Busting through the not so elusive sub 4:00:00 hour wall!

Sunday, January 17th, 2010

I DID IT, I DID IT! I RAN A SUB 4:00:00 MARATHON!!

I guess by the skin of my teeth, never-the- less I’ll take it!!! I knew it would be close as I crossed the finish line the clock ticked away 4:02:34 gun time. I knew I started farther back in the crowds after the gun, but would my delay be enough to put me under 4:00:00 hours?

I guess I knew it would be possible, but I really wasn’t sure after 3 previous disappointing attempts in 2009. I was excited for Rock n Roll Arizona my first marathon of 2010. The week before I ran the Xterra Boney Mountain trail half marathon and blew away my previous time for that event by 9 minutes. I love trail races, they always make me so much stronger for flat road races. I felt good and had been running more than 40 miles a week for my training. I also had been running hills, speed intervals and even track workouts. But had I done enough?

As for the marathon and the elusive sub four hours, I had been slowly ebbing away my marathon times, learning something new from each experience, like going to the restroom faster, sticking to the same sports drink I had been training with, not to take it out too fast and run more at an even pace range, oh and taking electrolytes!! I’ve also learned not to look at the race as 26.2 miles, but in 5K and 10K segments. I say, “It’s just 4 10k’s.” Although I stretch out the 3^rd one by 2 miles; and when I have 3 miles to go I tell my self, “OK, less than a 5K to go ~ better pick it up!”

It’s interesting talking to all the first time marathoners before the race~ and even though most of them are faster they still ask for tips and advice. It’s cool becoming a more seasoned marathoner with answers to some of the most basic questions.

It was my 7^th marathon and the 4^th since May. My mind still very reminiscent of the challenges and my shortcomings, I felt somewhat confident in offering some common sense advice which was, “Don’t’ go out too fast!”

All to often with the excitement and fanfare of the marathon I’ve learned it’s better to run a little slower and run within a set pace rather than run out too fast and “hit the wall.”

For this marathon I had a plan. For my long runs I had been averaging 8:52 pace, during which my miles would fluctuate from 8:45- 9:00 minute pace, I knew if I gave myself a cushion 3:55:00 marathon pace (9:00 min) I could allow for

short pit stop(s) and still make it in. I did have to stop twice too! Ugh I hate that, but it’s also difficult to run faster when you are trying to hold it! I am resigned to the fact that if I have to go, I am going to- I just will make it fast stop! Usually I just get frustrated if I have to go. I almost wish I could just pee while running like the elites. They don’t stop at all!

Before this marathon ever started I felt like this could be the one that I did it, especially since it was my 7^th marathon and that my bib number was 3773 and that I was in corral 3! I’m not one for believing in superstition but 3 and 7 seven are my lucky numbers – good ju ju for running faster. Every runner seems to have something; like a pair of lucky socks or a hat or jewelry. But I guess when it comes down to it it’s not luck that pushes you faster or gets you through the marathon- it’s pure hard work, determination and mental toughness that placates the thoughts of quitting and the, “Really, I have how many more miles to go?” I have often wondered if other runners have the same thoughts of quitting while running races. I seem to have those thoughts often but manage to push through.

I felt great during the race and managed to keep a good pace, glancing at my Garmin with more frequency than the last marathon. At the half I was at 1:58:24, that’s including 2 potty stops! So

I knew it was going to be close. At 20 miles I was at 3:02:39 so that left me 6.2 miles in 57:21. Although I didn’t know how fast my pit stops were and how far behind

I was from the gun time. All I knew is that I knew it would be close so I better pick it up! Turning down University Road I could see ASU in the distance. The last mile I started passing people as I picked up the pace. While I did I reflected on 2009’s marathons. I was on pace to do it, I’d just have to wait and see.

In May, I ran L.A. and ran 4:15:14, in October in the St. George Marathon I ran 4:17:25, In December in Las Vegas I ran 4:13:42. If I wanted to run a sub 4:00:00 hour marathon I’d have to run almost 14 minutes faster!

As I rounded the last turn, I could see the finish, and the clock ticking away… it was over 4:01:00 hours…. , I passed the finish 4:02:34…. I stopped my watch~ 3:55:49~ I knew my time did not include my pit stops only running time. Overwhelmed with emotion I was happy but I wouldn’t celebrate until I knew. I made my way back to the hotel across the bridge back to my son who was waiting for me as I came up the elevator. He had been getting text messages with my official splits and times. I anxiously told him I wasn’t sure if I went under. He smiled and excitedly shared that I had gone 3:59:38! I began to jump for joy in the elevator, WOO HOOO, Woo HOO! I hugged my son! It was awesome! I P.R.’ed by 14 minutes and 5

seconds!!! Thank God!! Yay! A long awaited victory against myself. I couldn’t have done it alone though Ray and Rory you kept me running even when I didn’t feel like I had it anymore. Nesrein and Jack for inspiration~ Nesrein because you run soooo fast and Jack because you just keep on going, and going and going! Ant for being a good sport and supporter training with your mom and keeping good company on the bike. And finally Jeremy~ I feel you running with me always!