Well….The Atlanta Marathon is done

Part of the charm of the marathon is the unpredictability.  Over the course of 26.2 miles you just never know what will happen.  I am working on a detailed race report which has some good stories I can assure you.  If you can appreciate a laugh or two, you will enjoy.  However, as usual, I don’t wait to keep you waiting.

First- I finished.  That is always a good start to a race report.  Trust me, going through the finishing chute and claiming your medal just never gets old.  I felt like I really earned this one.

Second- 3:37 was the time.  My goal was 3:30 and my previous best was 3:55.  It was not perfect but I left the course pleased and I knew I gave it my best effort.  I had nothing left to give.

Third- I learned some hard lessons.  90% of the reason 3:30 was missed was hydration, nutrition and some potential GI issues.  This is where I talk about lessons learned.  I made some critical mistakes this time.  We will get there.

Fourth- The good news- I did not hit “the wall”!

Fifth- Going back to number four, I did not hit the wall, however at about mile 21 somebody dropped a wall on top of my head.  Then, they chained it around my waist and made me drag it to the finish line.  And, I am pretty sure my car felt slow on the way home.  I am convinced I was dragging that wall all the way home as well! 

Again, it goes back to nutrition and hydration.  I only took in about 100 calories the entire race!  I should take in about 200 an hour.  Trust me, we will get to that, all in good time.

All of that being said, I am quite pleased.  In fact, I am excited and I think I finally made some progress on my marathon capability.  Not only that, oh the hills!  Too run a 3:37 on this course, I am amazed I did that.  The course is tough.  The hills are from start to finish but I think the steepest of the hills are in the last 8 miles.  It really took a toll on me.  I have run some tough courses and hilly races but this one takes the cake in my mind. 

I look forward to sharing with you what the day held but I wanted to go ahead and give a quick preview.  I have 12 days to get ready for Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon.  I have no idea what to expect, it is way to early to know how I will feel.

As far as this race itself goes, I thought they did a really nice job.  I would appreciate them doing something about the weather next time, a little chilly for my taste! 

More to come.

Happy running….