It was a glorious run until mile 13.1. The race started great despite waiting in the cold open corral for twenty minutes. I hit my goals and felt great passing the half marathon mark at 2:01:55. Running down Jackson, I felt a part of my calf cramp, quads, and hamstrings cramp. I slowed down and ran through it until it became unbearable. I stopped right before the 25k mark to stretch the hammies out. I stopped across the street from Rosebud in Little Italy and stretched out my calves. On Archer Avenue, both my legs seized up. I pulled over to avoid being roadkill. I couldn’t stretch my legs in any direction because it would cramp up the opposite muscle. When I attempted to stretch and knead my quads, my hamstrings would cry. My quads and hamstrings would cry in unison when I try to stretch and knead my calves. I stood there disappointed. I made the sign of my cross across my body and prayed.
I wanted to move forward even if it was a crawl. I eventually walked like a toy soldier with no knees. I waddles down the course until the stiffness went away. I tried to trot when I could. The clock reminded me of the final goal slipping away. I tried to push myself during the last two miles but I ended seizing up again. All I could do was walk to the finish line to end the day in 4:52:36.
I teared up at bag check last year. I went the distance. I gave it all I got. I felt a bummed this year because it ended in disappointment. I had more to offer but my leg muscles wouldn’t cooperate. My mind wanted to push harder. My spirit wanted to push harder. My lungs and heart wanted to pump more oxygen. My abs was ready for more.
In the Children’s Memorial Hospital tent, I debriefed Matthew and Patrick. Patrick told me that his legs cramped up at mile 20 and ended up walking towards the end. He arrived at the finish line at 3:41:40, close to his original goal. Matthew suggested that I do a slower and longer warmup for a cold race like today. He said it’s like priming an engine. Another tip he gave me was stretch more in chilly weather.
I checked Michelle’s time. She ran her first marathon very well. Her half marathon time today was 3:03:16 and she finished in 6:44:49. It’s a great time considering everything that’s on her plate this year. I hope she continues to run when she move back to the Bay area because I need a running partner when I visit!
Up next is Philly. I’ll take what I’ve learned here and prepare for a better race.
Don’t be to hard on yourself. This year was my first Marathon ever. (3:25.53). I am 54 years old so I was worried about my legs not making it. I trained very hard for it since march. The key to not cramping comes from the training. Start early and stretch before and after every run. more miles better endurance. Also hydrate. this is key, Bananas before hand at least three hours, then a electrolite drink. on the course take what you can even if not thursty. your body needs it but will not tell you. so take it anyway. Best of luck!
Thanks for your kind words and congrats on finishing your first marathon! You’re right. I shouldn’t be hard on myself. Despite not doing well, I did achieve a PR for myself. I learned a lot from the 2009 Chicago Marathon and will apply if for this Sunday in Philadelphia. I stayed hydrated during the entire race and my pre-race food was okay but could be improved on. There were three things that I need to change. First, I need to pace myself better so I don’t burn off all my energy. Second, I need more calories during the race. I consumed Gatorade at all the aid stations but that wasn’t enough for an event that burns 4000 calories. Finally, I need to show up early so I can properly warm up before the race. Last year, I ran the marathon by myself. I took the early train and got there an hour early. I carpooled with my brothers and picked up my friend so I only had about twenty minutes to check my gear in and stretch. I’m definitely going to be eating more bananas and apples before the race.
I hope you have a great winter running season!
–mark–
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