1st overall in 1:17:29. Rob Murphy pushed me the whole way and ran a great race. I had stomach/intestinal issues starting about mile 6 and finally had to jump in a honeypot at mile 10 (not fun running 4 miles holding it back). I Came out of the POP and Rob had passed me, but the relief from the intestinal pain helped and I was able to power through to the end. Almost got hit by a car at 12.5 miles by a guy not looking right pulling out from the park. I think that if it weren't for the GI issues, I would have been close to or under 1:16. I had a similar start to 08, a slower middle section but a faster finish so this is still hopeful for a good training run for SGM. At the start, I am wearing my Powerbar shirt and get recognized from several runners from last year and encourage them to run their best race. Take a PowerBar Gel and am ready to go!
Splits:
1 - 5:26 Start off a bit fast but use the mild downhill to establish a groove for the run.
2- 5:43 Now just easing into my pace for the run. Rob is right there with me running strong on a mostly flat mile.
3 - 5:58 Starting to hit the beginning of the rollers, we pass Teena and exchange hellos and encouragement, she is looking strong!
4 - 6:08 The biggest roller on the course (except the hill at 7-8), just maintaining steady effort for now instead of trying to kill the hills. Rob has dropped back a bit but I know he is there running strong.
5 - 5:42 Over the big roller, now on flat and mild downhill. My GI is starting to talk to me but nothing bad (yet).
6 - 5:50 Still mostly flat, but now I can tell my intestinal issues are getting more noticeable but not to the point of needing to stop, I figure I can run through this mild discomfort.
7 - 5:54 Flat mile before the hill. Come into the aid station and try to grab a PowerBar Gel but the worker let's go before I can grab it. So on I run but then I hear the pounding footsteps of one of the kids trying to catch me to hand me one...he chases me for about 0.25 mile but never gets to me and gives up with a "keep running fast!". Looking back it is probably good I didn't get one with my GI issues which are still there and getting stronger.
8 - 6:02 The wind picks up and pushes us for a mile, up the hill! Run a strong mile up the hill to Century high school. GI issues are now starting to get me worried but I keep pushing to maintain momentum after the hill.
9 - 5:58 Slight uphill section on the worst part of the course for me. GI issues now getting worse and nearly stop at the POP but they have kinda ebbed down and I didn't want to slow as I know Rob is out there ready to pounce. I should have stopped here!
10 - 6:40 GI issues now very bad just past the aid station, nearly stop behind a wall to just relieve the pressure. I make it to the aid station at 10 and have to wait about 10 seconds for someone to get out. SO much relief after the stop! Jump out and the workers say "There goes your guy!" and I see Rob about 20 seconds ahead.
11 - 5:36 Feeling much better and with someone to chase I put on the jets and catch Rob and keep on moving out fast.
12 - 5:51 Trying to keep moving strong but not wanting to burn out, so I scale it back to make sure I have a little left at the end in case Rob chases me down.
13 - 5:42 Picking it up knowing the end is near. I am nearly hit by a car at 12.5 as a guy fails to look both ways even though his passenger looks right at me.
0.1 (0.17) - 1:00 Just roll into the finish praise God for the strength to run this race well. Rob is running great and comes in right behind me.
After the race I talked to lots of other runners, local friends and FRB'er friends (including Teena, Smooth and Kathie...nice to put a face to the name). Saw my buddy Pat B who won the marathon in 2:44, running with cramps from mile 16 on and nearly dropping out at 24 miles but he pushed to the end. Way to go, Pat! Andrea did well finishing the half marathon in 1:40 for third overall and McKay finished the full in 3:35, great job! Bill Mandler and Barry ran good as well.
Lots more intestinal issues at the finish and even after getting home. I have never had this bad a case of cramps after a race of any distance! I feel like #$%&! Hope this goes away soon. I loved the Kinvara as race shoes, hopefully they will work well for the marathon as well.
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