Minneapolis Marathon

So far this year I've been wondering if we were ever getting Spring or Summer, with snow and many 40 degree days in May I wasn't so sure. Of course our first 90 degree day came on Friday just in time to run a marathon. As I posted yesterday I was really wondering if I was running a marathon since it just didn't feel like it. This feeling continued race morning.

I went into this race without any expectations, 2 small glasses of wine Saturday night an upset stomach and even more GI issues on Sunday morning all made me wonder why I was even attempting. I lined up near the 3:30 pacer and started with a comfortable pace trying not to pay attention to my watch. From the start I just wasn't feeling it and even considered cutting off at the half marathon turn around.

Some how I was managing to run a pretty even pace around 7:30 miles and by Mile 7 was with the 3:20 pacer who was running 7:20s despite his sign saying 7:38/mile. Oh well take advantage of the cooler start and shad and bank some time for later when the heat kicks in even worse. Around Mile 9 the half marathon split off,my legs were sore and I wasn't racing well so I considered only running the half but the split came and went and I continued on with the 3:20 pacer for another few miles. 13.1 miles done at just under 1:40, keep this up and I'll have a huge PR! 

My energy and motivation returned as the course headed into a state park for Miles 14-18. Miles 14-16 were mostly flat with some downhill and shaded! Then came the dirt trail where I nearly ended my race as I hit a stick that rolled under my foot, luckily I caught myself but that could have been bad. Mile18 was awful, I think this is the steepest hill I've even ran during a race! Luckily I got to the top of the hill, turned the corner and there was my cheering section and just past them my team's water stop. I also had someone yelled to me that I was 5th or 6th woman, what?! Okay keep going, I can do this, top10 finish here I come.

Mile 20 and I think someone cranked the heat up, yuck! The shade is gone and there are more hills, why did I decide to run a marathon that's mainly an out and back on my least favorite road to run in the cities? Finally there are sprinklers at the next few water stops, I consider just taking a break and hanging out for awhile, no keep going. Mile 21 and here comes the 3:30 pacer behind me, okay keep him in sight. Mile 22 and now my legs/pelvis aren't happy all I'm thinking about is those unlucky women who end up with pelvic stress fractures, got to love the thoughts that occur during 3+ hours of brutal running. Mile 25 and another nasty hill, come on enough of this. Finally I can hear the finish area, by now I know I can't PR but Top 10 might still be in reach. There it is the wonderful finish line! 3:33:59 (My 3rd best marathon). Even better 2nd place AG finish and 7th woman! I did it Top 10. 

I'm happy with the race considering the conditions and course and being 6 weeks from a great race at Boston. Now time to focus a little more on biking for the duathlon in 3 weeks and get back to work with my trainer.