I DNF.<br><br>
My goal was 3:35. Min. goal was to BQ, 3:50. Based on 1:40 half (7:39 pace) and 7:09 pace 10K in Oct. and a solid marathon training after that, I felt confident. The weather was the concern, but turned out to be much better than expected (a little rain, some wind, in 40s), as Jane said.<br><br>
I felt good and met a few interesting runners to chat with. I hydrated at every mile and planned to have gu at mile 6, 12, 18. My target pace was 8:10 and was hitting 8:02~8:12 until mile 12. That was where first sign of L calf cramp occurred. This was EXACT feeling I had mile 12 during my half in Oct in Grand Rapids. A dark cloud was appearing in my head. I stopped and stretched and hoped for the best. I had to keep stretching for the next few miles and my paced slowed to 8:15-17. I passed 13.2 mile mark at 1:47:28. I thought I still had a chance to meet my goal. Right after I saw Cathe on mile 15 (about half way), the calf completely froze up. Like a hard rock - some of you know what I am talking about. I went down on the side of the street screaming. You can't do anything about this (that I know of) for a while until the violent contration stops. I massaged it tried to stretch it. Based on the previous two experiences of this (one during a cool down after 10K, and the other after the Grand Rapids half), I knew I wouldn't be able to run normally for at least few days. I somewho got up and kept going limping. The 15th mile was 12;50. A quick math in my head told me I still had a chance for 3;50 if I could keep 9:30 or something. So I kept on moving forward. Stretched every 1/4 mile. I stopped a few times near Cathe and stretched while exchanging a few wards. THANK YOU for coming out and cheer us on, Cathe. 16th and 17th miles were 9:12 and 9;19. 3:50 was still possible if I kept the pace but I started thinking further damage I was causing to my calf. Also I thought about a possibility of running another marathon in a few weeks if I quit early enough. I guess my brain had a talk to my calf.. the 18th mile was 9:54. I told Cathe, as I passed her, I was done. No reason to go through this agony. (In hindsight, I should have quitted when the violent cramp occurred at mile 15. I think my R foot took an extra load in an effort to protect L calf. Still painful).<br><br>
The pain was much worse once I let the race go. I couldn't even walk well. I quickly changed to dry clothes and cheerd on Jane. As always, she dug deep and secured her ticket to 09 Boston (she was already qualified for 08 Boston).<br><br>
A huge dissapointment and heartbreak hit me last night really hard. I was so looking forward to getting this marathon done and taking some break. I was just tired of training for one specific race after another - I have been doing that since Dec. 06.<br><br>
I don't know what to do next. I was thinking to run another one in 3 weeks or so but there is nothing nearby. After realizing that my kids were behind in a science project preparation and other things that I need to pay attention around the house, I felt really guilty of being obsessed with my races and taking myself away from house AGAIN for an entire weekend if I have to fly somewhere to race. DH is a busy man and has his committments. There is one local marathon in 7 weeks. I don't know if I can extend my loooong season for another 7 weeks. Mentally I am fried. Plus, I have to figure out how to prevent this calf cramp. I think this will be another thread later once I get my energy back.<br><br>
Now I have two marathons in a row that I fell apart. This makes me wonder my 1st success was just freakish accident. Maybe I am more suitable for a half.<br><br>
Thank you, guys, for your best wishes. And thanks for reading.<br><br>
Yoshiko
My goal was 3:35. Min. goal was to BQ, 3:50. Based on 1:40 half (7:39 pace) and 7:09 pace 10K in Oct. and a solid marathon training after that, I felt confident. The weather was the concern, but turned out to be much better than expected (a little rain, some wind, in 40s), as Jane said.<br><br>
I felt good and met a few interesting runners to chat with. I hydrated at every mile and planned to have gu at mile 6, 12, 18. My target pace was 8:10 and was hitting 8:02~8:12 until mile 12. That was where first sign of L calf cramp occurred. This was EXACT feeling I had mile 12 during my half in Oct in Grand Rapids. A dark cloud was appearing in my head. I stopped and stretched and hoped for the best. I had to keep stretching for the next few miles and my paced slowed to 8:15-17. I passed 13.2 mile mark at 1:47:28. I thought I still had a chance to meet my goal. Right after I saw Cathe on mile 15 (about half way), the calf completely froze up. Like a hard rock - some of you know what I am talking about. I went down on the side of the street screaming. You can't do anything about this (that I know of) for a while until the violent contration stops. I massaged it tried to stretch it. Based on the previous two experiences of this (one during a cool down after 10K, and the other after the Grand Rapids half), I knew I wouldn't be able to run normally for at least few days. I somewho got up and kept going limping. The 15th mile was 12;50. A quick math in my head told me I still had a chance for 3;50 if I could keep 9:30 or something. So I kept on moving forward. Stretched every 1/4 mile. I stopped a few times near Cathe and stretched while exchanging a few wards. THANK YOU for coming out and cheer us on, Cathe. 16th and 17th miles were 9:12 and 9;19. 3:50 was still possible if I kept the pace but I started thinking further damage I was causing to my calf. Also I thought about a possibility of running another marathon in a few weeks if I quit early enough. I guess my brain had a talk to my calf.. the 18th mile was 9:54. I told Cathe, as I passed her, I was done. No reason to go through this agony. (In hindsight, I should have quitted when the violent cramp occurred at mile 15. I think my R foot took an extra load in an effort to protect L calf. Still painful).<br><br>
The pain was much worse once I let the race go. I couldn't even walk well. I quickly changed to dry clothes and cheerd on Jane. As always, she dug deep and secured her ticket to 09 Boston (she was already qualified for 08 Boston).<br><br>
A huge dissapointment and heartbreak hit me last night really hard. I was so looking forward to getting this marathon done and taking some break. I was just tired of training for one specific race after another - I have been doing that since Dec. 06.<br><br>
I don't know what to do next. I was thinking to run another one in 3 weeks or so but there is nothing nearby. After realizing that my kids were behind in a science project preparation and other things that I need to pay attention around the house, I felt really guilty of being obsessed with my races and taking myself away from house AGAIN for an entire weekend if I have to fly somewhere to race. DH is a busy man and has his committments. There is one local marathon in 7 weeks. I don't know if I can extend my loooong season for another 7 weeks. Mentally I am fried. Plus, I have to figure out how to prevent this calf cramp. I think this will be another thread later once I get my energy back.<br><br>
Now I have two marathons in a row that I fell apart. This makes me wonder my 1st success was just freakish accident. Maybe I am more suitable for a half.<br><br>
Thank you, guys, for your best wishes. And thanks for reading.<br><br>
Yoshiko
