LogYourRun

This was to be my second attempt at qualifying for Boston. I was more excited than nervous. I have been running better than ever. Some friends from El Guapo arrived and met me at the starting line armed with camera's, video recorder and tons of enthusiasm. The start was interesting as the starting line was on a hill. I thought that to be odd especially since it was advertised a flat course. But by GA standards I'm sure it was very flat, just not like Jacksonville, FL.There wasn't a start gun, but the announcer yelled get ready, set, go! I started well. I think my 1 mile split was 6:35. But that was short lived. I remember winds, turns, and hills and the next thing you know I'm at a 7:30 pace at mile 10 with no room to drop any time. I remember looking at the clock in disbelief and trying to pick the pace back up. I would open my gate back up and hit my natural stride. Then would come an incline and it seemed as though I decreased my gate by 50%. My friends followed me everywhere in a minivan shouting encouragement at every turn. It just seemed that the inclines were starting to be too much for my legs, and my will to push harder was to no avail. I know it was psychological at this point simply because I was expecting a flat course similar to Jax Bank. By the 1/2 way mark my time had begun to slip away and it was a battle of the will to continue to do my best. I struggled watching the pack I had held at bay for 1/2 of the race were not only catching me, but passing me easily. The Albany roadside support was great. There were cheerleaders at every turn, and water and gatorade every 2 miles. The course was mostly residential, colleges, and a park with a terrific landscape. The marines were even out there giving out water and I sang cadence as I passed through their stand. All of this support and my friends telling me how great I was doing at every turn wasn't enough to get me to the finish line in time. I finished in 3 hours 41 minutes 21 sec.s. Thats a full 35 minutes faster than my first attempt this past December. yet still 21 minutes too slow to qualify for Boston.....Ok, well back to training. Obviously this group rocks and is doing a great job of helping me get to where I need to be to hit my time. I just need to work a little harder as I start getting ready for the next opportunity!!! Coming soon...Round III