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For this my 1st Marathon, with a few 18 milers, couple 20s and one 24 miler during training I was under the impression that I was ready to tackle this task. During training I even ran over icy trails during a couple of those long runs with my friend and running madman, Roland. Running, sliding and tipping toeing making sure that we do not get injured with just a month prior to the event. We both felt great and ready for it. Our goal was to finish the full 26.2 within the 5 hours timeline.

The night before the event I had some pasta with red sauce and bread.Got everything ready in the kitchen counter. That morning very early, woke up a little nervous, got changed and ready. I had a very light breakfast with some coffee and milk. My wife and daughter were taking me to pick up Roland at a near parking lot and the to the drop off area. I was very fortunate that this event, was close to where I live. That way I do not have to drive too far or add extra stress. At the start lien, a single corral for both the full marathon and half. I was still very dark and no peek from the sun just yet. A huge flag high above the start/finish line, the announcers made a few comments that were hard to understand, since we had over 3 thousands runners participating most of them talking it does create a little bit of noise. One final countdown and off we go to tackle this challenge.

We started really good, but a bit too fast (not bad). We kept pace with the 4:45 pacer for little while and we make sure it was on the line of sight for a very long time. The Tobacco Trail Marathon is a very straight path compare to other previous races. We trained in these trails so we knew what to expect. No big turns with the exception of 4 minor turns in a very wide street that takes us from the starting line to get to the trail and the two turn a rounds.

Since this was a great en devour, we needed all the help we could get. It was very nice to see the family at mile 6 and then again at mile 12. Cheering all the runners and us. Our plan was to run 4 miles, take a fueling walking break and continue. The walk was not going to be more than 2 1/2 minutes. It was also supposed to be a fast walk. We crossed the half point feeling really good. We stopped to use the porta potty which had a line so we lost a few minutes there.

When we started back running we were ok, not as fresh and energetic as we were at the half point, but we were running strong. We were ahead of schedule and well ahead of the 5:00 pacer. The mile 16 fuel break took a little bit longer. We started to feel tired. We had to walk some more at mile 18-20. And even more after that. Legs were super tired and it was very hard to even keep a jog. At mile 24 the unthinkable happened, the 5:00 pacer group (about 4-5 runners) caught up with us and slowly passed us. It was very defeating to see that happen, at that point it was either push hard or give up the goal. We did not gave up, we pushed at got close to the pacer but felt like we were not going to be able to sustain the pace when suddenly the pacer slowed down and the group started to walk. You see they were ahead of schedule according to the pacer’s watch and they were doing a few walk breaks once in a while. We were so glad that they stopped, because we put an enormous effort just to catch up with them. The walk break was nice and gave us time to gain some energy to pursue the last couple miles and finish somewhat strong. Also the support of the pacer by providing encouraging words and helping keep going was awesome. We finished with 40 seconds to spare. It was amazing. I was dead, but very exited and very happy to be able to say that I have completed a Marathon. I was not even done drinking the water they provided at the finish line when I started to think about what went wrong, what did I learn from this, what should I change for next time and…  

                                                         …wait a minute, thinking about the next time? already? Yes, although hard and crazy as it was, I was already thinking about the next one and when should I be ready for it.

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{f1}Month/Year;;;{f1}Event;;;{f1}Location;;;{f1}Type;;;{f1}Time;nn;
Mar-13;;;American Tobacco Trail Marathon;;;NC;;;Full;;;4:59:20;nn;
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Event Highlight & Learning Points;nn;Highlights:

Course: With the exception of couple small hills during miles 1-2 and 24-26 the course is mostly flat with long rolling hills.

Weather: Clear skies but cold.

T1D: Sugars tad high at start. Then remained within running range.

Learning Points:

• 26.2 is a very long distance
• Just because the training runs were fine that is not a warranty that it will go well.
• When will I learn to pace myself in the early miles.
  ;nn;
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