23 Miles 4:12:15.33
Yep. I did it. 
Finished more than 3 hours ago, still feel like crap.
Unfortunately, I didn’t run the whole thing. I’m pretty OK with that. I don’t think I’ll be running the whole marathon on Oct 13th, and I’m OK with that. I didn’t run all of the half in VA Beach last year either. Still a big difference a year makes! The bullet points:
The weather was very cooperative. Nice and cool, and it started raining early on, keeping me cool.
I ran the first 16 miles. By that time I was pretty beat.
After the first 16 miles,
I walked 1/2 mile
Then ran another 2
Then walked another 1/2
Then ran another 2
Then walked another 1/2
Then ran the last 1 1/2 miles.
23 Miles in 4 hours, 13 minutes = and 11 minute mile
When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping. Got new shoes (same make & model as the old pair, natch). I got new socks. Didn’t know cotton was a no-no. These are something made from a cloth that came from a meteor that touched down in Roswell, NM some 50 years ago, most expensive pairs of sock I ever bought! Finally a new shirt. Also not cotton. This time I decided not to go my usual “El Cheapo” route and went to Dick’s and paid through the nose. $25 for a T-shirt. But…it’s an Under Armour T-Shirt. The new Nike I’m told. Weird kind of fabric, this Under Armour stuff. Back in the say, we used to call it Spandex. I feel like I’m wearing a balloon. When I put this thing on, I swear all I need is a mask and a cape and I’m ready to fight crime! I look like a moron. I don’t care.
I’ve got my confidence back somewhat, but I still feel like crap, and that’s better than I felt after just finishing the run. Despite my victory today, I’m not looking forward to doing 26.2 a week before the race, not to mention the race itself. Maybe I’ll feel better later today.
At any rate, thanks to everyone for keeping me in your thoughts.
September 15th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Congratulations! You rock! I’m still 2 miles shy of you in the long runs. Bastard!
For the record, I do wear cotton socks. For me, they plant more firmly in the sneakers, so there is less “micro-slippage.” It’s all a personal preference, though.
I do own under-armor - I almost never compete in it - it seems to constrict my lung capacity the tiniest bit. After my first ultra wearing it, I took it off and realized how much better I could breathe. This was after 24 hours of running, when my breathing was very weak on its own.
Keep rocking! You’re an awesome runner.
Tom Polen