Remind me again why we do this? I should be elated, my ultimate goal was a 3:30 and my I'll be happy goal was 3:45 (BQ)- but I'm not. I had maintained an 8:03 average page until the last 5 miles, at which time my legs did not want to continue and my right quad started to spasm so I ended up walking at least 1/10 of each mile. I guess what I really want is to complete an entire marathon without having to walk. So, as I think back over the race I wonder if I went out to fast, or was my training not good enough or am I just a wimp? Pain is temporary so why couldn't I just push through it? My splits on my Garmin were as follows: 8:15, 7:43, 7:39, 7:35, 7:39, 7:47, 7:44, 7:47, 7:54, 7:57, 8:00, 8:07, 8:10, 8:13, 8:25, 8:15, 8:22, 7:59, 8:14, 8:09, 8:25, 8:32, 7:46, 8:53, 9:13, 9:59, 2:52 (.33 mi). The last 3 miles cost me at least 4 minutes- Grrr- I was so close to my 3:30 goal.
Just a note- no matter how cute it is or who gives it to you never wear a new outfit on race day. My daughter gave me a hot pink running skirt for Mothers day so I felt I should wear it, Not such a good idea- it's bad enough to have tired thighs but tired, raw thighs really stinks. Add to that 2 black toenails, and two quarter sized blisters. And I chose to do this to myself.
OK- I feel better now. The course was beautiful, and the aid stations were wonderful. A little better training and some experience and I will rock this course! Maybe next year.
St. George here I come. Oh- and I can't forget Wasatch Back and Hobblecreek.
Does anyone know how to prevent muscle spasms? This is my second marathon and I have had them in both at about the same mile marker.
