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The day started with the greatness of hanging out with the members of Dallas Athletes, my running/triathlon club. Tom Ryan, once again, got a great area for the clubs' hangout tent; right on the steps of the AAC.
It was probably 15 degrees warmer this year than in 2003. Start time temp was probably close to 50 degrees.
It really was a 4 phase run.
Phase 1 was the first 15 miles. I ran with Todd Luther, Curt Leonard and Matt Sunshine (all 1st time marathon runners!) until about mile 18. For the first 15 miles we were having fun, joking with the crowd, talking and having a blast. The miles just flowed by and we were right on pace for a 3:40 marathon. Great job to Clif Bars for having the pace leaders with their balloons on the course!
Phase 2 was 15 to 18 by the lake. Not as many people, so it got more quiet between us.
Phase 3 was 18 to 21. I began to get a little stiff and sore around 18. Now I had to play mind games to not worry about the "wall" that was soon to come.
Phase 4, 21 to finish. Mile 21 was when I was really stiff and I felt every step. We had fallen behind the 3:40 pace and my thoughts of shaving 15+ minutes from last year marathon were in the past. I knew I could still beat my 3:57 from last year, but I had to keep running and ignoring how bad my legs felt. Curt had gone on ahead of us and Todd, Matt and I kept each other going only by seeing each other and the occasional "I'm walking at the water stop" comment. It was quite disappointing to see the 3:50 pace leader pass me around mile 22...
Thanks to Matt's Brother-in-law, Barry, for joining us at mile 23 to run us in. Just having "fresh legs" there was a big help. It also allowed me to focus my anger on him since I knew he wasn't in pain! Tara and the kids, along with Beth Sunshine and their daughter's were ever present! If I remember correctly, they were at mile 4, 7, 18, 23 and the finish. It is so awesome to see your family and friends with signs cheering you on!!! Running with Matt, Todd and Curt was fantastic and I'll never forget the experience.
The 3 of us finished side by side and it seemed to take all my energy to smile and raise my hands in the air. We finished with a 3:54:41 time. Congrats to Curt with his blazing 3:39:30!
However, knowing I beat last year's time and finishing with friends was absolutely amazing!
Chilling out with all of the DA's after the race was a blast. From first time marathon runners, to others setting Personal Records, to others there just to lend support; the group really makes this event all the more special.
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