June 3rd 2012
After running last years race I knew what to expect and prepare for. Everything lined up perfectly. Weather conditions where cool and cloudy. Training was solid (could have been better), but I was pleased. I Knew the course, had all the proper gear and was mentally prepared. Was nervous with the build up to the race, but calm the morning of.
My father in law, Russ, took me down to the bus. Got on the bus and a few of my Guerilla Running teammates got on. Love my teammates. We talked and shared stories about races and being on this great club during the ride to Squim. Soon enough we arrived. Thank you Melinda and Kelly. We departed the bus and gather into the Guy Cole Convention Center at Carrie Blake Park. A big warm building with lots of seating. April arrived and we relaxed and conserved energy. 10 minute til race, began heading to the start of the race.
Race plan. My ambitious goal was 3:30's. my realistic goal was under 3:50. To reach my goal I was going to need a 8:00 minute mile pace. Which I knew I was capable of. Walk through my water stations, to ensure proper hydration and give my legs a little break. Throw it some butt kickers from time to time, change my motion of my legs. Walk up the major hills, they we short but steep. I was pleased with my plan and prepared to follow it through..
My wonderful wife helped me plan and mentally prepare for it too. She was going to crew me when possible, she was a life saver one more was than one. She would have a few essentials that I would need, Gu Chomps and Nuun. And loads of cheering!
I find the 3:30 pacer and loosen up and bit more. It's 0900 now the race begins. The first 4 miles was going to be warm up. A long slight uphill and several turns. I stayed with the pacer and moved through the City of Squim. I remember thinking the pacer was going a little fast, but keep going. I avoided getting caught up in the excitement and stuck to my plan. Cruised though mile 16 then it became intestinal fortitude time. I ran to the start of the ravines and then walked up them and continued to walk through my water stations. Keeping hydrated and consuming my Gu Chomps and getting in Nuun. My paced slowed from my original goal, but my spirits stayed high. I only managed two 10 minute miles, which made me happy. Fatigue was setting in, but I kept on moving and pushing to keep my pace in the 9 min/mile. I managed to do that. Got to aide station 13 rehydrated and ate a few Gu Chomps. Made my final push.
Pushing on I found myself at the at the last major obstacle of the course up and around the Mill site. I started to hear my family again cheering me on. To be honest, it brought a few tears to my eyes. I was almost around the mill site and found Brenda and Trinny. I continued down the trail a bit found my mother in law Merri. Crossed the bridge over Ennis Creek passed the last aide station and went for it. I was only about a half mile away from the finish looked, at my Garmin and realized I had a shot at 3:45. I pushed my limits to the finish, fighting off my left hamstring from cramping while driving to meet my goal.
I did it, my second marathon completed with a 31 minute PR. Today as I sit here reflecting. I'm proud of the effort. I left everything out there on the course and thankful of my loving family and friends.
