Harrisburg 11-11-12
Okay you asked for it. You all know this country bumpkin gets a little long winded after marathons. You'll have to read the book some day. So you have been warned. Delete now if you do not want to be bored to tears. Last warning... I was not nervous until yesterday. Sitting around home is not conducive to a good pre race strategy. I like Chris's behind the scene approach.
Delete now or be bored to tears...
I stayed true to my word of not carrying a timing device. This race would be completely by feel. Chris and I started together. After about 1 mile behind the 3:25 pace group we decided to pass at the next available opportunity. Around mile 3 Chris moved on to his own pace. I was bored so I struck up a conversation with a relay runner next to me in the park. This was good because before I knew it I was at mile 6 and approaching City Island. He went into the relay chute and I was on my own. I continued around city island at a comfortable pace, at least until I heard a dog barking. Who could it be but Chris. He visited the facilities on City island. We went across the bridge together and he headed off on his own.
Up the river and front street is quite lonesome. I did however enjoy the view. I don't think too many runners enjoyed the view. Even though I said this was a relaxed run, I was still nervous at the start and worried about the race. I have you you all to thank for that. 9:20 per mile to 7:40 marathon pace, thanks all, and I truly mean that!. Any way the next few miles were boring as hell. I got caught up in a group kind of competitively through the road to HACC and through HACC.
Now the park approached. Mile 18-20. It was a rolling hills park. I latched on to a runner. I would pass her on the down hill and she would pass me on the uphill. She was a hell of a climber. I passed her out of the park and never knew who she was. Up the last over pass and down to mile 21. This was it, the last 5 miles to go. Any one can do 5 miles, right! It was at this point that the 3:25 pacer came up next to me. This is when my relaxed run went competitive. ( I wonder where that came from WRFB)
Damn you all! I did not run this far to be passed by the group I was in front of, even by 20 seconds, to go down in the last 5 miles.
I picked up the pace and put some distance between me and the 3:25 pacer. This would only last for 3 more miles. Around mile 24 the 3:25 pace group passed me. I expected a large group,but there were only 6 runners with the pacer. I tried to hang on, but the cramps would start every time I picked up the pace. I maintained my pace trying to keep this group in sight. When I saw the final bridge I kicked into high gear. I was running with everything I had left.
The last mile was excruciating. I persevered and made it up the ramp to the final run across the bridge. I was giving her all she got scotty. I went across the finish line at 3:24:56 on the clock. Not sure of my official time, but it was great to run a race without worrying about the final time. I was very pleased with another BQ time and have all of you to thank, even Brian!!!! Between Brian trying to get me lost and the professor trying to get me hit by a car (I think Lindsey is the professors new recruit so watch your back), It has been a hell of a ride guys and I thank each and every one of you for what you have done for me. I could not have done it without the WRFB.
Thanks,
David Smith
PS. Went to Brian’s art expo at the New Freedom library. Was tired but it was nice to see Brian’s art work.
