This is number 5 marathon so I figure I've got a handle on this animal. Go slow at the start, no sprints to pass people, just go with the flow, get a rhythm...Had to pass the PP at mile 6, didn't want to stand in line (little did I realized at mile 8, still would wait) Some congestion on I-90 with 1/2 and Marathon walkers.
On I-90 you get to see the leaders coming back and you get to daydream of being like that, than the cold wind smacks you in the face and you realize that you are 47 and weigh about 206lbs and you have 3 more hours to plod....And than for some reason, I had the 80s group Hooters song in my head AND WE DANCED. Splits were going ok 9:30s, HR was in the high 150s. Saw two barefoot runners, which was a good distraction for the mind to work over. After the half, started to get a slight twinge in the right hip (think it was IT band crossing the hip socket..even though mile 14 was fast 9:04, really wasn't trying to go that fast. Had a good fast shuffle going, pain continually got worse, plus lower abdomens were a little sore, I was wearing a fuel belt with 6 bottles of either hammergel and Perpetuam mix, plus two electrolyte capsules, Was taking in nutrition and fluid with no problems...(as I did another pit stop at mile 21. As I got closer to mile 20, pace had slowed, in survival mode, didn't feel like trying hang with anyone passing me, getting pissed off at people that always say "looking good" What a lie. Just trying to keep my focus on the street so I wouldn't cuss at them. At 20.5 you go up Galer street, very steep, people just walk, I kept chugging (my thought was to be tough and never stop running only to walk at water stations)If you can call my chugging a way running? After 21 down a steep street..that hurt, felt like I was going down sidestep, since the hip felt like it would go out every once and awhile.
This is the Rubicon, the mental game (Never stop, keep going, stay positive in some way), you know the time doesn't matter, just survive and finish, worry about the finish sprint for the cameras at that time. It was at this point of the race that I would pass others that are walking and than they would come back to pass me, than I would pass them back when they returned to walking...Kept wondering if I should walk? Finally crossed the I-5, and a 1.5 miles to go, another steep street to go down. Chatted withanother runner about how this was worse. Finally was about 300m from stadium, wanted to make sure I would be alone in picture, picked up pace somewhat and remembered to not fuss with watch till way after the finish line and look up, not down.

I had a somewhat big turkey day meals, plus ate at a casino buffet the nite before race (mostly carbs)..So I think I ran heavier than I shoulda been..Maybe a slight cause to hip ache. I only did one 20 miler in training. Maybe another one should have been done. Plus I think I need more milage in training. I was happy with the first half, splits were good, just that the hip/ITB kept me from maintaining the pace. Need to fix the lower abdomen issue and start a better stretching and strengthing program.

Walked/wobbled to DW, visited PortaJohn (third time!) so I don't think hydration was an issue. Went into recovery building and ate some clam chowder (Ivars), fruit juices. Walked back to hotel.


IT Band problem, Lower Abdomen (I'm calling it the sports hernia issue).
I followed a limited 3-4 times a week running program, and should have done one or more 20 milers.


I was disappointed that I didn't do about 10minutes better. Actually without the two peestops, it would be about 4:26.
Had some thoughts that this would be my last marathon, and I would stick to Halfs (even had some negative thoughts about IMCDA). But now I'm thinking of nexts years race and how can I overcome the animal.
A good marathon, very scenic, good support.