Mission Accomplished!

Race: Philadelphia Marathon by jbaker614 at Garmin Connect - Details

I'm not really sure how to describe how I am feeling right now. Yesterday, I achieved a goal that I set out to do about 3 years ago by completing my first marathon race. And, I managed to achieve a finishing time that was right in the zone that I was targeting (between 4:10 and 4:30) -> 4:23:46!

Although I would have liked to finish closer to the 4:10 time, I am still very pleased with my accomplishment. And, considering most of the advice I received from experienced runners was to just focus on finishing, I feel like I came out ahead by finishing and meeting my target time expectations. I think there is a lot to be said about being meticulous about following a training program. And, that I did! The 16-week program that I followed focused more on time rather than distance and included 2 rest days per week. I learned that REST days are equally important as RUNNING days, especially being a 50+ year old runner in training.

Similar to being meticulous with my training plan, I was also very careful with my preparations for the 18^th Annual Philadelphia Marathon. Here is a breakdown of my race day prep:

• Finalized and prepped all of my running gear the night before the race and retired to bed at 10:00PM
  
• Woke up at 3:30AM on race day to make sure I had enough time for stretching, breakfast, and taking care of 'biological' business before I left the house
  
• Left the house at 4:45AM sharp to travel into Philadelphia and found a parking garage close to the start and finish line
  
• Arrived at the starting area right around 6:00AM and mingled in the crowd of excited runners
  
• Positioned myself in the Purple corral by 6:40AM in anticipation of a 7:00AM start
  
• Moved up to the starting line and finally started my race around 7:20AM
  

My biggest fear was that I would start out too fast. But, the crowd of runners through most of Center City Philadelphia kept me at a slow enough pace that I didn't have to worry about burning off too much juice at the start. I averaged a 9:45 pace for the first 14 miles, took a biological break around mile 15, picked it back up and then slipped to a 10:30 pace between miles 18-24. I wouldn't say I hit the wall at mile 18. My energy level was still pretty good (I was slurping 'Gu's' every 5 miles and kept myself hydrated with water and Gatorade at all of the stations) but both of my Achilles started to bother me around that time which detracted from my focus. But, I kept seeing signs in the crowd that read "Pain is temporary…. Pride lasts forever" and I kept reminding myself how proud I would be when I crossed that finish line!

I have to admit that the last 2 miles are pretty much a blur. I started to feel nauseous and I just wanted the race to be over! I do remember running next to a younger fellow who was really struggling and he kept repeating to himself, "Under 4:30… under 4:30" so I knew we both had the same goal in mind. I can't remember if he finished ahead of or behind me but I am certain that he did finish.

I do remember feeling such a huge sense of relief when I saw the finish line and time clock within my reach and finally crossing that line! I couldn't help but nostalgically reflect on all that I'd been through to get to that point in time. I wanted to capture the moment and savor it. It didn't take long for my friend, Tim and my brother, Steve to hail me to the sides shortly after I finished to hug and to congratulate me. What a beautiful moment indeed.

If you asked me 24 hours ago if I would do this again, I'm not sure how I would answer. I could barely move and I was in pain. But, sure enough, Pain is temporary. Who wouldn't be in pain after running 26.2 miles? It is a grueling experience but the rewards I feel right now will not be temporary. I proved to myself that I can clearly accomplish a goal by making a commitment and following through on a plan.

So, my biggest question right now is not
Will I run another marathon? Rather, the question I am asking myself right now is Which marathon will I run next?