How did I run my best race yet?
Let's take a look...
Training
My first 3 FALL marathons
I trained through the summer for a fall marathon.
I was very sure to make each of my runs count.
I stuck to a strict discipline of runs that I thought were going to get me through the race.
I never missed a long run.
For the Winter marathon
Because of the unpredictable winter weather, I did miss several midweek runs.
Some of my long runs were cut short because of the weather or just not being ready.
I did not train with the carefulness and intensity of the others.
Race Day
2004 Marine Corps Marathon
It was HOT! The heat got to me! I DID finish in 4 hours and 59 minutes.
2005 Suntrust Richmond Marathon
It was COOL. My legs cramped at mile 23 but I finished in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
I kept a steady 10 minute per mile pace.
2006 Suntrust Richmond Marathon
It was HOT again! I took a more careful approach and finished in 4 hours and 28 minutes.
It was a great day for a run! At 8 AM the temperature was in the mid 30's and it was not going to get much warmer.
Why not go all out and try for a personal record?
I would try to push myself from the beginning. I wasn't sure I could make it running 'faster' for the whole race, but it felt like the right time to do it!
I ran so fast that my wife missed me at the half-way point!
I ended up running a PR of 4:14! (Miles 16-18 were even at a 9 minute pace!)