The Background
I ran the Bandera 100k the previous weekend. I did not run a step between that and the Houston Marathon.
I dieted to get my weight from the 180s to the mid 170s.
I had to work at UHD downtown Friday, so after my duties were done, I walked over to the George R. Brown Convention Center to pick up my packet at the expo. They were giving custom shirts, which were made on the spot with a choice of 4, so there was a 30-minute wait to get the shirt.
I woke up at 2am race day and couldn't go back to sleep. The weather was very cold. Terri and I arrived at the GRB at 5am and waited for the start.
Then, when I got to the corral, I had another long wait, shivering. Poor Terri was cold too waiting for me to start.
The Race
I warmed up pretty quickly. The only problem with the weather was a blasting wind from time to time, but it was not a significant factor.
I tried to go out brisk but conservative, finishing the first 6 miles at around 10-minute pace.
Then I said to myself, reign it back in for the first mental check in at 10 miles, finishing the next 4 at around 10:20 pace.
I was still fresh at 10 miles, I only added a few second per mile as I made it to half marathon. Still feeling strong, I pushed to the next mental check in at 15 miles, which was a 10:35 mile.
I slowed a bit, but was still in good shape at mile 18 in 10:46.
I started lagging, and miles 19-21 were in the low 11-minute range.
My legs were pretty trashed by this point, and miles 22 and 23 were at 11-and-a-half-minute pace.
I was hurting by the last 3 miles, but I said to myself, "I've never walked at the Houston Marathon. I'm not going to start now." Miles 24-26 were at about 12-minute pace, but I ran them.
Seeing the finish line, I calculated I could get in by 4:45, and I ran hard to accomplish that.
Reflections
I gave this an A-level effort. Despite not being totally in shape, I ran to the best of my abilities. I ran every step, and I'm proud of that.
Given I ran 100k a week earlier, the effort was doubly good.
I fueled well, drinking Gatorade every time offered and eating several gels. My energy level stayed pretty good.
I am slower than most of the folks that lined up at Houston Marathon, but I am okay with that. I'm just happy I can still run, thanks to God.
I'm glad I finished in 4:45, because I feel adequately prepared to pace Luke at USA Fit in 2 weeks.
Next year, Houston Marathon is on the same weekend as Bandera, so I will not be running it.
As always, the hoopla and excitement of a big city marathon was thrilling.
Thanks to God, the race organization, the volunteers, friends, all my family, and especially Terri (who endured the cold to be there) for the support!
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