Ready to ROCK as part of Team Chocolate Milk.
As many of you already know, my goal for last Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon was sub 3:30. That would have been (at least) an 8-minute PR from my 3:37 in Sacramento in early December. After an amazing Q&A session with @RunEMZ and tweet up at the expo (recap and photos here), we were set to do our thing race morning. RunEMZ was going to pace me the entire way and the goal was to maintain an 8-minute pace for 20-22 miles and reevaluate from there. Let’s see how it goes.
Race morning
I woke up fine after a good night sleep. Had a little trouble falling asleep, as is typical the night before, but I woke up refreshed and ready to go. Had some water and my Payday bar (yes, that’s my breakfast before a marathon when I’m not at home) and just like that, we were on our way to the start line. Me and Emz talked confirmed race strategy, then hugs, high fives, well wishes and we were off.
Marathon #20
Mile 1: 7:31
Mile 2: 7:47
Mile 3: 8:07
Mile 4: 8:07
Mile 5: 8:07
Look at that. Like clock work. The first couple of miles are always fast, but once we nailed our rhythm, we were money. Course is really flat, so it was pretty easy to find a groove and just sort of stick with it.
Mile 6: 7:55
Mile 7: 7:51
Mile 8: 7:56
Mile 9: 7:54
Mile 10: 8:00
Let the awesomeness continue. We were really getting into a rhythm… at least that is what the numbers show.
What the numbers don’t show: By mile 7, I could already feel like my legs were heavy. I had a GU at Mile 5 and another after Mile 10, sticking with my “fuel every 5-6 miles” and was hydrating well. But I just sort of felt “off.” I was hoping that something would click physically later, but I just didn’t feel right. My stomach didn’t feel right either… I wasn’t having the runner poo-poos (technical term) or anything, I just felt off. I didn’t want to eat or drink anything, but knew I needed to. My energy level was high and Emz was doing an amazing job of pacing me… my legs just felt like they normally do at mile 19-20.
Mile 11: 8:10
Mile 12: 8:06
Mile 13: 7:43
Half Marathon Split: 1:44:18
Around mile 11-12 I told Emz I was going to throw on my headphones. I needed something to distract me from how heavy my legs were feeling. Each mile was feeling more and more laborious. It was way too early to be feeling this tired. I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to maintain this the entire way unless something changed and changed quickly.
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect half marathon split. Those first 13 miles were gorgeous and perfectly paced for a sub 3:30.
Mile 14: 8:10
Mile 15: 8:13
Mile 16: 8:24
Mile 17: 8:44
Mile 18: 8:46
The wheels are slowly starting to fall off. I know that my pace has slowed. Miles 13-18 are the “out” of an out-and-back segment and it felt like it lasted forever. I’m never a fan of the out and back, but I’ll never use it as an excuse. Miles are miles no matter what they look like, these just felt like they took forever.
Mile 19: 9:26
Mile 20: 9:58
Mile 21: 9:20
My pace is quickly going off the deep end. I think mile 19 was the first point I stopped to walk for a significant amount of time. Emz knew I was slowing and she would later tell me that she noticed something change in my stride before mile 10. She said she heard my feet hitting the ground differently. That was around the time my legs started to feel “heavy” so it makes sense. Damn she’s good. I was bummed to see day slowly falling apart. I was really feeling like I was letting Emz down. I was excited to go after sub 3:30 and she was the perfect person to inspire me to get there.
At this point, Emz knows I’m toast and I let her know that my legs are feeling like they are going to cramp. I’ve stayed on top of my hydration and fuel, I’m just running on tired legs. Nothing has seized, but I could tell it was going to happen. For the next 6 miles, I’m running as fast as I can at a pace that will get me to the finish without cramping or crashing. Sometimes it means taking a 30-second walk break, other times it is going into a mini-shuffle. I keep saying “sorry” to Emz every time I have to stop to walk and she finally tells me to stop saying it… I then say “sorry” for saying sorry Oy. It’s been a long race.
Final stretch — two runners, perfectly in sync. Seriously, look at our form. #mirrors (ignore my awkward foot strike)
Mile 22: 10:31
Mile 23: 11:00
Mile 24: 11:18
Mile 25: 10:12
Mile 26: 9:39
3:48:57
I’m thrilled with another sub-4 marathon and am amazed that I can personally have a “tough” race and still be so far ahead of where I started (my first marathon was over 5 hours). It is a far cry from my sub 3:30 goal and 10 minutes slower than my PR, but I pretty much ran 19 miles on tired legs after mile 7. Some days you just don’t have it and I knew it early on. I would have loved to have held onto the amazing pace for a few miles longer and kept my miles in the low 9s, that would have put me at least in position for a PR, but I know for a FACT that I couldn’t have run this race any faster than I did… on this particular day. If it wasn’t for Emz, I would have walked a whole lot more and beat myself up… it would have easily taken me an extra 15-20 minutes to finish if she wasn’t there.
As you can see in the below photos, taken seconds after we crossed the finish line by RunWestin Concierge Chris Heuisler, smiles were on our faces and I’m honored to have run 26.2 with a great friend.
Thank you RunEMZ
Please allow me this #toosmallofaspace thank you to one of the most outstanding people I have come across in the running community. There were so many wonderful moments that happened and I wish I could tell you every little joke or funny story or about all the amazing running and non-running conversations we had. It was a weekend I will never forget and it was an honor and a privilege to run my 20th marathon with a running icon. I’m humbled at the opportunity and forever thankful for everything she did for me last weekend. She is just as inspiring and amazing in person as she is on the interwebs… actually, more. #allthehugs #allthethankyous
With Andrea Barber, rocking our finisher and Desert Double Down medals.
Final thoughts:
I just didn’t have it. On another day, maybe. If the race was tomorrow, maybe it happens. Maybe it doesn’t. It was just one of those days when my legs were not ready. I’ll always throw my goals out there. Putting them out there and having something to strive for knowing that friends are rooting me on, DRIVES me. It motivates me. It’s “positive peer pressure.” I feel like I let Emz down, but she’ll hate that I said that or feel that way.
If I could go back in time and change one thing, I would NOT have run that 19 miles the Saturday before. I felt like I needed one more long run and I think it would have been better suited as a true taper week. I let my training slip during the holidays and felt like I needed “one more long run.” I let self-doubt in and it may have been my downfall.
I’m building on those first 18 miles. Up until that point, I still had a PR in my grasp. The first half was epic and the next 5 were still solid… I just need to keep working on it. Still searching after my sub 3:30… and 21 is a lucky number, right?
I think anyone who has run more than a few marathons has been in this position. It just happens and the stars have to align for that perfect marathon goal. Nevertheless, you pushed through and no doubt this will later be a lesson to look back on. As you know, every marathon it’s own adventure. Great job getting through (imagine back at 5 hours how amazing this would have sounded!!)…always looking forward to the next recap from you! — Ericka @ The Sweet Life (sweetlifeericka.com)
I’ve only run one marathon and can see how the day just happens this way- an AWESOME time nonetheless, but feeling that way can just be a bummer I know! You pushed through and sound like me when I feel like crap apologizing all over the place when there’s nothing to be sorry for – you’re running a FREAKING marathon! Emz I’m sure was a great motivator and SUCH a blast to run with!
Still think you are a rockstar!!
Some days the sun shines on the marathon and some days not so much! It is amazing though to look back and see just how amazing you have become!!! EMZ is such an inspiring runner as are you my friend!!! Keep that head up and think….you’ve run 20 friggin marathons!!!
you’re definitely still awesome… regardless of that time… and you still totally kicked itz butt!!!!
Congrats! I think you did amazing!
I ran the half and also had a rough race! Granted I didn’t really train… But great job on a sub-four and completing yet another marathon!
missing a goal is always hard, but i love that you had this amazing opportunity to run with EMZ and still had a great race. great job!
Congrats on #20 and for pushing through despite tired legs. I still have no doubt that you have a sub-3:30 in you. You inspire me!
Still a great race and a super accomplishment in my opinion. It’s how things happen sometimes and you made the best out of it. Congrats on #20 :-)
Some times it just isn’t meant to be – great time still! Pick yourself up, dust off, rest, and then you will have another shot at it later down the road!
I am SO proud of you! I love your honesty and your recap. I can totally hear you telling Meg “Sorry” … because I can totally see myself doing that when running with a friend.
Again, I am proud of you and think that even though this was a hard race… you still rocked it! Kudos my friend!
The marathon is anyones guessing game when it comes to finish time. Each race can be so different depending on how your body feels on race day. This one will be a learning experience as you run and train hard for that 3:30! Thanks for sharing your experience and your great race recap!
The one thing I have learned about running is that it is a finicky beast. One day can be all smiles and rainbows… the next, a thunderstorm. Sorry that this race was not what you wanted.
From an outsiders perspective — It’s so amazing and inspiring to see how far you’ve come. It gives me the motivation and inspiration to aim high and keep going.
Congrats on #20!!! I just know you are going to sub 3:30 — and I can’t wait to cheer you on :)
MAN OH MAN.
Why am I an emotional turd? #allthetears You are one of a kind my friend. Truly. So humbled and honored to know you and to share this incredible weekend with you. I AM so grateful. This re-caps is one of my all time favorites. It’s raw. It’s real. It’s honest. That’s what I dig most about you. 3:30 has nothing on you…..in fact…..3:09 doesn’t either. YFGT.
I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t the race you wanted. Seeing all the photos of you and EMZ made me super jealous and wanting to get out there though. It’s often times hard to remember where we started (I’ve only run one marathon) but you have clearly come so far. You will get that PR. This was such a great recap to read and I’m glad you enjoyed yourself and had a good time.
The humility of running is an amazing thing! Congrats on an AWESOME time, regardless if it was not a PR for you. Many of us (me included, for sure) would kill for that time!! I can appreciate and applaud your positive attitude and finishing with a smile, that’s what it’s all about (even though it’s easy to lose sight during the race)!
21 is my lucky number so I will let you borrow it for your next marathon :). Throughout my time reading your blog, I’ve never been more inspired and never seen an athlete grow the way that you have. Congrats on finishing #20!!
Wow. 20 marathons. That, my friend is an accomplishment in itself…don’t lose sight of that. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate that then running with the likes of EMZ. I’m sorry you didn’t have the day you wanted, it always sucks when that happens, but I know you WILL get there.
You are a rockstar!!! And it’s amazing that you got to run with EMZ!
I am training for the LA Marathon (first timer!) with Team Nutribullet and it’s post like these that inspire me to keep going!
I think you ran a heck of a race and, yes, RunEMZ is a phenomenal pacer. When is your next marathon? If you’re open to some training suggestions, I think a sub 3:30 is well within your reach. All the best and I hope your recovery goes well.
You are awesome and inspiring! Great race recap.
Congrats on #20!
I know there was a big PR hanging in the distance but seriously your time was absolutely amazing. I know how frustrating it can be when you have an eh race but when you really look at an eh race this week vs. an eh race a few years ago its crazyyy how good a runner you have become!
Sorry it was’nt the race you wanted it to be, but in the end I think you had a great race! You’re still inspiring me with your splits and overall time! Crazy how she knew something was different! Congrats on 20 and welcome 21!
Missing the goal aside, running with Emz at any pace has to be epic. And 3:49 is nothing to sneeze at so go you!
Great recap and great racing, even though it wasn’t your ideal. It was nice to read the whole story and how it all went down; sounds like you kept it together when things got tough! As a spectator waiting at the finish, and knowing how unpredictable marathons are, I was stressing out for you! Great pic at the finishing chute, by the way. ;-) And you are spot on about the last training run you got in, have you heard the saying it’s better to under train 20 miles than overtrain 1? :) It was nice to meet you at the Tweet up, hope our paths cross again at another race!
Good job hanging in there Brian. I admire the way you put your goals out there. It takes a lot of courage. I always keep my goals to myself because I don’t like the peer pressure!!!
Great recap, Brian! That weekend must have been epic!
Sorry it did not work out for you, but love your perspective – that you can have a bad race and still be so far ahead of where you started.
I may be echoing what others said above, but after seeing how much you built yourself up for this amazing experience with Emz there, maybe that played a role in it? Things like that get in my head, and I’m not mentally tough enough to take care of business. Just a thought.
I think that just trying & doing it & the experiences – that is what matters in the long run… life & life experiences.. :)
Kudos on a job well done! I see Emz smiling… you not so much. til the finish. LOL. You had a great pacer and gave it your all. Looks like it was beautiful weather to accompany the marathon. So neat to read your accomplishment. Great accomplishment!
We always learn something from those races that don’t go as planned… You’re already there. And Emz wkends are the best wkends!! Those smiles at the finish say it all!!
You’re still one of my running inspirations. Great job on a sub-4 marathon. :)
Love this recap, Brian. Like you so wisely told me – every run is a learning experience, and with each one you’re becoming a better, smarter, stronger runner. And how awesome is it that sub-four is an “off” race for you now?! Like you said, you’ve come so far over the past few years – literally and figuratively – yet the journey is just beginning. Can’t wait to follow along (and run alongside!) as you crush more goals this next year and beyond. #alltherespect #proudrunningbuddy :)
Days like this are what make PRs special. They aren’t supposed to be easily topped. Kudos on an excellent run and a still strong finish. Nice numbers!
I love your outlook and your looking ahead to the future! Instead of beating yourself up for that last long run you are taking it as a lesson to truly taper next time. You aren’t losing the sight of the fact that you ran a FREAKING MARATHON (one of many at that) and after all every race can’t be a PR! I love Nancy’s comment too…”days like this are what make PRs special”. It’s so true! Each race that you miss a PR will make the race you get it so freaking amazing!
You write the best recaps. I think you are awesome, great job!
PR or not congrats on a great race run with a great friend! Oh, and saying sorry for saying sorry? How Canadian of you ;)
Love it!! LOVE that the two of you ran together!! LOVE the smiles on your faces! Sorry you didn’t PR but that’s STILL a GREAT race!!
The two of you amaze me and inspire me so much! You ran one heck of a race especially with your legs feeling like they did. The marathon is such an unpredictable beast. Thanks for your honesty my friend. Hope you are recovering well.
Sorry that this wasn’t the race you were hoping for – those can be the hardest! It’s always nice to have a buddy and like you said, EMZ kept you going to the end. Those are good moments! Best of luck as your tackle this goal again!
Congrats on another marathon finish and a great time despite how hard the second half felt. I always say that the most challenging marathons are the most rewarding because it takes so much guts to keep pushing to the finish when all you want to do is quit. The thing that is so tough about the marathon is we never truly know what race day will bring us, no matter how well trained we are. It sounds like such an awesome experience with Emz :) Congrats on your race and good luck with your training for LA!!!
19 mile run the week before? Yeah, that was brilliant.
Weak. Excuses.