My First Marathon (x2)

I have been thinking about what I might do differently if I were to attempt a marathon again...and maybe what I did right... Things to do differently: * more than one 20 mile training run * train to run it, walk if necessary * Body Glide more surface area than I think is needed * higher SPF sunscreen * sunscreen before clothes (clothes creep up) * don't plan to do a half marathon the next weekend * plan to rest for a few days (minimum) after * don't have a cortisone injection in foot two days after * continue intentional hydration for several days after the race * wear a full hat not just a visor (sunburned scalp isn't fun) Things I think I did right: * choose a race location with consistently good weather * choose a race with a time limit that is achievable for where I am in terms of speed * not trying to do more than 20 miles in training * not going out too fast/holding back in the beginning * training to eat/knowing what I could eat while moving * choose a relatively fla

Now we know how this blog ends. I finished a marathon. It took 7 hours, 9 minutes, 25 seconds...and hours of training, gallons of fluids, and a heap of support from friends and family. Race morning was a bit unnerving. I left the house at 3:57 AM and got to the exit before the airport parking lot (which was a shuttle lot to the race start) at 4:17 AM...and then it took until 5:22 AM to get the 1/2 mile into the airport lot and get a parking spot. Then I joined the shuttle line hoping that I would get on once still since shuttle service theoretically ended at 5:30 AM. Made it to Balboa Park, found the gear check and then headed to a Porta Potty line. Race started and I was still in line, but they use a wave start and I was assigned to corral 32 so I wasn't worried. I got in my corral (actually I decided to drop back a few) in plenty of time. It was nearly an hour after the elites started that we got our gun. It was really really hard not to take off running at half marathon

So today was supposed to be an easy two mile run... Started out good except I forget how hilly my brother's neighborhood really is. Found my first turn just fine. Then I went too far on a hilly street called Wandering...at Rambling I decided I had gone too far and needed to turn. Took a cut through the block on a mid-block trail and kept going. The that street ended so I went over another block. Then I was well past two miles and couldn't find the school I was going to cut through to get back. Stopped at a 7-11 for directions and the guy buying a newspaper told me how to get to the school and I took off on Mountain View. Glad I was going downhill. At the bottom of the street there was a staircase down to another street, not the school. Kept going and I ran into Rancho Santa Fe Road and hoped I was turning the right way. When I got back it was 5.06miles after I started but felt good. Cool and cloudy early morning. So the two turned into five and there were hills, but it

Today was the expo for the San Diego Rock &Roll marathon, which I will run/walk on Sunday. Stood in line for more than an hour but I was the fifth one in the doors. Got my race packet and shirt and swag bag then headed into the merchandise area. Bought a half-zip pullover (mens -as usual). Then I was into the traditional booth area. Talked to some people, avoided some overly aggressive people, and bought some stuff like my favorite socks that are usually buy two get one free at expos. People keep asking if I am "ready" and I am not sure what the answer is. I have been training for months, but I don't know that I would necessarily call it "ready" since I know I have tried and failed at this before. But I also know that I have a lot more experience this time and the is no reason why I shouldn't be able to do this. I just need to think happy thoughts and keep my head in the game during the race. It is starting to feel "real" though - like