Mission Accomplished

Yesterday, I took part in my first (and probably last) marathon. I finished in about 3:54:00 which was right about what I was hoping for. I knew that if I didn't make it under 4hrs that I would feel the need to do another one. I don't in any sense consider myself a runner so this was a major accomplishment. Even more so, considering my condition in early January. Many of you already know how I was out early on a Saturday morning riding my bike when I tried to help the police run down some thug who had commited a couple of felonies. To make a long story short, I ended up need staples in two spots in my lower right leg that kept me from training for a few weeks.

Some observations from Saturday's run:
* The first few miles were great as we were heading down to the river and there were hot air balloons overhead.
* It was nice to have an event where I got to stick to my plan (ie ~9min miles throughout)
* 2.5mi between aid stations is way too much over the last 10 miles; especially when they run out of cups
* I can't remember my stomach feeling worse than when I headed up Central at mile 25 and had to run past big trucks that had been sitting there in the lane over spewing exhaust; and then going past McDonalds. That coupled with slight dehydration almost did me in
* I've had plenty of "runners" tell me a marathon is harder than a Half-Ironman. My opinion is that it certainly isn't. I felt much better at mile 13.1 in the marathon than I ever have at the start of the run on a HIM. Plus, doing a HIM requires competence and training dedication in 3 different event.

Special thanks go out to Matt for keeping on top of me and making me do this; Summer for allowing me to hang out with her at the back of the pack at the start keeping me from going out to fast; my family for their support in all areas ( too many to account for here).