Goal Event: 2008 Chevron Houston Marathon
Place: Houston, Texas
Date: Sunday, January 13, 2008
Race Day Weather forecast: 42 degrees, NE 5-15, 65 daytime high, sunny clear skies. Saturday evening rain.
Time: 7:00 AM
Goal: MP 7:48
Age: 55
Weight: 148
Div: Male 55-59
Bib: 2450

Marathon Best – 2006 Chevron Houston Marathon, 3:33:26

Race attire – Marathon shorts (blue) and sleeveless 2006 Houston Marathon “T” (white), Dallas 26.2 cap Asics 2120 Thorlos socks, Nike watch.

Weather: Start, 42 degrees, winds NE 5-15 mph at start, clear, slightly humid.
End, 52 degrees, clear, slight breeze, daytime high reached 65

First Goal       < 3:25
Second Goal  < 3:30
Third Goal      < 3:33:26 for a PR

Race Preparation and Training

The first and last time I ran the Chevron Houston Marathon was in 2006. It was a great day there, on a fast track, which gave me my first Boston Qualification. I am fortunate that I have continued to qualify and will be heading to Boston again this year for the third straight year.

My training has demonstrated that I tend to reach running plateaus where I hover for a few years before I finally manage break through the barriers. Such was the case with getting under the 4 and 3:45 mark.

I am currently stuck between 3:33 and 3:35 while training at a pace of 8:00/mile.

While preparing for the 2007 Boston Marathon my conditioning improved so I modified my marathon training pace to a 7:48. I hoped the aggressive pace would prepare me to get under 3:35 at Boston. I approached Boston 2007 in peak condition and finished at 3:38:59. I was pleased with the results but even more determined to work on my 7:48 marathon pace.

After Boston I chose the Houston Chevron Marathon, January 13, 2008, as my next “goal” marathon. The flat course, favorable weather and my familiarity with the route played an important part in my decision. Also, I would change age groups days before the race. If I could meet my pace goals I might be able place in the top 5 of my age group.

I chose the Pfitz 55 mile/week – 24 week program. AN intermediate goal for a 1:37 half marathon PR was set for the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon in December.

I finished the White Rock Half Marathon in 1:38:46 but missed my goal of 1:37.

LR training pace improved from a 9:08 average leading into the 2006 Boston Marathon, to an 8:45. Most LR were done in a progressive fashion and sometimes finished in a strong marathon pace.

MLR training pace remained in the 9:15 range.

General Aerobic training pace remained in the 8:45-8:50 range.

Tempo training pace became worse from an average of 7:13 to 7:25

VO2Max training pace remained in the 6:48 range. Intervals progressed from 600 meter to 1600 meter repeats.

I ran 2 MP runs of 15 and 17 miles at an average of 7:44.

These results along with sub par Tempo runs left me concerned as to whether I could maintain MP for the entire marathon distance.

As I approached race day and during the 3 weeks of tapering my legs were very tired and sore, not unusual for me but still something to worry about.

I followed my tapering plan but reduced my mileage and intensity during the last week to help my legs recover.

Travel, Expo and Carbo loading

We left for the DFW airport on Friday at 6:30 AM and arrived with plenty of time for out 10:30 AM flight. Upon arrival at Busch International Airport we picked up our rent car and headed to the Expo.

The Expo is fun and well organized. There were lots of good deals on shoes and all orts of goodies.

This year we were asked to weigh in after receiving our Bib. My pre-race weight was recorded on the back of my Bib and I would be weighed again after the race.

After the expo we went to the Four Seasons Hotel and checked in. Soon after we walked around the corner to Josephine’s Italian Restaurant for some Pasta carbo loading. The food is excellent but get reservations before you go. It will be packed.

Saturday morning arrived: I looked out the window to see what the weather man had brought us. Temperatures were in the high 40’s and it would prove to be a beautiful 75 degree day

During my morning run I watched the school buses unload kids at the expo. They were preparing for a 5k that would tour the downtown area. You could feel the energy in the air.

As for me, my 4 mile easy run went well. I felt good and ready for Sunday morning. After some stretching I returned to the Hotel.

The plan for the day was to pick up a few more things at the expo, get some breakfast at IHOP, go to a movie, then drive the second half of the course.

We hopped into the car and quickly found an IHOP on the 610 loop. Afterwards we merged onto the course at Richmond Street near the Galleria. It is there that we got directions to the movie theater.

After the movie we began tracing the course beginning at Post Oak Road. We drove the entire course in 2006 but missed the Allen Parkway section, which begins near the 23 mile marker so this year I wanted to make sure to see that area again.

Driving the route started helped me visualize myself running a smooth comfortable race.

The Houston Pasta party is very well planned and the food is excellent. The chocolate chip cookies were gone in a heartbeat. The big difference between this year and 2006 was that there was no presentations, speeches, etc. (at last not while I we were there). So there was a lack of “pumping” up the runners.

We sat with some great folks, one girl was running her first marathon and one father was going to push their handicapped daughter along the marathon course.

As usual I was very anxious all day and even though we were enjoying great company I was ready to return to the Hotel room to try and relax.

I prepared my race clothing for Sunday mornings run then watched The Patriots win another football game. They are just unbeatable. Maybe some of that can rub off on me?

After the game I set the alarm for 4:30 AM and desperately tried to get some sleep.

The morning came quickly: I immediately ate a couple of Power Gels along with 16oz. of Gatorade. Then, it was shower time. Before I knew it we were out the door ad heading to the Staring line at 5:50 AM.

The organizers recommend that you get to your starting area by 6:30 AM. I dropped my wife off at the Hilton while I warmed up by jogging to the start and then back to the Hilton. After my jog we headed to the starting area.

This year there will be a 2 wave start. I have a red bib so I will start in the first of two corrals. Starting time for my wave is 7:00 AM. The second wave will start at 7:10.

The marathon and half marathon line up on two separate streets and merge after a quarter mile or so.

After one last stop at the porta potty (my morning business was not going according to plan, I hoped I wouldn’t have to stop along the course) I am on my way to the starting line.

Just prior to the National Anthem and with just minutes to go, I handed my warm up jacket to my wife and prepared to go.

The canon fired….and we were off.

Leave it on the course and don’t take it home

The sky was dark and preparing for the sun to rise as we ran north into 10-15 mph wind. The air was cool but comfortable and                                                                                    the wind would stay with us for the first couple of miles.

I came into this race more apprehensive than usual.

My primary goal was to get under 3:25; the secondary plan was a sub 3:30. third was any thing under 3:33:26 for a PR.

I chose Houston because of the flat-fast course and the potential for favorable weather. Also, I BQ’ed here the first time in 2006, so I was familiar with the route.

I trained 13 months for this pace and I knew from my training that completing 26.2 miles at 7:48 was risky and could be painful.

If I could come close to my primary goal I would shave an hour off of my first marathon: I might finish in the top 5 of my Age Group: I could even move up in corral position at Boston.

The wise choice would be to run an 8:00 pace for the sub 3:30.

But today was not the day to be wise. It was time to take chance and go for it.

I had to try. When I crossed the finish line, regardless of the results, I had to know that I had nothing left, that any effort I could muster was behind me.

So I am not ashamed to say that I approached this race a little scared.

My plan would be to run easy (8:15) for the first two miles, then alternate pace between 7:50 and 7:40 so I can reach the half way point at 1:42:30

During training my longest marathon pace run was 17 miles, with 14 miles at pace (which averaged 7:42). So, figured I should be able to arrive at the 17 mile marker on schedule.

After that if I begin to falter I can focus on my second goal of a sub 3:30.

I would evaluate my progress at mile 20, make adjustments, and then I would take it mile at a time.

As the first two miles breezed by I felt comfortable. I had rehearsed this in my mind over and over again. I knew my strategy.

Mile 1 plan – 8:30 Actual – 8:13
Mile 2 plan – 8:15 Actual – 7:43

I was a little fast on mile 2, but not faster than my training pace, so felt good about my start.
My legs felt great, breathing was a comfortable 3X3 rate.

Mile 3 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:41
Mile 4 plan – 7:40 Actual – 8:06

Mile 3 and 4, I am feeling great. Mile 4 is a bit slower as I try do                                                                                    “down” all the Gatorade, so no problem here.

Mile 5 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:41
Mile 6 plan – 7:40 Actual – 7:45

At mile 5 and 6, I feel like I am finally in the groove. I feel great and right on pace. I have my first Power Gel.

Mile 7 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:51
Mile 8 plan – 7:40 Actual – 7:46

I am just coasting along. I have not been getting all my fluids so I will make a conscious effort to slow down at the water stops

Mile 9 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:01
Mile 10 plan – 7:40 Actual – 7:57

I am slowing down for a water stop. It is easier now as the half marathoners have turned off at mile 8.5. I feel great and am concentrating on making the half way point on target.

Mile 11 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:55
Mile 12 plan – 7:40 Actual – 7:55

I check my wrist band; I am 4 seconds behind schedule. This is great.

Mile 13 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:45
Mile 14 plan – 7:40 Actual – 7:56

13 mile plan…1:42:05, Actual 1:42:19. Right on target. Now my focus is the 17 mile mark which is the extent of my marathon pace training. I have my second Power Gel

Mile 15 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:59
Mile 16 plan – 7:40 Actual – 8:09

From Mile 15.5 to Mile 16 we are crossing the toughest hill over the 610 Loop. It is very steep so I am not alarmed by my splits, but I need to try and make up the difference. My legs still feel fresh and strong.

Mile 17 plan – 7:50 Actual – 7:57
Mile 18 plan – 7:40 Actual – 8:12

Ah, the 17 mile point, hum, I am off pace now by 75 seconds. OK, I need to get to mile 20 without loosing more time. This should not be a problem. I feel my right sock sliding around: I sure hope this does not lead to blisters. Otherwise all systems are a go.

Mile 19 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:06
Mile 20 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:09

OK….finally the 20 mile mark, well, I am off pace by 2:22. Well, so much for the sub 3:25 but I am still good for the sub 3:30. My legs feel fine but are slightly sore. I feel confident that I can maintain the current pace. Just stay in the low 8’s. I have my last Power Gel.

Mile 21 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:19

I hear the crowds hollering, go 3:30, I think, wow they are quite astute to realize that they are watching runners in the 3:30 finishing time. After another quarter mile or so I see the 3:30 pace group pass me. Oh, that’s what they were cheering about. I need to try and hook up with the 3:30 group but to no avail. Wow, where did this 8:19 come from. I have to find that low 8 minute pace. I can still get under 3:30. I know I can.

Mile 22 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:29

Oh, geez, where did this come from, my legs are staring to hurt. I can’t run slower. Some how I have to suck it up. Should I have another Power Gel?

Mile 23 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:49

AH, c#$%p, 8:49, OK….the wall is approaching, if I can’t pull it together now, I can forget the sub 3:30. I am now 4:29 off pace.

Mile 24 plan – 7:50 Actual – 9:18

Gosh my legs hurt, pace, smace, who cares about pace, just don’t slow down any more.

Mile 25 plan – 7:50 Actual – 9:39

My legs are absolutely killing me; they feel like they are going to seize up. I have got the energy but my legs just don’t want to go any further. I could stop, really I could. Please let me stop. The wall…the wall…I feel like I am dragging this wall behind me.

BUT, only, 1.2 miles to go.

Mile 26 plan – 7:50 Actual – 8:49

Some how I have managed to pick up the pace, a little bit with each passing quarter mile. I can feel myself accelerating. Just keep going faster, the finish is almost there. I turn the corner with about a half mile to go. Pick it up, I gotta pick it up. I can see the finish line, just focus, maybe a personal best; I’ll take a personal best.

Mile 26.2

Mile 26.2 plan – 1:34 Actual – 1:37

I am speeding up and speeding up, as fast as I can go. Finally I cross the finish line almost on pace.

Wow, I finished, somehow. The final .2 miles was close to an 8:00 pace.

Final Results:
Chip time 3:33:59
Overall Place 643/5595
Gender Place 530
Division Place 10/237
Age Grade 69.6%
Pace 8:11
Weight, Pre race – 150
Weight After race - 148

Summary:

13 months of preparation and I didn’t meet a single TIME goal. Disappointed, you bet.

All I needed was 33 seconds for a personal best. But missed time goals and all, as I crossed the finish line I was as thrilled with this finish as much as any other and maybe more.

You see, I actually did reach the most important goal that I had set for myself. That goal was to lay it all on the line, to take a chance, to run a pace that would likely chew-me-up and spit-me-out, which is exactly what it did. If I had ran an 8:00 pace I most likely would have come pretty close to 3:30 and I certainly would have beat my best. But that would have been the easier decision.

Today, easy was not what I wanted: I trained for a sub 3:25 and it was time. When the cannon sounded it was time to test myself, all or nothing, lay it on the line, or however we phrase it. When all is said and done I am pleased with the results, because when I crossed the finish line there I had left othing left on the course: I made sure of that, I reached my most important goal and as I crossed the finish line I smiled. 

Tidbits:

I had more blisters that I have ever experienced, two and the toes on my left foot and eight on the right. Blisters were on top of my toes as well as underneath. The following day my work shoes felt very tight. I later took a closer look at my feet which led to the discovery of all the blisters. My feet hurt from the blisters; I just did not realize the quantity.

Houston introduced an “instant results” area where you could have your chip scanned so you get could get instant results. They were experiencing problems. I heard one of the organizers say, “We have the internet connection, but we can’t get access to Active.com, they have all of the results”.