Des Moines Marathon - Run


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Des Moines, Iowa
United States
IMT Des Moines Marathon
40F / 4C
Sunny
Total Time = 4h 06m 4s
Overall Rank = 565/1392
Age Group = M45-49
Age Group Rank = 58/106
Pre-race routine:

try to stay warm in the sum 40 degree weather before the race start.
Event warmup:

light stretching
Run
  • 4h 06m 4s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 09m 23s  min/mile
Comments:

I ran a good and steady pace me me at about 8:30 - 8:45 for the first 18 miles slowing only to take water at the 8 mile and 15 mile aid stations. I started to slow to around 9:00 / mile from mile 18-21. I slowed at the 21 mile aid station to take water and fuel and I could feel my legs turn to stumps. I struggled to get up to running speed again and the pace slowed to 10:00 - 12:00 minute / mile from mile 21 to the end. I did manage to suck it up and finish the last half mile strong with the help of the cheering crowd.
What would you do differently?:

I needed to do more long training runs going into this event but didn't have time between the end of the triathlon season and the marathon. Overall I am pleased with the results for a first marathon even though I had hoped to finish in under 4 hours which I was tracking at until mile 22.
Post race
Warm down:

Walk a couple blocks

What limited your ability to perform faster:

long distance training

Event comments:

My first ever marathon! There was an aid station at least every mile except a 2-3 mile stretch through a 8' wide paved forest trail. The course was a little hilly for the first 8-9 miles then flattened out. There were plenty of volunteers and fans lining most of the streets.




Last updated: 2015-10-15 12:00 AM
Running
04:06:04 | 26.2 miles | 09m 23s  min/mile
Age Group: 58/106
Overall: 565/1392
Performance: Good
Course: Start in down town Des Moines with a 3-4 mile run in downtown then out into some nice residential areas with rolling hills, then through the campus of Drake University including a lap around the track that circles the football field in their stadium. After another run through some of the same residential area, the course goes through two Des Moines parts including Water Works Park and Grey's Lake Park. It finishes back where it started after a 2 mile run through downtown.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %1
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 4
Physical exertion [1-5] 4
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5