I went into this season with no intentions of running a marathon (my first one) but as the season progressed and I started to realize I was much stronger than I thought, I said what the hell....lets give it a shot. My last triathlon of the year was an Olympic distance so I followed my plan for it in the swim and bike departments but upped my running to that of an Ironman plan I had. I figured it would at least get me to the finish line.
Well Saturday morning arrived here in Richmond and I was excited, with the exception of the fact it was 38 degrees and windy. UGH. I arrived at the race, dropped my bag off at the "Drop Area", and jogged to the Marriott a block from the start line. The lobby had become stretching central and was packed beyond capacity, but it was warm.
I headed out to the start and within minutes, bang.....the race was on. I wanted to control my pace, but also knew what I wanted to accomplish. Tough to understand for a first timer.
Miles 1-5 went by in a blink (7:22,7:09,7:17,7:22,7:16) and I was feeling strong, along with everyone else. Mile 5 was when the marathon started to test me. Something popped in the arch of my right foot and shot a dull, annoying pain throughout my entire foot that would last the rest of the race. I still don't know what it is but damn it hurt. I kept pushing on and miles 6 - 13 went without issue (7:25,7:07,7:20,7:29,7:17,7:23,7:25,7:17) and I went through the half in 1:36:28. This is where either a lack of miles or the cold set in as the quads started to tighten. Miles 14-19 were a bit slower but still consistent (7:29, 7:31,7:52,7:47,7:47,7:49) and thats were my marathon began. Wow......everyone tells you how tough miles 20-26 are....but wow. Mile 20 was my first 8 minute mile (8:06) and where I really started to understand who I am as an endurance athlete. My foot was killing me, my quads hated me, but my hydration and nutrition had my energy levels still high and I knew I was tough. Mile 21 (8:16), Mile 22 came back (7:51), Mile 23 (8:05), Mile 24 (8:05), Mile 25 the hammer dropped on me (8:23), Mile 26 (8:05). As I hit the 26 mile mark I could see the finish. It was all down hill and never did I think downhill could hurt so bad. Thankfully my wife and 4 year old little girl were there (all bundled up) to cheer dad on and my spirits were lifted as I crossed the line hands raised with a time of 3:20:03. After I crossed that line I realized I was much stronger mentally than I gave myself credit for, and that normal walking would not resume for a few days. It was a great experience and a much needed builder as I prepare to take on IMKY next year.

Thanks to all who helped me reach my goals this year. For a guy who weighed 240 lbs in May of 06' to be 165 lbs, a HIM finisher, 2 Podium places in OLY, and now a Marathon finisher took the patience and support of my wife, and the help of a lot of people....including you all. Thank You.