key today.
(20K 1:22:32) 5K 4: 20:39
Half: 1:27:00
I had planned on meeting melisa at the 14 mile marker for a fresh bottle of infinit and some carb booms, she was there as planned, but she knew I was pissed. I had come through much slower than I wanted. Yes I felt fresh, and yes I had my strategy, however, I went through too slow, and it was mostly due to a loss at the bathroom, and a no warm-up.
(25K 01:42:48) 5K 5 20:16
I saw Melisa at Mile 16, and she said something I will not forget “You need to get moving… now”. I had planned on waiting until 18, but those progressive tempo’s, and the slow first half required that I make a judgement call, get going, and start pushing at 17, or, wait. I chose to go.
(30K 2:02:57) 5K 6: 20:09
At the 30K marker, I was ready to rock and roll. I was still tight from the cold weather, but decided that my only chance to finish decent was to put it out there and see what happened. I started to become aggressive, ensuring that I felt comfortable, but was breathing through my mouth, and was in a rythm.
(35K 02:22:57) 5k 7: 20:00
Time to go Ryan.. time to go. A pro female was next to me, and her coach / husband was running side by side. She made her move, and I reacted. I put all of my heart in, and decided, this will be it, hang in there, from 17 miles in, or die a miserable death, so I started to take it by 800. I had plenty of energy, but the cold had really taken a tole on my legs.
(40K 02:42:30) 5k 8: 19:33
I gave my all, and I miscalculated by about .8 miles, my legs started to give way. The headwind on Michigan avenue made that 19:33 feel like an 18:00, and I slowed down to finish out the last mile in 6:40. I was disappointed that I couldn’t hold it, but I gave it my all, and I only had the vision of the finish. I raced as aggressively, and as passionately as any point in my career.
Final (02:51:35)
Overall very pleased, don’t get me wrong, but in a typical Ryan race fashion, I have several key takeaways.
1. Warm-Ups are necessary when you are trying to hit specific paces from the start.
2. In temps below freezing (wind chill) consider wearing calf sleeves for warmth.
3. The pure rush of negative splitting and passing others is worth more than I could imagine.. certainly the way to go.
I yet again missed my projected McMillian pace by light years, rather unfortunate. I did however make a segway into different focus on training. Why is it that some of the faster guys can run 5k’s within 1:00 – 1:30 of their 5k outright time in a mary, and I run 3+ minutes slower? This is related closely to a lack of progressive tempo’s, and mileage. Things will be different for 114th BAA Marathon.
Thanks to everyone that assisted with my training, provided support, and continues to help in my development. It sure makes a difference knowing you have others thinking of you. My gear was great, Arm warmers, gloves, racing singlet, adios’s and shorts – all performed well, It was just cold
.
Next Race: Canal Connection, Jingle Bell
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