Gasparilla (Tampa) Marathon, Feb. 10, 2008

temps 55 to 63 degrees - sunny
winds 14mph gusting to 24mph

3:44 split 1:52/1:52 avg pace 8:34

I didn't have a good week - I developed shin splints from the Tuesday night track workout while running a 800m 11 seconds slower than the week before. On Thursday I ran a slow 8:19 mile. I felt the same calf pain as I had right before my injury in October. Not having done Tues/Thurs workouts for 3 months, I forgot that scheduling a massage on Tuesday is not a good idea. The workouts cause muscle tightness. Also doing 2 hard workouts before a marathon is not a good idea. Next week, I plan to warm up and do one 400m on Tuesday and a 1/2 mile on Thursday. I was hoping for a 3:30 but did not realistically expect it.

At the start, I met someone from the Galloway program in Orlando. She planned on doing run/walk 2/1 and completing the half in 2:30. I told her I'd be interested to find out if the 3 and 1 runners would actually be able to do a 4:30 marathon.

The course changed this year; I don't remember running up and over the seemingly countless bridges 2 years ago.

I ran past Dick Hoyt who is known for pushing his 46 year old son in a wheelchair. He "ran" a 1:52 in the half. Someone pointed out, "that's that guy who ...."

For my 2nd marathon in a row, I lost a gel. I added a 3rd pocket to my waistbelt -- while I have been reaching back for the gels -- maybe one fell out.

I nevered really warmed up into this marathon. My right calf was aching and I didn't have the same long effortless stride I had a week ago at Tallahassee.

I saw Steph, Vanessa, Jonathan and Amy. Vanessa was running the relay. I didn't see Erin but she ran well (4:14).

The clocks at the mile markers were off and some the miles seemed short.

In the last 3 miles, I encountered nasty headwinds - 14mph gusting to 24 mph. I slowed down to 9:15 miles. There was no compensating tailwind - since the winds didn't pick up till the end. I did not see the mile 26 marker so I tried but failed to sprint it in when I saw the finish line. I guess I was feeling fatigue. I can normally drop down to a 7:15 mile. It was a frustrating day. I did not taper well for this race. It isn't due to running back to back marathons. I ran Sacramento in 3:44 followed by a 3:43 in Chicago a week later in 2005. The only thing I can think of is that I don't have the reserve of fresh muscle fibers due my injury and lack of training. Maybe I'll build some reserve before the 100 miler March 1st.

I bought the new Asics Kayano 14 at the expo; the price was right. They didn't feel as good as my 2130 during the marathon. My feet ached. Maybe I was bouncing on my feet instead of running with good form. The Asics sales guy said my old shoes were good for about 200 miles -- the cushioning was losing its firmness. That means a pair of shoes is good for one or two long races?

Monday - My quads feel fine. Maybe the fatigue kept the muscles from working hard.

I guess I am pretty much recovered from my injury -- I seemed to be plateauing. Now is time to start training again - but what kind of training program?