Oops…I did it again!!! 

Yes, my fellow Pine Belt Pacers, I am glad to share with all of you that I have a new PR in the marathon distance (3:58:00). My second marathon under 4 hours this year. 

A few weeks ago my plans were to run the Portland Marathon in Oregon as my October race, but for personal/schedule reasons I was unable to run that weekend. Then looking for a good race, I was lucky to find a space for the Columbus Marathon. After San Francisco, I have been training lightly and very careful not to overtrain or get injured. I mainly ran on the treadmill during the week and on the trace for long runs during the weekends, logging between 30 – 45 miles a week.

I believe I did everything I was suppose to do to running a marathon, well, at least that is what the books I am reading said, and because it worked for me this time, I would like to share it with you. 

After running my endurance base last year, I have been training, trying not to miss the long run on Sunday, scaling (8, 10, 12, 18, 16, race, 8…). Rest on Monday, Tuesday speed work, easy miles on Wednesday, hills on Thursday, wings/fries and beers on Friday (after the long run, this is the most important day), Tempo run on Saturday.

I have been eating well every day except Friday, taking vitamins and supplements for the joins, etc.  I took an ice bath for my legs after running more than 10 miles, carbo-loading and dinking a lot of water the week of the race, not just the day before. Traveling early the day before, not spend more than 2 hours in the expo, sleeping well and resting the 2 days before the race. Also, I booked a hotel close to the start. 

I aligned with the pace group (3:50) at the starting line 20 minutes before the gun went off. The pacer explain his strategy (run 20 miles 20 seconds faster than pace and slowing 30 seconds than the pace in the last 6 miles), he encourage us to dink water or Gatorade since the firsts miles.

 When the gun went off, I was exited, focus and strong…I felt the first half was easy and enjoyable around the nice streets of Columbus. When I crossed the 13.1 point in 1:54 still strong, I knew that it was my day. The course was relatively flat, with a few hills in the first and second part. I tried to be as close as I could to the pacer leader, doing everything he said, taking a gel every 4 miles and at least 2 sips of water on each station. By mile 16 I felt like was pushing my body too much, then my mind began to work to keep up with the group…but when we slowed down a bit at the mile 18 water station, I was unable to catch the pace again, I ran behind them until mile 20. The last 6 miles I was on my own, but with enough energy to finish well, I had little cramps in my stomach, legs and calves, but I was determined to finish and didn’t stop. I took my last gel at mile 23 and checked the time, finding that have the under 4 in my pocket. I relaxed a bit thinking about the finish line. I was surprised to find a hill at the end of the 26 mile, but the .2 was down hill, so I sprinted at the end as I begin to be cheered by the spectators, the guy on the speaker said  “Aqououilino Garcia from Hattiesburg, MS wants to cross the finish under 4 hours”, that gave me a boost, I felt like flying or floating in the air. The clock in front of me showed 3:59:10 and suddenly I was there on the other side of the finish line, having a unique feeling of happiness and accomplishment. Later, when I checked the results, I found my chip time was 3:58:00, which was even better.

I am glad went to Columbus and had great time before, during and after the race. I was the only one from Mississippi in the middle of 10,000 runners, but I met another guy from Honduras living in Ohio, who ran an impressive 3:08 and qualified for Boston 2008. 

My best wishes to all the Pacers running this weekend in Marine Corps Marathon. Have fun and run for your life.

© Kily