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The 11th Austin Motorola Marathon was run
on Feb 17, 2002. It turns out it was my fifth marathon, and
I was looking for a comeback from #4, having been injured
in 2001 and walking a lot of it.
I really thought I was ready. I had completed all my training
runs up to 21 miles, without injury or serious fatigue. I
figured I could run a 4 hour, 9 minute marathon if I paced
correctly. I even put together a pace chart that adjusted
my pace goal depending on uphill or downhill. It was also
a good way to keep myself from heading out too fast. Of course,
I discovered if I was going to use it that I would have to
wear my glasses this time.I couldn't see the numbers no matter
how big I made them; plus I was going to have to read my new
watch and I KNEW I couldn't make THOSE numbers bigger. Alas,
the years have taken their toll.
So, I got my nerdy foto-gray "goggles" that I used
to wear, and they seemed to do the trick. We got up at the
normal 4:30 AM to get ready and get to the race finish to
park our car. Then, on to the bus to take us to the starting
line 26.2 miles away. We met up with friends there, tried
to stay warm, took pictures, encouraged each other and eventually
started the race.
I was holding to my pace schedule pretty well. I ended up
unloading my "killer bee" shirt at mile 6. Even
though it was in the mid-40's by then, I was heating up and
I didn't really need the shirt over my tank top. That is the
first and last time I will leave a shirt I want to keep at
a water stop. I never did find it amongst the post-race "pile"
of clothing.
Around mile 16, I started losing ground to my pace schedule.
I was getting tired, and it was getting too warm for me to
be running at the pace I had planned. Hopefully, I could hang
on for 10 more miles. The only race crew help I had planned
was meeting Stephan, my son-in-law, and Shane, Stephanie's
boyfriend, at the 20-mile point. But look as I might, I could
not find them. Oh well, get another good drink, stretch and
keep moving.
By now, I knew it was not going to be my day. There are so
many variables involved in a marathon, and I had not factored
in the temperatures climbing as fast as they did. I recalled
how cold it stayed during the other long training runs we
had done. No wonder those runs were easier! My legs were pretty
tight through miles 21, 22 and 23, which I had experienced
before in other marathons. Then, something new happened.
As I approached the water stop at mile 24, I started getting
dizzy. My arms tingled and I got a chill. I had a vague memory
from a first aid course that this was heat exhaustion, and
I better find a tree to lie under and some more water and
something sweet to eat, like NOW. No need to prove how tough
I was at this point. Fortunately, a Monica-marathon-trainee
husband as there on the sidelines cheering us on. I sent him
ahead to get what I needed and I had a seat (Thanks, Matt).
After some water, a coke, some potato chips (ever try eating
potato chips when your mouth is dry? strange) and a banana
and 20 minutes rest, I felt a lot better. At least I thought
I did.
As I tried to stand, every muscle in both legs cramped up.
So, I spent the next 15 minutes trying to massage and stretch
all of that out. That done, I got permission from the first
aid person to keep going to the finish. My time would be disappointing,
but at least I would finish.
I met up with Stephan and Shane about a half mile up the
road. They were returning from the finish on their bikes to
try to find me. Turns out they were at the 20-mile point when
I was there, but they didn't see me there either. Like I said,
not my day.
I'm walking about a half mile from a 5:20 finish and I get
this great idea. You see, I've never finished a marathon with
Monica before. She runs a slower pace and I figured this was
my opportunity, make the most of the situation. So, I stopped
and stretched a bit and walked back the other way to meet
her. Sure enough, she comes down about 20 minutes later, looking
strong. SHE paced herself correctly.
We gather with some of her other red group runners and cross
the finish line together at about 5:45. It's a personal best
for Monica and no major aches. Plus, since she started further
back in the pack than I did, her electronic shoe chip time
is actually 2 minutes better than mine. I guess she has bragging
rights until next year! I've recovered from my mile-24 mishap
and resolve next year will be more enjoyable, if not faster.
At this point, I'm enjoying the process of getting to the
marathon even more than the marathon itself. It keeps it fun
even on marathon days like this one.
'Til Next year...Tom
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