not giving up on the comeback

Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon

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Member Since:

Feb 19, 2009

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Half Marathon Finish

Running Accomplishments:

2:43 Marathon

1:17:45 Half Marathon

59:09 10 miles

17:15 5k

Still Running (again) after all these years

Short-Term Running Goals:

get back to it and not be a fat blob

Long-Term Running Goals:

Enjoy running my whole life

Personal:

Married 21 years- - two kids - 18 year old boy and  15 year old girl

Click to donate
to Ukraine's Armed Forces
Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Race: Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:43:44, Place overall: 2, Place in age division: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.0026.200.000.0026.20

the big day has finally arrived!

less than 2 hours to go and I'm finishing up some more bagels and banana and H20.. 

 

This was my one shot at a marathon this year.  It was the culmination of months of training.   Starting in the spring I made it a point to build a base like never before, with 50 mile weeks as a rule.  I started building up from there in August, with a peak week just over 80 miles in October.   My tune up races had gone well, especially my 10 miler in September which was a surprise time.   When I plugged in that time into the McMillan predictor, it had my marathon time at a 2:45.  So after that day I had that time in mind and I ran my paces based off of that.  My plan was to print the 2:50 pace band and have that as a guide.  I wanted to follow that for the first half and then do what I could to speed up in the second half. 

Fast forward to race day…
I remembered to print my pace band this year.  Last year I had to do it right before bed, by hand...
My fueling went well at the hotel.  I didn't oversleep either of my alarms like last year. It was also nice to have  everything set out for each feeding time.  It all went down well and I didn't feel too yucky afterwards.  However, for next time I need to have more shake or smoothie to take the place of some of the bagels..

The weather was perfect - low 40's at race time and very light winds, maybe 1-2 mph.

I got to the race with just enough time to do a little warm-up and hit the potty a couple of times.   The lines actually weren’t that bad.  It only took a couple minutes to get through that line.  WOW – that was nice. 

Then I lined up a couple of rows back from the front and we took off.  The first mile around the fort's parade grounds was a little slow but after that we started making my 2:50 pace band useless.  Basically I ran with the lead group and did all I could not to lose them.  The miles clicked by and I really had no idea what pace we were running.  It didn't really feel that hard.  It was like we were just out for a group run.  The guys were talking about going for 2:45-2:50, so I was pretty happy with that, cause that was my plan too.  One guy took a 20 meter lead and we weren't sure if he was in the half or the full, but when the half split off, he went that way (there were no other half runners near him and he won easily with a 1:22:xx).  Another of the lead group had taken off to split the gap but once the half runner split off, we caught up to the other guy and were a group of 4 by the 10 mile mark. 
From there we chugged along and hit the 1/2 mat at 1:22:32 which was a lot faster than I had planned.  Right after that Gino and I must have taken down the pace by 5-10 seconds a mile because soon after that I couldn't hear the footsteps of the other two guys.   Either that or those guys slowed down, I'm not sure which happened.  Anyway, I actually led a mile or two and it was pretty cool.  I've never led a race before.  It was cool especially that far into the race.  But he didn't want me to get away and eventually caught me up.  We ran right next to each other for another several miles.  At 20 I started to feel like I really wanted the race to be over.  It was getting hard.  I wasn’t hitting the wall but I was feeling the affect of the pace that I really wasn’t prepared for.  :)
I hung on to Gino until the 22 mark where the route goes out of the park for a mile and a half.  I just couldn't keep up his relentless pace anymore and he gapped me.  I did my best to hang on and mentally not give up.  I felt like I had second place wrapped up and I really just was trying to run as fast as I could to get the race over with.  The course from 24-25.5 is on an old paved road that is busted up, pot holed and patched -- really hard to run on when you are dying a slow death at the end of a marathon. 
I kept on truckin' running as hard as my sore legs and feet could go, holding out hope that Gino might cramp up or stumble or something.  Finally I got back to the parade grounds and Chrys saw me and yelled for me.  Just as I got onto the circle the cannon went off for Gino winning.  But seeing the family picked up my spirit and I was able to hammer the pace a little bit and finish strong.   2:43:44 over a 10 minute PR over last year’s race. 

Thoughts on the race –
#1 It was really fun running with the leading pack. I knew going into the race that Gino was the one to beat.  I took my best shot at him.  I came up a little short but I ran way over my head and hung in there.   It was like running one of those races you see on TV, albeit much slower that the elites do it.  ?
#2 Running fast with other runners is a whole lot easier than by yourself.  I knew I was going out faster than planned and I went with it.  I made the decision early in the race that I didn’t want to lose the lead group.  That was the right decision.
#3 - I love my magic shoes. 

Bonus -- Sawyer ran in the Jr. marathon and did awesome!  Next year Quincy will be old enough to do it.  

I'll try to figure out how to post a couple pics later today...

 









Weight: 134.00
Comments
From Rhett on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 17:51:10 from 216.67.216.176

If you can eat more than Smooth's BIL Gary before a marathon, you deserve a special award. I'll be awaiting your report.

From MarcE on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 19:45:32 from 206.225.68.25

I heard you did awesome!! Your wife spilled the beans on Facebook. Can't wait to hear all about it -- and find out what cool award you got! Congrats.

From Andy on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 21:47:17 from 198.60.114.178

Wow! Great job today. I knew you were fast but that is amazing. Congratulations!

From Teena on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 22:00:50 from 174.52.45.85

WHAT???? Somebody tell me ... what was his time?

From Andy on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 22:45:37 from 198.60.114.178

His time was really, really fast.

From Teena on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 22:52:01 from 174.52.45.85

How fast is really really fast?

Come on Andy ... spill the beans or tell me where I can find it!

From Teena on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 22:59:44 from 174.52.45.85

That is SMOKIN' fast!!!

From Teena on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:00:24 from 174.52.45.85

Hey ... where did Smooth's comment go? That was weird!!!

From Smooth on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:03:49 from 174.23.240.142

2:43:47!?! 1st in your AG!?! Am I right? CONGRATS Tim! YOU're AWESOME!!! Can't wait to read all about it!

From Smooth on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:06:00 from 174.23.240.142

It's actually 2:43:44! SECOND PLACE overall!!!! WOWEE!!!

From Smooth on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:08:33 from 174.23.240.142

Oh, the 1st place guy is also in his AG, he was a stinkin' 39 seconds ahead! SO CLOSE!!! Tim! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!

From Rhett on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:09:35 from 216.67.216.176

Wow Tim, AMAZING! I can't wait to read all about it. Do the math for me, that's like a 6:20 pace or something?????

From Smooth on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:10:43 from 174.23.240.142

6:15 pace!!!! INCREDIBLE!

From Teena on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:21:40 from 174.52.45.85

That is beyond incredible!!! MAN ALIVE!!

WOW!!!! I can hardly wait for the report!! Come on Tim ... don't make us wait to long!!! :)

From Rhett on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:22:40 from 216.67.216.176

Is that your final answer Smooth??

From Smooth on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:25:35 from 174.23.240.142

Umm, yes...I guess! :)

C'mom! CHAMP! TIM! We're dying to read your report!

From Teena on Sat, Nov 14, 2009 at 23:25:53 from 174.52.45.85

Laughing so hard!! That was awesome Rhett!!! :) :) :)

Oh man SSF, I sure do love you!

From DonGardinero on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 02:15:53 from 75.162.163.10

SWEET!!! Way to go, Tim. Can't wait to real all the details.

From timp on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 09:32:34 from 66.167.51.103

thanks everyone- now you all know - I'm working on my race report but I'm not sure where to begin...

From Teena on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 09:40:44 from 174.52.45.85

Begin w/ 1 hour and 59 minutes to go (where you left off) and don't leave anything out!!! :)

Seriously, we want each and every detail!!! Seriously!

From Smooth on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 13:35:03 from 174.23.240.142

WOW! WOW! WOW! Tim!!! :) :) :) :) :)

You ROCK!!! I LOVE every word of your report!!! Such an exhilaration to visualize you in the lead pack. All your hard work in training and preparation paid off. HOW EXCITING!!!

I LOVE your thoughts on the race...especially the courage to go with the lead pack, trying to beat Gino and knock out a 10 min PR!!! EXCELLENT, OUTSTANDING, SUPENDOUS, AWESOMEST PERFORMANCE!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! SO SO SO SO SO HAPPY for you! Kudos to Sawyer too and next year Quincy! They must be SO PROUD of their daddy!!!

How cool that they fire a cannon for the winner...I guess it is a "battlefield" marathon! They better fix those potholes for next year's battle where you will claim the winning title!!! Congrats again! :D

From DonGardinero on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 14:49:46 from 75.162.188.51

Tim, thanks for the detailed report and congratulations again for 2nd overall. That is very awesome!!! I can't even imagine what it would be like to run with the lead pack. Very cool.

From Teena on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 15:07:56 from 174.52.45.85

LOVED the race report. I got chills thinking about you running in the lead pack and even leading for a couple of miles. Seriously, how many people get to experience something like that!!! SO INCREDIBLY AMAZING!!!

And what guts to decide from the get go to stay with the lead pack even though they started out so stinkin' fast! You are beyond tough!

I can not say congratulations enough! What a fantastic race. Please print out a copy of your race report and put it someplace safe. Your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids will be so so so grateful. Seriously!!!

Also, extremely cool to have your family cheering you on at the finish. I am sure they were SO proud!!!

Congrats to Sawyer as well!!!

Seriously ... I am so in awe!

From Rhett on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 18:13:47 from 216.67.216.176

Sweet report Tim and a huge congratulations on an excellent race. It is way fun to run a race against others instead of just the clock like most of us normally do. A 10 minute PR, especially at your speed, is ginormous. You inspire me to push myself a bit harder. And oh yeah, can I borrow the "magic shoes?" : )

From timp on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 19:05:52 from 129.188.33.26

everyone - thanks for the kudos. I really appreciate the feedback you guys have given me since I've joined this blog site. You all really do keep me going.

From timp on Sun, Nov 15, 2009 at 19:22:48 from 129.188.33.26

oh - Rhett -- the magic shoes have over 300 miles on them so you can have them if you want... :)

From Rhett on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 11:14:53 from 74.41.249.102

Will you autograph them for me? : )

From timp on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 11:32:52 from 129.188.33.26

yeah right -- :)

From Huans32 on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 12:57:06 from 138.64.2.76

HOLY COW!!!! Are you kidding me?? Dude you CRUSHED THAT PR!!! Holy cow. You have got to update your racing accomplishments. That is amazing. And a 6:15 pace. WOW!!! And only 39 secs behind the lead guy?? Are you kidding me. That is so stinking close. Wow that was one great report and even better race. Way to invest so much into your race and have it come out better then perfect. Very cool I am very proud of you man.

From fly on the Wall on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 19:11:21 from 168.179.215.132

Yippppeee! All your hard work paid off in spades. "I love it when a plan comes together."

From timp on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 19:35:13 from 129.188.33.26

thanks fly - i loves me some A team!

From fly on the Wall on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 19:37:12 from 168.179.215.132

We want the pics!

From fly on the Wall on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 19:39:14 from 168.179.215.132

Hey Tim, I think you may have posted this elsewhere in the past, but how long have you been running?

From timp on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 19:53:16 from 129.188.33.26

Fly - I was about 70 lbs heavier after my son was born. From what I can rememberw we joined the Y in 2002 and I started picking up running a little while after that (as I got bored of the other machines). My first 5K was in the fall of 2002 and my first 10K was in 2003.

I'll see what I can do about the pics.

From fly on the Wall on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 20:20:11 from 168.179.215.132

Wow I had no idea you dropped that much weight. Just from your picture it is hard to imagine you at 205 lbs. I bet you can really freak people out who haven't seen you for a few years!

Yikes! With 7 years on your feet you're probably still getting faster!

AWESOME. (in the true meaning of the much over used word)

From timp on Mon, Nov 16, 2009 at 20:22:59 from 129.188.33.26

you're next for the sub 3 Fly...

From jtshad on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 17:08:25 from 204.134.132.225

Congrats on the big PR and awesome race (you even have your name on Marathonguide.com right now!). Nice job at running a negative split!

From timp on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 17:11:08 from 129.188.33.26

thanks jtshad -- that is kind of cool...

From Rhett on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 18:32:22 from 74.42.168.210

Hey Tim, have you ever heard of Joe Bowman? He lives in your neck of the woods and appears from his website sub3marathoner.com to have run and done well at the Chimichanga Marathon. (I know that is not spelled right) :)

From timp on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 18:53:02 from 129.188.33.26

Hey Rhett - I have actually been on his website before. I ran that 2007 Chickamauga but was a little further behind...

From timp on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 19:12:15 from 129.188.33.26

if you're interested - I added a couple pics...

From MarcE on Tue, Nov 17, 2009 at 19:47:45 from 136.182.2.25

Dude, you really need to eat something! ;)

From DonGardinero on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 13:34:27 from 75.162.169.187

Cool pics!!! What's next for you?

From Huans32 on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 15:40:28 from 138.64.2.76

How is the recovery coming Tim??

From timp on Wed, Nov 18, 2009 at 16:07:49 from 129.188.33.25

Marc - I am :)

no big plans for my next race - there is a cross country 5k on the 5th or 6th of Dec that I might do. Not sure.

Recovery is going well. A little tendinitis in my left foot still today. I'll wait and go out tomorrow. Usually I wait until Thursday just to be safe and to get the laziness out of my system.

From Adam RW on Mon, Nov 23, 2009 at 23:06:13 from 155.101.240.107

Way to negative split. Nice attempt at the win, 2nd and PR is a great performance though.

From timp on Tue, Nov 24, 2009 at 12:01:26 from 129.188.33.25

thanks Adam - hopefully it is just part of the progression.

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