Packet Pickup
I picked up my packet on Saturday morning without any issues. My daughter seemed to enjoy the small race expo at the Keva Sports Center, which was near the start/finish of the race. My race number, 1119, seemed familiar to me, but I still can't recall from what.
The Night Before
My family and I had dinner with my aunt, Gail, who lives about 30 minutes away from Middleton. She made the perfect dinner -- pasta, salad, bread, and more -- to get me energized for the race. Jenelle and I didn't have too much trouble getting our daughter (almost 3) and son (almost 1) to fall asleep in a new environment, so I was able to relax, look over the course map, watch the World Series, and catch up with my aunt before getting a decent night's rest.
Race Morning
Props to Jenelle for handling our son, who rose even earlier than I did, and getting him back to sleep. I was dressed and out the door shortly after 6:00 a.m. for a short warm-up around the block. I left my aunt's house (in her van) at 6:40, arriving at the race site in plenty of time for the 8:00 start. I struck up a conversation with the 3:30 pacesetter prior to the race. While I wasn't planning to run in that group, I considered the possibility of breaking the 3:30 barrier if I had a good race.
It was a tiny bit on the cold side (high 20s / low 30s), so I wore a heavy 'throwaway' sweatshirt on top of my orange short-sleeve shirt and a black long-sleeve base layer. My purple NU winter hat, gloves, black shorts, socks, and my orange shoes completed the outfit. I wasn't carrying my phone, but I did have plenty of gels and sport beans.
Here we go!
Things seemed pretty typical at the start, except that I kept my sweatshirt on for a while. Keeping in mind my
PR pace of 8:09/mile that I set in Kenosha earlier this year, I ran a conservative 8:19 out of the gate, picking it up soon after that. After five miles, I was averaging just over 8:00/mile. I ditched my sweatshirt near some bushes by a park entrance, curious if anyone would pick it up. As it turns out, it was still there after the race, so my throwaway sweatshirt, originally purchased for $3 at a thrift store on the way to the
Paavo Nurmi Marathon last year, will see another race.
Early Efforts
My effort remained steady and strong in the first half. As I finished mile 7, I was headed east on Airport Road near the start/finish line. I could hear the buzz of the half marathoners getting ready to start. Mile 8 was a fairly significant hill that led to the double-loop east of Highway 12 that would comprise the next 14 miles of the race. I felt pretty good as I took gels and sport beans to stay energized, taking full advantage of every aid station. After ten miles, I was running at 8:05 pace, which would be a PR if I could maintain it.
Loop One: Moving Right Along
The course was pretty, especially as we entered a more wooded area for miles 10-11. It was at about this point when the half marathon leaders, who were at mile 5 of their race, flew past me. A few cheered me on, which was a really nice and unexpected gesture. I tried to return the favor while they were still within earshot.
I could no longer see the 3:30 pace group for the most part, but there were moments when the course profile allowed me to see pretty far ahead, and they were still within striking distance.
During mile 13, I spotted my cheering section, which consisted of Aunt Gail, Jenelle, and kids (when they weren't napping in our SUV). Always a joy to see them. I executed a perfect transition, losing my gloves and winter hat, exchanging it for a cap, some gels, and a small water bottle.
I finished the first half in 1:46:20, which would lead to a PR if I could duplicate the result in the second half. Before the first loop was done, I had to ascend a hill, steep by Wisconsin standards, at mile 14. This one was bigger than the one at mile 8. I powered through it, knowing that I would have to do it again later in the race. Oh, boy.
Loop Two: Keep It Together
The second loop was a challenge, but it had its bright spots. My splits became more sporadic as I took extra time to ensure I was getting the fuel I needed, hoping to make up the time between aid stations. As I reached the latter portion of the loop (mile 18 and beyond), I was passing the slower half marathon participants, who encouraged me in my efforts.
At mile 20, I was ahead of PR pace, but not by much. My quads felt fine, but my calves were getting a bit sore. I thought about my
performance in Kenosha, recalling the speedy finish that included a 7:40 split at mile 24. I certainly didn't have that edge this time, but I still felt I was okay.
And then, the hill again. Gah. Despite the amazing effort of my cheering section, who stopped to see me several times, the challenge of the course pushed my calves to the limit. I found myself walking the steepest parts of the hill.. My only hope was to pick it up a bit after the loop was over and finish strong.
Hanging On
My splits at mile 22 and 23 were 8:18 each, so I would need solid speed to achieve a PR. My quads were certainly willing, and so was my mind, but the new experience of sore calves got the best of me. My thoughts moved to making this race my second fastest marathon ever, which would be respectable given the course.
A Memorable Finish
With a mile to go, I was fairly certain that I would be done at about the 3:37:00 mark, which would beat my second best performance (
Minneapolis, June 2012) by thirty seconds. As I made the turn, there were plenty of cheering fans. I slowed down a little bit so that I could spot Jenelle, Aunt Gail, and the kids early on. As I saw their happy faces, I took a quick look around me for other runners. There was a slow half marathoner some distance in front of me. I could easily catch her if I turned on the afterburners. Behind me -- nobody. Nobody even close.
My next decision was a no-brainer.
I slowed to a walk and stopped by my family. I extended my hands out to my daughter, and asked her, "Do you want me to carry you?" She ran into my arms with a smile. I picked her up, and we crossed the line together. Here's the result.
Post-Race and Heading Home
As I was gathering some post-race snacks, my daughter asked me for an orange slice, which she ate pretty quickly. Running makes you hungry, but so does cheering! After a quick stop to pick up my throwaway sweatshirt, I met my family back at Aunt Gail's house. After a shower, we enjoyed take-n-bake stuffed pizza from Papa Murphy's. Yum.
With plenty of daylight remaining, we decided to go for a ride on the ferry in Merrimac, which my daughter really enjoyed. Soon after that, we headed back home for a relaxing night.
I'm not sure when my next marathon will take place, but maybe I should finish all of my recap videos before I do another one. :)
Race Statistics:
| Miles 1-5 | 8:19 | 8:07 | 7:54 | 7:56 | 7:51 |
| Miles 6-10 | 8:06 | 8:05 | 8:15 | 8:13 | 8:02 |
| Miles 11-15 | 8:01 | 8:14 | 8:25 | 8:06 | 8:12 |
| Miles 16-20 | 8:08 | 8:12 | 7:44 | 8:17 | 8:00 |
| Miles 21-25 | 8:52 | 8:18 | 8:18 | 9:12 | 9:22 |
| Miles 26-End | 8:46 | 1:50 |
- Finish Time: 3:36:49
- Average Pace: 8:16/mile
- First half: 1:46:20 (fastest first half to date)
- Second half: 1:50:29
- Fastest Mile: #18 (7:44)
- Slowest Mile: #25 (9:22)
