Rocket City Marathon Recap
It’s a good feeling to be done. Yesterday I spent 5 hrs and 24 minutes questioning why I run marathons. Rocket City was going to be a nice and easy marathon. I was aiming for a 4:25 and with a little luck I would pull a negative split and run a 4:15.
Rocket City is a fast course. With only 1500 runners and a flat course, many runners are able to BQ (Boston Qualify). I joined the 4:25 pace group (which is a 10:06/mile pace) and met several first time marathoners. I enjoyed encouraging and chatting with my fellow runners in our group.
One thing I noticed from the start was that I never felt good. It was a struggle to maintain a 10/mile pace. I stayed with the 4.25 group for 11 miles at which time I had to hide behind a tree and pee for the second time. This time I would not be able to catch-up with the group. The journey would be solo from this point on – or would it be?
In addition to just feeling bad (stomach issues, headache, and sluggishness), my feet were in intense pain. I have been suffering with Metatarsal Bursitis in my left foot for 18 months and a Neuroma in my right foot since the Savannah Marathon.
Oh, that reminds me that this was my 3rd marathon in 35 days. I did Savannah Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon (4:08) on November 5th and Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon (4:32) one week later on November 12th. Overtraining was another factor in this meltdown at Rocket City.
Miles 12-16 were a struggle (10:54, 10.36, 10.28, 11.37, and 12.45), but nothing like I would experienced later in the race. Mile 17 is when the walking started – lots of walking! My feet were killing me along with everything else. After the race several people asked me if I ever considered quitting. My answer is easy. I don’t quit things I start. Goals are made to be done. So I limped along and ran a little and walked a little. Along the way, I was able to meet a lot of other sufferers. I have never talked this much to other runners before in a race. People from all over the globe came to Huntsville to share this experience with me!
Rocket City was my 12th fastest marathon. My PR was at the Saint George Marathon (3:48) in 2007. I’m really proud of that PR, but this 5:24 is special too because I had to reach down and find something to keep me going. It took every ounce of determination, focus, perseverance, and grit I could find. My Rocket City medal will hang proudly next to my Saint George one. In both cases the goal was the same – reach down and find what it takes to do 26.2 miles. No small feat — one that I have done 12 times.
After logging more than 2000 miles this year as well as 2100 last year, my feet deserve time off. My plan is to take the rest of the year off from running. A little elliptical, but no outside running is on my agenda. It’s time to heal.
I appreciate all of the emails, texts, and phone calls this weekend. It’s great to have so much support.
“There’s no greater feeling in the world than the feeling of DONE”
Run Happy!
PS I had a great time with Alan Reynolds. He had a great race at Rocket City.
That right there is why the CAN DO attitude works. “No such thing as a can’t” -Dswindord
Don, wow…this is so much like my experience at Rocket City in 2007, it’s a little haunting!! My feet hurt badly there too…only time I’ve ever had a bad blister…had to stop at the first aid tent just past the half way point. Nausea, uneasiness. And, worse, all the self-doubt. And making sure I finished…just as you did.
It’s wierd…cause, as you say, it’s a terrific race, a great course, well organized, flat, enjoyable. But some days are like that.
Way to persevere.
Maybe we can meet up at Rocket City one of these years and get some redemption!!
Way to gut it out. The important number is 3. Which answers the question, “How many marathons can an injured cancer survivor run in one month?” You are an amazing athlete.