I woke up at 3:11 am with an elevated HR petrified by visions of the wall in front of me. "How in the world am I going up those slopes?"
The day before the AP 70.3 race, we did a recce of the bike route and I was horrified and terrified after seeing the steep climbs at 45 km and 72 - 75 km. The steepest was a 20 percent gradient :( In comparison Mt Faber (Kpg Bahru side) was 12 percent. And longer climbs too.
In any case, my race strategy was to ride conservatively so avoid my friend Mr C. And to simply survive this race. So no shame in pushing the bike up 'em slopes. As it turned out, I only managed to ride up 1 and a half of the five slopes and pushed the rest :) Guess what, most of the other competitors (with comparable times and riding abilities) did as well.
We flew in on Thu - IN, CS and MH - and did the usual pre-race routine - except now we have to set up our bikes. CT and AY flew in earlier and we hooked up during the expo. I learnt about the tough climbs from CW, and was worried sick. Actually the bike route is manageable except for the climbs. But that affected my entire perspective completely. The objective was to survive.
Met up with the gang at 6 am and made last minute preps before heading over to the swim start at Laguna Holiday Resort via ferry. Kevin (our swim coach) was there to give us last minute instructions on diving into the incoming swell. The waters were rather cool at 7 am.
I was in the second wave and decided to swim easy for the first 500m. Practiced the new sighting technique that Kevin taught me. The buoy was at 600+m but somehow it looked further than expected. After the first turn, I found a swimmer I could draft. He was kicking furiously which made it great for me. Drafted him all the way to the end of the ocean leg. HR was in comfortable range. Then into the yucky lagoon waters we went. Luckily it was only for 650m or so. The exit converged up into a narrow ramp and my feet felt the slimy bottom :( About 45 min, and I felt good after the swim.
As I exited, MBH was there with the camera, and needless to say, I had to smile and give a V for victory sign!
Up through the chute we went and collected our bike bag to change in the change tent. Apparently this is IM norms. Out of Laguna we went on our bikes, and I took it easy to bring down my HR. Overtaken by many but I kept to my race strategy, which is to go easy on the bike. After turning into a side road, we were surprised by a herd of water buffaloes. Some even turned their horns at us. !!
Lots of sharp corners and into the rubber plantation. Then we came to the highway and had to dismount to push our bikes up an overhead bridge. The ramps were newly built (just for this race) and was carpeted. First aid station, but I was fine. The weather was overcast and it wasn't too hot, thank God.
Around the 30km mark, we saw the pros coming back on the same stretch. They were 30km ahead!! :( Noticed a luminious green jersey (LGJ) in front and overtook him. Counting down the km to the real test and I could feel my HR and anxiety mounting. Thought I'd follow a lady - slow and steady. At least she'd be safe going downhill. The first warm up came and as I approached the top, a lady was by the side asking if I knew how to use the cartridge. I stopped to help, and when her tire was inflated, I resumed, losing 2 or 3 min.
Then came the first killer slope. No time to gain momentum. Just spin as hard as I could. HR went up to 180 and I could see many cyclists unclipping. At the turn where it leveled off a little, I decided to unclipped as welll and join the rest in pushing our bikes up. At the top, we remounted and the yellow flag zone started.
No faster than 20 kph, no drafting (7m rule), no overtaking. Just as well, cuz the turns were sharp and hazardous. The second slope I simply pushed. Midway I took a leak (lost even more time!!) and saw Koyabashi-san doing the zig-zag up. The cyclists brave and strong enough to pedal up where true warriors. Heaving and puffing. Legs straining with each crank. It's agonizing to even watch them. Except for one competitor on a mountain bike. He seemed to spin up easy enough!
It was a relief to get back on the saddle resuming our journey after the first two slopes. Negotiated the wicked hairpin turn, trying to keep my breathing steady. Nasty nasty. Only after the green flag did I breathe easy. Caught up with the slow and stead lady and overtook her. Overtook LGJ again and on the return leg, I saw the last rider - on a mountain bike - being escorted by four or five vehicles - ambulance, patrol cars, trucks, etc.
At the 70km mark, I could feel the anxiety returning. And without warning the first slope was upon us! It looked hideous! With a couple of nasty turns. Then we were into Naithon beach for a breather. Not for long. The next climb came but we had good momentum going in, so I managed to climb that. Then the killer climb. It was not very steep but long! Several turns, no letting up. At the top (or what we thought was the top), we resumed cycling only to be confronted with another surprise climb. No choice, just grinded it up. Almost cramped, could feel them coming, but my quad compression tights held up. At the summit, there was a rider down, motionless and crippled by cramps. Then I knew that I adopted the right strategy.
Back to TA and I was surprised to be approached by a bike catcher (even though I knew they were there). Into the chute and change tent again. and decided no deep heat. Filled up my water bottle and went onto the third leg. Was pleasantly surprised to see MH come behind me, even more when she told me that she "died" on the bike :(
At the canal village I was again pleasantly surprised to see MBH with D and E there! So glad to see them. :)
My quads started acting up after 1km and I eased off a bit. After about 3 km, saw IN behind, and boy did he run fast. Soon enough he overtook me and everytime I saw him, his lead over me was increasing! He did a phenomenal 2:0X for the run.
The sun came up then, and good thing the aid stations were well stocked with water, isotonic, coke and sponges. I took full advantage of the coke (caffine!) and sponges. Didn't want to take any chances until the second loop. LGJ and slow n steady overtook me :( Tried to increase my pace after 15km, but it wasn't anything to shout about. Just happy to complete.
CS and IN were there to welcome me back, as was MBH.
The long and short of it is a 3:38 bike split, a 46 min swim leg and a 2:35 run split, with a chip time of 7:08. Even though I improved on the swim (drafted half of the ocean leg) and on the run, the 28 min extra on the bike compared to Aviva took me above the time posted in March. Actually I am quite happy with this time, given the tough bike course.
Congratulations to everyone who valiantly outlasted and conquered this tough course. Great PBs for some!
Honor roll: Cento Uno with compact crank, Zoot, UnderArmour Spectre
Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts
Friday, December 10, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Saturday, June 21, 2008
LAUFEN IM FERIEN-PARADIES Über 5.000 beim Phuket Marathon
Runner's World Germany covered the Laguna Phuket International Marathon: Run Paradise.
Here are the excerpts:
Official flag off
In the men marathon category, Stephen Paine of Australia won the race in a time of 02:37:52, beating 2007’s winner Brent Christian Roeger of USA in to second place who finished in 02:41:57. Third place went to Wu Yung-Fa of Taiwan who recorded a time of 02:44:42 in a hugely competitive and fascinating race.
For the women marathon, Australian Angela Louise Stevens came in first in 3:14:17, followed by Stunden vor Peta-Jane Harthen (3:35:32) and Miho Miyashiro (3:40:18).
And surprise, surprise, there's this, taken along Allamanda stretch:
Impressionen vom Phuket Marathon 2008
Photos courtesy of Runner's World Germany.
Here are the excerpts:
Official flag off
In the men marathon category, Stephen Paine of Australia won the race in a time of 02:37:52, beating 2007’s winner Brent Christian Roeger of USA in to second place who finished in 02:41:57. Third place went to Wu Yung-Fa of Taiwan who recorded a time of 02:44:42 in a hugely competitive and fascinating race.
For the women marathon, Australian Angela Louise Stevens came in first in 3:14:17, followed by Stunden vor Peta-Jane Harthen (3:35:32) and Miho Miyashiro (3:40:18).
And surprise, surprise, there's this, taken along Allamanda stretch:
Impressionen vom Phuket Marathon 2008
Photos courtesy of Runner's World Germany.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Phuket Kid's 2 km Run
One of my proudest moments as a runner and father was to see David completing the 2 km kid's run.
At the finishing point, I was looking for the family when Ethan who found me instead. He told me that David was running and led me to MBH. She was positioned at the end point armed with her camera. The children were coming in at that point. More than 300 kids, I was told.
And there he was, running like a pro. David saw us, gave us a smile and hesitated for a split second before running down through the finishing line. We were so proud of him!
PS: Ethan wasn't up to the run, but completed a 3 km training run/walk on Tuesday.
At the finishing point, I was looking for the family when Ethan who found me instead. He told me that David was running and led me to MBH. She was positioned at the end point armed with her camera. The children were coming in at that point. More than 300 kids, I was told.
And there he was, running like a pro. David saw us, gave us a smile and hesitated for a split second before running down through the finishing line. We were so proud of him!
PS: Ethan wasn't up to the run, but completed a 3 km training run/walk on Tuesday.
Phuket potpourri
Tiger Tales, the official magazine for Tiger Airways highlighted this in the May/June 2008 issue:
How true! I didn't see anything except dark shadows during the first two hours, and then all I was concerned with were the water stations!
Dog Tales
No, this is not an official magazine for any airline that I know of. But just an interesting episode to share with you readers:
It would have been about the 12k mark. It was dark, and I was trying to see if there were a runner in front of me. But to no avail. I'd just passed a very dark stretch ... and recited Proverbs 23 to myself to stay focussed, when I heard a woman shouting out. I don't understand Thai, but it sounded very urgent.
Didn't sound like cheering to me. The shouting continued for several more seconds. I hastened my pace. And garnered the courage to glance behind. There I saw it.
It was a dog, running after me. Before I knew what to do, the woman shouted again. And I was smart enough to know that I cannot outrun a dog. So I prayed again.
Thank God, I didn't hear any footfall behind me!
And thank you, dear lady for rearing an obedient dog. But keep it leashed next time!
Snippets
1. 311 runners participated in the full marathon. 430 ran the half and 500 completed 10 km. About 100 Singapore runners participated this year, of which 40% ran the marathon.
2. My polar read 41.5 km, but this course is sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS). Not sure what is causing the discrepancy.
3. It is lonely running in a small field event! But the villagers who encouraged us more than made up for this.
4. 3k into the run, and I was doing vanguard duties. I was thinking that I must be doing something wrong. It took kilometers to pass the next runner ahead of me. Talk about small field.
5. The return leg was different! Scores of faster runners overtook me. No complaints about being lonely then!
6. There was this Japanese runner who took two photos of me at the turnaround. Hope he wins the photo competition!
7. Missed the band and cheer leaders who were at the race last year. Or is it simply that I came back so late?
8. Placed 179th out of 311 marathon finishers and 53rd out of 93 in the 40 - 49 male category.
9. The top three runners finished sub-3 hours.
10. The last finisher came in at 7:32 - great perseverance!
11. Met CATWOMAN on the flight back. More about CATWOMAN in a subsequent post!
Laguna Phuket International Marathon
A yearly event enjoyed by both locals and foreign participants form more than 30 countries. The runners can admire Phuket's beautiful natural landscapes and beaches - pity, however, that they'll be running past it all
How true! I didn't see anything except dark shadows during the first two hours, and then all I was concerned with were the water stations!
Dog Tales
No, this is not an official magazine for any airline that I know of. But just an interesting episode to share with you readers:
It would have been about the 12k mark. It was dark, and I was trying to see if there were a runner in front of me. But to no avail. I'd just passed a very dark stretch ... and recited Proverbs 23 to myself to stay focussed, when I heard a woman shouting out. I don't understand Thai, but it sounded very urgent.
Didn't sound like cheering to me. The shouting continued for several more seconds. I hastened my pace. And garnered the courage to glance behind. There I saw it.
It was a dog, running after me. Before I knew what to do, the woman shouted again. And I was smart enough to know that I cannot outrun a dog. So I prayed again.
Thank God, I didn't hear any footfall behind me!
And thank you, dear lady for rearing an obedient dog. But keep it leashed next time!
Snippets
1. 311 runners participated in the full marathon. 430 ran the half and 500 completed 10 km. About 100 Singapore runners participated this year, of which 40% ran the marathon.
2. My polar read 41.5 km, but this course is sanctioned by the Association of International Marathons and Road Races (AIMS). Not sure what is causing the discrepancy.
3. It is lonely running in a small field event! But the villagers who encouraged us more than made up for this.
4. 3k into the run, and I was doing vanguard duties. I was thinking that I must be doing something wrong. It took kilometers to pass the next runner ahead of me. Talk about small field.
5. The return leg was different! Scores of faster runners overtook me. No complaints about being lonely then!
6. There was this Japanese runner who took two photos of me at the turnaround. Hope he wins the photo competition!
7. Missed the band and cheer leaders who were at the race last year. Or is it simply that I came back so late?
8. Placed 179th out of 311 marathon finishers and 53rd out of 93 in the 40 - 49 male category.
9. The top three runners finished sub-3 hours.
10. The last finisher came in at 7:32 - great perseverance!
11. Met CATWOMAN on the flight back. More about CATWOMAN in a subsequent post!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
'Twas darkest before the dawn: 2008 Laguna Phuket International Marathon
June 15, 2008
This was the first time I experienced running in the dark. I don't mean running at night, but in the absence of light.
Moonless and without a street lamp for hundred of meters, with just the double yellow road lines to guide me, it was quite a "novelty". All I could see was the shadowy figure of the runner ahead of me, only fleetingly so when he was illuminated by the weak rays from a bulb from a small attap house or the headlights of a passing car or motorbike. I couldn't see anyone behind me as well. So it was as good as a training run, all by myself. Only I haven't ever ran in almost pitch darkness.
Those were the stretches between 12 to 14k in the Laguna Phuket marathon about 30 minutes before 6 am. The Sundown marathon two weeks ago was well lit, in comparison. As it was only two weeks since the Sundown, I treated this as another LSD run. No target, no ambitious plans. The evening before, I drafted up my running plan. I planned to go out slower than before, noticing the spike in my pace after 3k at the Sundown, which could well have explained the poor timing.
More than 5,000 participants (including 1,500 from some 45 countries) were expected for 2008 Phuket marathon, now in its third year. The route took us past two small towns (Baan Don and Thalang) before turning off into 4012 before the main highway, that leads to Nai Yang Beach, close to the Phuket International airport. The route is described as relatively flat with a few rolling hills between 12 - 15, 23 - 27 and 37 - 29 km.
After dawn broke at 14k, I saw the first runner heading back towards Laguna, accompanied by a cyclist. Two other runners were about 200m behind the lead runner. That was the 24 km mark, and I thought to myself: "Wow! Those guys are fast! They shouldn't be in the unofficial start group!"
Amazingly, the three lead runners from the official start passed me at the 18 km mark, running tightly as a pack. "There go the top three finishers," I thought to myself. Boy were they fast. This was the only time that I could see the lead runners up close :) Needless to say, many other official starters passed me from then on, all the way to the end line.
Interestingly, there was an older Caucasian gentleman who passed me running with heavy footfalls and an unique running stance ... his arms were flying awkwardly, not anything like the classic running stance that we read about. But he was headed for a sub-4 finish.
The turnaround point (20k) was in the scenic Nai Yang National Marine Park. Then those hills again (23 to 27 km) before merging with the half marathon route. Took a photo of a Thai cemetery at the 21 km mark for the photo contest.
At one point, I was wondering if it would rain as it did last year. The weather forecast was 60% thunderstorm. There were some dark clouds lingering in the distance. But the morning got progressively hotter. Clear blue skies and no sign of any clouds, let alone rain. Found relief through sponging (head, face and shoulders). The water stops were well stocked with gatorade and mineral water. The organizers also provided muscle cream, bananas and watermelons. But I gave that a miss as I felt strong all the way to 32k.
I was keeping an eye during the 30 to 33 km stretch to see whether I would once again be afflicted by leg cramps. But the wall came and went without incident, which was a pleasant surprise. After that, I was a little bloated from all my earlier hydration (note to myself: I must rework my overall hydration plan), and started pouring more water over me than into me.
Much of the route from 32 km onwards didn't seem familiar even though I went through the same route last year. Perhaps i was too internally focused last year. Although I recalled that there were two sets of rolling hills, I was not prepared for the hill at 37k which was like Boston's Heartbreak Hill to me! But traversed that I did, before recognizing familiar territory as we headed back toward Laguna.
At that point, I was weakening. Muscles were tightening especially from 36 km onwards. This was the time for "Mind over Body". "Just keep moving!" "Pick it up and keep the pace below 7:30" "One km at a time!" "Not the time to give up now!" "Pass just one more runner!"
At 38k, I took a time check. 4:45. I did some quick calculations and was motivated by the thought that I could end up below 5:15 even if I slowed to 8 pace. That thought spurred me on.
When passing Allamanda, a video cameraman sitting on the back of a bike appeared in front of me. Gotta look good, man! So I smiled, gave the thumbs-up and continued plodding on. We passed a walker and he immediately started running when he saw the video cameraman. Talk about instant motivation!
By the time we ran past the wedding chapel and into the canal village, we could hear the DJ and the crowd. I was hoping to see the boys who were signed up for the 2k kids run, and thought that perhaps I could finish the race with them. But the timing was not quite right, and I was running through the final stretch.
Time check as I crossed the finishing line: 5:08:09! A personal best (PB)!
As you may know, I didn't have a great race at the Sundown. This time round, I wasn't expecting a great race. Ironic how a great outcome could come about when I least expected it.
Honor roll: Saucony PGT4 (orange)
This was the first time I experienced running in the dark. I don't mean running at night, but in the absence of light.
Moonless and without a street lamp for hundred of meters, with just the double yellow road lines to guide me, it was quite a "novelty". All I could see was the shadowy figure of the runner ahead of me, only fleetingly so when he was illuminated by the weak rays from a bulb from a small attap house or the headlights of a passing car or motorbike. I couldn't see anyone behind me as well. So it was as good as a training run, all by myself. Only I haven't ever ran in almost pitch darkness.
Those were the stretches between 12 to 14k in the Laguna Phuket marathon about 30 minutes before 6 am. The Sundown marathon two weeks ago was well lit, in comparison. As it was only two weeks since the Sundown, I treated this as another LSD run. No target, no ambitious plans. The evening before, I drafted up my running plan. I planned to go out slower than before, noticing the spike in my pace after 3k at the Sundown, which could well have explained the poor timing.
The plan was to go out at a pace of 8 min per km for the first three km, and then 7:30 pace from 7 to 10 km. Then target 7:25 pace from 11 to 20 k, and then slowing down again to 8 before picking it up after 32k. Or not, depending on the situation.
More than 5,000 participants (including 1,500 from some 45 countries) were expected for 2008 Phuket marathon, now in its third year. The route took us past two small towns (Baan Don and Thalang) before turning off into 4012 before the main highway, that leads to Nai Yang Beach, close to the Phuket International airport. The route is described as relatively flat with a few rolling hills between 12 - 15, 23 - 27 and 37 - 29 km.
After dawn broke at 14k, I saw the first runner heading back towards Laguna, accompanied by a cyclist. Two other runners were about 200m behind the lead runner. That was the 24 km mark, and I thought to myself: "Wow! Those guys are fast! They shouldn't be in the unofficial start group!"
You see, the Phuket organizers had an unofficial start time one hour ahead, at 4 am, for slower runners. Slower runners defined as those expecting to complete between 5 to 7 hours. Needless to say, I turned up at 4 am, together with about 100 others for the unofficial start.
Amazingly, the three lead runners from the official start passed me at the 18 km mark, running tightly as a pack. "There go the top three finishers," I thought to myself. Boy were they fast. This was the only time that I could see the lead runners up close :) Needless to say, many other official starters passed me from then on, all the way to the end line.
Interestingly, there was an older Caucasian gentleman who passed me running with heavy footfalls and an unique running stance ... his arms were flying awkwardly, not anything like the classic running stance that we read about. But he was headed for a sub-4 finish.
The turnaround point (20k) was in the scenic Nai Yang National Marine Park. Then those hills again (23 to 27 km) before merging with the half marathon route. Took a photo of a Thai cemetery at the 21 km mark for the photo contest.
The photo contest was adopted on the prompting of eco-marathoner and former Guinness World Record holder Hajime Nishi, who promotes the "slow is beautiful" concept. He took part in over 541 marathons in 71 countries and had taken more than 50,000 pictures during his marathon runs. In any event, I didn't even submit my only photo!
At one point, I was wondering if it would rain as it did last year. The weather forecast was 60% thunderstorm. There were some dark clouds lingering in the distance. But the morning got progressively hotter. Clear blue skies and no sign of any clouds, let alone rain. Found relief through sponging (head, face and shoulders). The water stops were well stocked with gatorade and mineral water. The organizers also provided muscle cream, bananas and watermelons. But I gave that a miss as I felt strong all the way to 32k.
I was keeping an eye during the 30 to 33 km stretch to see whether I would once again be afflicted by leg cramps. But the wall came and went without incident, which was a pleasant surprise. After that, I was a little bloated from all my earlier hydration (note to myself: I must rework my overall hydration plan), and started pouring more water over me than into me.
Much of the route from 32 km onwards didn't seem familiar even though I went through the same route last year. Perhaps i was too internally focused last year. Although I recalled that there were two sets of rolling hills, I was not prepared for the hill at 37k which was like Boston's Heartbreak Hill to me! But traversed that I did, before recognizing familiar territory as we headed back toward Laguna.
At that point, I was weakening. Muscles were tightening especially from 36 km onwards. This was the time for "Mind over Body". "Just keep moving!" "Pick it up and keep the pace below 7:30" "One km at a time!" "Not the time to give up now!" "Pass just one more runner!"
At 38k, I took a time check. 4:45. I did some quick calculations and was motivated by the thought that I could end up below 5:15 even if I slowed to 8 pace. That thought spurred me on.
When passing Allamanda, a video cameraman sitting on the back of a bike appeared in front of me. Gotta look good, man! So I smiled, gave the thumbs-up and continued plodding on. We passed a walker and he immediately started running when he saw the video cameraman. Talk about instant motivation!
By the time we ran past the wedding chapel and into the canal village, we could hear the DJ and the crowd. I was hoping to see the boys who were signed up for the 2k kids run, and thought that perhaps I could finish the race with them. But the timing was not quite right, and I was running through the final stretch.
Time check as I crossed the finishing line: 5:08:09! A personal best (PB)!
As you may know, I didn't have a great race at the Sundown. This time round, I wasn't expecting a great race. Ironic how a great outcome could come about when I least expected it.
'Twas darkest before the dawn
Honor roll: Saucony PGT4 (orange)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Phuket half marathon 2007
June 17, 2007
So this was it! My second distance event - in Phuket! Thanks to G, the friendly trainer at Laguna gym, who brought my attention to this race. Second visit in 7 months.. the first being in Dec 2006.
About 3000 runners for this event. Started at 6 am (7 am Sin time). Rained quite heavily from the start, and stopped after about 5k. Paced a SAFRA female runner for about 7k to the village (read somewhere that it is a good idea to pace female runners!), then another Thai runner to 9k turn around. 10k @1:02, which is a good time. Weather was cool and comfortable. Took a gel at 8k, and stepped up the pace a little.
Two slopes at about 15k, and I was glad I trained on hills last week (Bintan). Didn't stop. Relied mainly on my endurance drink and sweets. Second gel at 16k.
Last 5k trailing an older runner. Overtook him, but he caught up and ended strong.
After Allamanda (waved to R and kids!), it was via the Wedding chapel through the canal village. Cramps starting coming in during the last k, but I thought I had a decent chance to finish at 2:07 or so. My own time at finish was 2:08, although the official time was 2:09.18. Great conditions, and I didn't really feel tired (that's not what my better half thought!) Felt a strong sense of accomplishment, unlike the first half.
Ave HB 161, max 188. Official net time: 2:08:36. Position: 173/415.
Second and third place finishers were in the 50-59 years category with 1:40 time. Remarkable!
Some full marathon runners came in at about 6 hours. Guess there is hope for me. In addition, there was a runner dressed as a samurai (availabe on YouTube) that the boys found fascinating. Read their account of the event on
david's account
ethan's account
Honor Roll: Mizuno Wave Precision 8. Served with distinction, and retired shortly.
YouTube Video:
So this was it! My second distance event - in Phuket! Thanks to G, the friendly trainer at Laguna gym, who brought my attention to this race. Second visit in 7 months.. the first being in Dec 2006.
About 3000 runners for this event. Started at 6 am (7 am Sin time). Rained quite heavily from the start, and stopped after about 5k. Paced a SAFRA female runner for about 7k to the village (read somewhere that it is a good idea to pace female runners!), then another Thai runner to 9k turn around. 10k @1:02, which is a good time. Weather was cool and comfortable. Took a gel at 8k, and stepped up the pace a little.
Two slopes at about 15k, and I was glad I trained on hills last week (Bintan). Didn't stop. Relied mainly on my endurance drink and sweets. Second gel at 16k.
Last 5k trailing an older runner. Overtook him, but he caught up and ended strong.
After Allamanda (waved to R and kids!), it was via the Wedding chapel through the canal village. Cramps starting coming in during the last k, but I thought I had a decent chance to finish at 2:07 or so. My own time at finish was 2:08, although the official time was 2:09.18. Great conditions, and I didn't really feel tired (that's not what my better half thought!) Felt a strong sense of accomplishment, unlike the first half.
Ave HB 161, max 188. Official net time: 2:08:36. Position: 173/415.
Second and third place finishers were in the 50-59 years category with 1:40 time. Remarkable!
Some full marathon runners came in at about 6 hours. Guess there is hope for me. In addition, there was a runner dressed as a samurai (availabe on YouTube) that the boys found fascinating. Read their account of the event on
david's account
ethan's account
Honor Roll: Mizuno Wave Precision 8. Served with distinction, and retired shortly.
YouTube Video:
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