Austin Marathon
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Austin Marathon - RunMarathon
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Comments: Tried to get up front to start the race with the 2:46 pace group but it was just too packed at the front so I spent the first mile running thru and around people to hook up with the group. Once there I was on the back of the pack of 15 or so. The pack was setup to pace Des Ficker for an Olympic trials spot. We were running right at 6:20ish pace so I settled in for a tough pace. Thru the first 10miles I would drop back a bit and then catch back up but I always stayed with the group. slowly about 5 people fell off the pace. As we came back thru downtown I was feeling good. I was taking a gel every 3-4 miles and a salt tab as well. I would also grab water and g-rade as needed. At mile 10ish we came up on a guy decked out in yellow and black nike gear and after a closer look I was running next to Lance Armstrong. We ran next to each other for about a mile before he turned off to complete the half course. Must say that guy really looks old up close. About mile 11 we hit exposition and it really gets hilly and people are again dropping off. We keep ticking off the miles as we aproach the halfway. Its about that time our group falls a part as Des drops back and 3 guys in front of me take off. We hit the midway point at 1:22ish and i am now stuck between 2 groups. I cant catch the group that took off and if I slow for Des and Paul T I might not hit the 2:50 goal. So I go it alone. Around mile 16 we climb a long hill and then hit a 2mile stretch of road that is straight and seemed to never end. After that I start to fade and the pace is now in the low 7s. I Get caught by 2 guys and start to see Paul and Des getting closer. I then dig down and start to get back to 6:30 pace. The last 6miles were rough. It was now really hot with the sun blazing and i am starting to pass people walking. I managed to catch 2 more people running as we battle a headwind back to downtown. My legs are now trashed and really sore. the last 2 miles in downtown I can hear the women's lead escort motorcycle right behind me. I keep telling myself dont get chicked and keep pushing. As I round the capitol the roads are packed with people yelling. Probably yelling for Des behind me but it still felt good. I come into the chute and see 2:50 and I get really excited. I cross the line and want to drop b/c my legs are ruined. Not long after the cramping started!!!! However it didnt matter b/c I finished in the top 20, hit my goal at my first marathon and qualified for Boston and NYC. What would you do differently?: nothing Post race
Warm down: walked around taking in food and drinks and trying not to let the legs seize up. Last updated: 2010-11-22 12:00 AM
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2011-06-12 12:41 PM |
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2011-06-12 1:30 PM in reply to: #3544699 |
General Discussion-> Race Reports! |
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United States
The Austin Marathon Foundation, Inc.
75F / 24C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 19/4786
Age Group = M35-39
Age Group Rank = 5/486
up early for normal race b-fast and headed to race early since parking was going to br crazy with 20k people downtown.
long walk from park garage to clothes drop, the race start. walked a few miles and made it to race start has anthem going on. I have never seen so many people lined up for a race. Had to weave my way thru people to get up to the front for a good starting spot.