Friday, November 2, 2012
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Summary of My MCM Results
I've been slicing and dicing my result data trying to figure out how well or badly I did last weekend. I'm a data guy so I just can't help myself sometimes! That is why I love running so much - there is enough data to satisfy anyone who is the least bit interested in statistics.
So, here is how I placed in the race:
- Overall, I placed 10,781 out of 23,530 runners. That puts me in the top 46% of all runners. (In other words, 54% of all runners finished after me).
- For men, I placed 7,209 out of 13,526 runners. That puts me in the 53rd percentile for male runners.
- In my age group (Male 55-59), I placed 283 out of 750 runners. That places me in the top 38% of runners in my division - missing the 'Top Third' in my division by 5% (33 runners).
- Overall, the average time for all runners was 4:46:05. That means, on average, I ran the course 9:09 faster than all of the other runners.
- The average time for all Male runners was 4:37:26. So, even in the Male category, I came out ahead by 32 seconds!
- And, the average time for my division (Male 55-59) was 4:52:56. In this category, on average, I ran the course 16 minutes faster than my peers!
Cheers Everyone!
John
Monday, October 29, 2012
MCM 2012
First, after having a busy and successful set of runs this past summer, I injured my left foot during a half marathon I ran in September. This came in the middle of my 'peak' training period for the marathon so I was not able to reach my maximum training potential. The longest 'long run' I was able to complete was 18 miles; not the 20 miles I was targeting. And, I only ran an 18 miler once, not twice as per plan. But, I stuck with it and didn't let my mishap totally derail my plans. After all, this was the only marathon I planned to run this year!
Second, I had the support of my family and friends and they were there to cheer me on at the race. What a great feeling it was to see the smiling faces of my loved ones in the visitor stands approaching the finish line! Plus, we were able to make a weekend of it in Washington, DC and enjoyed sightseeing and dining. It was a great family weekend!
Yes, I have to admit that I am dissapointed with my results. After finishing the 2011 Philadelphia Marathon in 4:23:46, I was hoping to beat that time and finish closer to 4 hours. Obviously, that did not happen. My finish time for the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon was 4:36:54. That's 13 minutes longer. Or, another way to look at it - that's 13 minutes slower. But, I do have to remind myself that in addition to my abbreviated training program, this was a very different course than Philadelphia. It certainly was hillier - Philadelphia was almost completely flat. And, the weather conditions were less than favorable this year with strong wind gusts as a result of approaching Hurricane Sandy. And, this course was much more congested due to the large number of runners (estimated to be 30,000). At mile 15, I was still trying to maneuver through blocks of runners trying to find my pace. No excuses. I'm just trying to put everything in perspective. Certainly, 26.2 miles is a long way to go so variations in the course and weather conditions can have a considerable impact on the final outcome.
The good news is that I felt much better immediately after finishing this year's marathon than I felt last year. Last year, I remember saying to myself, "I will never does this again!" This year, after I finished I felt very proud and began to wonder where my marathon running would take me in 2013. I still haven't decided which race to target for next year.
By far, the most memorable experience of this year's race was when the Marine presented me with the race medal, placed it over my head and around my neck, saluted me, and thanked me. It was a humbling and emotional experience. I, in turn, returned his salute and thanked him for his service.
Semper Fi!
John
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