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HOUSTON MARATHON ��� January 14, 2001 |
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Me on the left, with my friend Mike in middle. |
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I ran my first marathon on the day before my birthday.� It is certainly true that my physical and mental ability is much healthier than in many years. |
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Ran up to the start line, and ran about 9:30 for first mile or two.� When I started my second mile, started running with a fellow that was a lot younger and had a pace which I liked.� Waited at the first table and over a minute later, Mike F. showed up smiling.� Mike and I had trained for three months. |
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I met at that time, Chris M, a very nice guy that we then ran with. Down in Rice University(around mile 6), we eventually passed my previous partner-I waved.� Many people in the Rice Univ. area offered us oranges.� I continued to take these.� Mike seemed to find this humorous. At every stop, I drank sports drink.� Mike and Chris drank sparingly.� I believe this hurt them by mile 17.� The first part of the race was easy and enjoyable.� Of course, I was nervous about running 8 miles farther than my furthest distance.� |
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Mike wanted to speed up starting about mile 8 or so and gradually build positive splits.� This worried me, especially after my experience while running a half marathon with a friend., He ran way too fast for my pace, and by 3 miles, I was finished.
� Anyway, I decided to try to stay with him.� Eventually, at mile 10, Chris M was really struggling with the pace.� We then approached the HILL or overpass at about mile 13.� I ran up the hill strong while Mike and Chris struggled. I decided to think of the hill as the finish and something to celebrate.� This perhaps gave me a boost as I pushed up the hill.� We rounded a few curves and eventually entered the Bolivia area of Houston. It was quite festive with a band and dancers.�� A few miles later, about mile 17, Mike told me I should go on.� They actually had slowed their pace.� The teasing about eating the oranges was replaced with the looks of two very fatigued looking twenty-something runners.� I told them I would go on.� |
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Felt great for three miles.� In fact, around mile 19, began to pick up my speed and began passing many runners.� It seemed like from mile 18 to 22, I passed nearly a thousand runners.� During my acceleration phase, many people shouted out to me(Come on, Lafayette Police-on my t-shirt).� I wished I had done as others and written my name on a shirt.� Having your name called out is quite motivational.� Especially since you are running by your self at this point.� At mile 20 still felt great, and so continued to run hard.� As I approached mile 22, I met a girl named Melanie.� She was trying to break 4 hours.� I made the mistake of running hard with her and she wasted my remaining stores of energy.� |
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The 24th mile was very difficult.� I stopped quite a few times to rest.� Finally, a lady turned to encourage me and this was too much to take.� I picked up my legs and started moving.� The 24th mile was pocked with at least 3 hills though not of any significance, were quite difficult for a runner wanting to give up.� So I kept going, somewhat out of it.� When I reached the 25th mile, I realized that the 2 miles remaining was a long way.� Tried to put it outside my head, and practiced on perfecting my worn out form.� Actually felt some what better running through the downtown(heard some music which gave me an momentary uplift).� During the 25th mile, I could hear some sort of drums and chatter of people.� But basically, I was in so much pain and exhaustion, did not care.� Momentarily boosted by some music playing.� About this time, development of a cramp in the back of my upper leg(quads) made it very difficult to run.� Then I discovered I was in the big circle at the front of the George Brown Convention Center.� Many hundreds of people there.� As I made the final turn, I developed a cramp in my other leg.�� It was amusing and paralyzing at the same time.� Not even sure how I made it to the finish.� Even did a little kick at the end to be sure to finish under 4 hours and 3 minutes.�� A lady kept talking about chip and also getting a medallion.� As I rounded the bend, there were a number of young people with medallions, and I cried as I walked by these.� It was very moving and finally I took one from a young girl and cried briefly. |
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| As I staggered in, someone took off my chip from my ankle.� I wandered aimlessly trying to figure out where the food and drink were located.� Eventually, found it.� Some type of egg rolls and some sausage links in a bun.� These items made me ill.� Was afraid to sit down, so stood up for a while waiting for Mike and Chris to show up.� This went on for a while. |
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| After a few minutes visiting, I went on to the car and drove on the League City my brother in law and sis in law greeted me.� There was a leftover hamburger with cheese and I readily gobbled it down.� Found out, they were was� to track my progress and my pace and projected time throughout the race from their home computer! |
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| The evening brought barbecued chicken and rib eye shisk ka bobs!� I was treated very royally.� It was the best race experience I've ever had.� |
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