Hartford Marathon

I ran the Hartford marathon for the fourth time on October 11th. The course is flatter at the end, following the river north of Hartford after returning the runners from South Windsor and East Hartford. Coming back from a winter injury I felt I had something to prove since I was not supposed to be running a marathon this year. My stated goal was a 3:17 time. I got to the starting line minutes before it began, and lined up way in the back. The first mile of the race I went out slow, and worked my way through the crowds. The following miles I settled into a sub 7:30 pace and felt very good. It was a lot of work to keep my pace down, I felt relaxed and good. The day was perfect. I got into the zone and had the run that we all work for. As I hit the half way point I felt that I would likely finish in 3:16. Bands played along the course and the crowds were enthusiastic. As I crossed the 18 and 19 mile markers I was slowing but not crashing. 3:17 was always a long shot, but the it was still possible if I could keep up the pace. 7:40's would have done it, but that is not what happened. That carbohydrate wall was looming and I could feel it in a sense of light-headedness. The around mile 21 the legs became drained. I worked for what I could into miles 22,23, and going up hill around 24 both legs cramped to the point of my almost dropping me to the ground. For a second I thought I was done. I decided that hobbling home was better than dropping out. I ran ugly wavering steps, but I ran at 9 minute to 9:30 pace. The last two miles I ran right around a 9 minute pace. Woulda, coulda shoulda's aside I had a great run. I went from dead in the water four months ago to running a marathon in 3:23:11 (chip time). I did this with the support of several friends, and owe a special debt of gratitude to Carrie Stone for encouraging me in all of our runs this summer and fall. Post race I am still excited about Saturday's run, and I am really back.