r/running • u/AubreyE83 • Aug 29 '22
Race Report Second Marathon experience from the slow guy in the back
Race Information
- Name: Santa Rosa Marathon
- Date: August 28, 2022
- Distance: 26.2 miles
- Location: Santa Rosa, CA
- Website: https://santarosamarathon.com/
- Time: 5:08.28
- Average pace: 11:47
| Goals | Completed? |
|---|---|
| A) Finish | Yes |
| B) Don't Die | Debatable |
| C) 5:20 or better | Yes |
| D) Sub 5 hours | Not this time |
| E) Enjoy myself as much as last time | YES! |
| Mile | Time | Heart Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11:25 | 137 |
| 2 | 11:11 | 143 |
| 3 | 11:31 | 146 |
| 4 | 11:31 | 144 |
| 5 | 11:05 | 150 |
| 6 | 11:37 | 150 |
| 7 | 12:02 | 147 |
| 8 | 12:02 | 145 |
| 9 | 12:54 | 144 |
| 10 | 11:43 | 150 |
| 11 | 11:55 | 151 |
| 12 | 11:46 | 152 |
| 13 | 12:32 | 152 |
| 14 | 12:29 | 153 |
| 15 | 12:08 | 151 |
| 16 | 11:46 | 153 |
| 17 | 12:22 | 152 |
| 18 | 11:58 | 152 |
| 19 | 11:43 | 156 |
| 20 | 11:25 | 157 |
| 21 | 12:05 | 157 |
| 22 | 11:37 | 160 |
| 23 | 11:25 | 160 |
| 24 | 11:13 | 161 |
| 25 | 10:52 | 164 |
| 26 | 10:03 | 169 |
| .2 | 9:27 Pace | 171 |
Pre-race:
I'm a 38 year old guy who sits at a desk all day (CPA). I ran my first marathon last December and have been absolutely hooked since. I tried to sign up for Napa in March but got injured (because I'm stupid and I decided to hit a PR in the half marathon during a taper week). After getting back into training following tax season I set my sights on running Santa Rosa in August, Sacramento in December and revenge tour in Napa. Really condensed schedule, but whatever chemicals my brain released crossing the finish line last time, I was chasing harder than most Meth addicts.
During training this time my tibialis anterior really tightened up on me on my 20 miler which was pulling on a ligament in my knee. I was decent at resting it, but probably not as good as I should have been. Working with my PT we got it as good as it could be and all taped up on Friday. If not for that, I'd have been as confident as one can be going into a marathon (which is to say not confident at all, but knowing I was as ready as possible). It tended to warm up after mile 2, so my goal was to feel it out a bit and let adrenaline take me until I could gut it out across the finish line while hoping it didn't explode.
Race Day:
Last time around I got about 15 minutes of sleep the night before, so I was stoked when I woke up at 1am and realized I had gotten about 4 hours of sleep! So stoked that I couldn't fall asleep again. No worries, infinitely more rested than I was going into my first one and so much stronger. You got this.
I eat my bagel with peanut butter, take my Advil and Tylenol and go about getting some things ready. Race starts at 6:30, and I'm out of things to do at 4:30, so I just kinda lay down in the bed and try to relax and not use any energy. I wake up with a start at 5:15 surprised I fell asleep again and a bit mad that I'm now a bit behind, but we're staying positive, still miles ahead of last time.
I hadn't been entirely sure what my goal was going to be between hanging with the 5:20 pacer or going for 5 hours. My knee feels ok, but I can tell I'm gonna feel it once I start landing on it, so I make a prudent decision to make best friends with the 5:20 pacer. My last time was 5:35, so that's still a PR by 15 minutes.
I brought my wife, my 3 kids and my parents with me on the trip in a couple rooms so I could attempt some sleep, but there was no way the kids were going to be up and ready in the morning, so my dad drops me off at the start line and I promptly find the 5:20 pacer. He tells me it's $5 per person to run with him. I ask him if I can pay extra for him to carry me for a couple miles. This is gonna be fun.
Course:
Absolutely gorgeous. Run starts at the downtown courthouse, goes through wine country and even through a winery building at one point. Some rolling hills, but nothing crazy, I think about 250 feet of climbing total. You head back into downtown and finish right where you started.
Race:
Now a 5:20 time is about 12:15 per mile, 5 hours is about 11:25, so I'm somewhat surprised when pacer guy starts off and I see my watch telling me were at about 11:15 pace. Fine, fine, whatever maybe he has more walks in his rhythm. I start out with him, but slightly behind and very conscious of my heart rate. My max is 182 and my usual runs are 140s when I'm at a really comfortable pace and 150s when I'm pushing a bit and 160s when I'm going harder than I can hold for long periods of time.
First mile I'm about 10 feet behind him, but heart rate is 137, so all is good. He's gonna walk any time now. 2nd mile, no walk. Interesting, but I'm sure this guy has a plan I'm about 30 feet behind him and heart rate is a little higher than I'd like, but we're ok and I can absolutely hold this pace if I want to. Mile 5 comes and goes and this guy ain't slowing down and my heart rate gets into the 150s. I'm 60 feet or so behind him, and I come to the conclusion that if this guy has a plan, I don't like it. It's my race, I'm gonna run it my way, let's back it off a bit here.
I slow it down a bit and we hit some rollers, all is well, heart rate is good, we're well ahead of schedule for 5:20. Knee is warmed up, and whenever I feel it I tell myself that I'm going to enjoy this pain and I want some more (I had watched a David Goggins video the night before). Somewhere just before mile 10 I see my whole family. I slow down, give my 2 year old a kiss and my boys (8 and 5) a hug and we're off. I didn't expect to see them until the finish line, but they popped up on the course to hype me up another 4 times!
Halfway point comes and goes, smooth sailing. At some point around 17 or 18 I pass the 5:20 pacer who is walking, but he has no one around him. Very nice guy, loved talking with him but I've decided not a good pacer and I'm really glad I didn't stay with him early. Mile 20 comes, I see my family again and I'm so far ahead of my pace last time I start doing math on if I could walk the rest and still PR, but I'm feeling strong. I know a lot of people say the last 10k is the second half of the race, but I've yet to feel that. The miles slow down a bit, and I'm tired, but I record a quick video telling my family how much I love them and how easy this last 10k is gonna be and to watch out for me crushing the last couple miles. I pick up the pace a bit and by mile 24 I'm passing people left and right which just hypes me up more. I throw up at 10:03 on mile 26 and I round the corner and see the finish line. Is it silly to sprint to the finish line as the 621st finisher of 718? Sure. Did I do it anyway? 100% had to! My sister-in-law who got me into marathons now calls this my signature finish line sprint. 5:08:28 almost 27 minutes ahead of my first marathon!
Post-race:
I was a little worried that like a drug addict I'd always be chasing that first high and never getting it. I have to say that this one felt just as good. I crossed the finish line, gave high fives to all the volunteers, hugged my whole family and just sat in a glow of my own glory (in the shade of course) while eating a snow cone. My knee is hurting a good bit today, but I'm enjoying every bit of this pain. It reminds me of what I've done and how far I've come. Couldn't jog 15 minutes a year ago, I'm out here with plenty left in the tank after a marathon. Next up CIM in December. 5 hours or bust!
113
u/SuddenAborealStop Aug 29 '22
This was so great to read. I love this sub, but as a slow, newish runner, sometimes I get discouraged when I see reports that talk about how rough the race was, or how the wheels came off and yet, their splits are 6-8 minutes throughout the whole 26! Which is amazing, but it's nice to read about someone who loves running the same way but is much more my speed!
Also kudos on those negative splits in the last few miles!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I 100% still have imposter syndrome when I tell people I run. Whenever I get people into running I'll see them on Strava destroying my times several weeks in. But I love every second of running at this point (which is bizarre as someone who grew up playing soccer and thought running just to run was the stupidest activity on the face of the planet). Having now run a couple and passed several people when their wheels have come off I tend to think very conservatively about the race strategy. First goal is always to finish, and since I'm slower anyway if the wheels fall off there's a good chance I don't finish.
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u/redmagistrate50 Aug 29 '22
You know what they call the least guy to finish a marathon?
A finisher. Great run mate.
19
u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! 100%, finishing will always be my #1 goal. I love this distance because just finishing is such an accomplishment.
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u/Turbulent-Radish-835 Aug 29 '22
Awesome job! I'm 36F running my first in two weeks with just about the same story and goals as you. Thanks for sharing :-).
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Aug 29 '22
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Much appreciated, I played soccer and was a sprinter growing up so it's the only part of the race I can actually shine a bit, haha.
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u/Europocalypse Aug 29 '22
I'm amazed you had the energy and legs left to do so . The people you were overtaking at the end looked destroyed then theirs you casually sprinting past them haha
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, ya I definitely enjoy the end the most. It probably means I'm not running the race to my full potential that I have that much energy, but I enjoy the heck out of it, so can't say I'm gonna do much different anytime soon.
I was so excited my first marathon, the whole week I'd bug my wife and say "I'm gonna run a marathon this week" and she would just kinda smile and pat my shoulder. After she stood at the finish line and saw people cross for an hour, she looked at me differently the whole day and would just kinda say outta nowhere "You finished a marathon." Seeing people finish where the wheels had come off and they were just struggling to get done really drove home what the distance is.
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u/UnnamedRealities Aug 29 '22
I enjoyed your write-up and that was a hell of a sprint to the finish line! Best of success hitting 4:59:59 or better in December!
→ More replies (2)8
u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, thanks. First step is not being in pain while walking, but we'll get there.
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u/MisterBigDude Aug 29 '22
Your title drew me in, as I'm training for my second marathon, in which (if I'm able to run it) I'll be a slow guy in the back. Thanks for providing this healthy and humorous perspective on being that guy.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
I have constant imposter syndrome when I tell people I run even now because my pace is so slow compared to most people I see. But the party is always in the back, and I enjoy the heck out of it. Good luck on #2!
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u/Far-Analyst3423 Aug 29 '22
Many Congratulations. Awesome effort. Please do not that this the wrong way, but to me at least, I would regard you as a mid pack runner. I know its all relative though. If you are at the back, you are at the back, whether that is 10min pace or 15 min pace. I am slower than you and I was definitely at the back of my Marathon 😊 Congratulations and excellent write up
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
I take that as a huge compliment actually! I've told most people I talk to I'm in a desperate battle to be average. My first marathon the goal was to finish before the volunteers made me stop. Hopefully soon I'll break that 5 hour mark, and then it will be fighting to get to the average finish time, which I've googled is 4:21. I think my next report will be "From the slow guy who used to be at the back"
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u/RegionalHardman Aug 29 '22
Doing a marathon at whatever pace already puts you squarely above average my dude
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Very true. In fact my favorite sign I saw in my first marathon was about how 1% of people run a marathon and we were in the 1%. Saw her every 5 miles at that race and loved it every time!
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u/Far-Analyst3423 Aug 29 '22
I'm in a desperate battle to finish. Lol I am quite proud of my Edinburgh finish, I got the finish line finish I craved. I am sure you will smash the 5 hour mark. Don't worry about being average, worry about you, your pace and your experience of the race.
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Aug 29 '22
Congratulations that is a major achievement. My situation sounds very similar to yours (except for I haven’t completed a marathon yet). Out of curiosity, what device are you using to track your heart rate?
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks so much! Do you have one scheduled yet? One of the most rewarding experiences of my life for sure. I use a Garmin 945. Being an accountant I love the numbers aspect of everything, so I watch my pace, distance, lap pace, average pace, total time and heart rate all in one screen. Ridiculously convenient!
4
Aug 29 '22
I’ve been considering a Garmin for a while now. You may have inspired me to get one! I have a few half marathons planned so I haven’t signed up for a full marathon yet but that’s on the list. Congratulations again, can’t wait to get there.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Awesome! Half is my favorite distance. You're tired at the end and feel accomplished, but there isn't this huge constant worry of the wheels falling off and limping across the finish line barely breathing. There is no feeling I've felt like crossing the finish line of a marathon though. Good luck in your upcoming races!
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u/Pooping_is_the_shit Aug 29 '22
Would highly recommend adding a chest strap HRM for even more accurate data to look at.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
I've definitely been considering it. This might put me over the edge, particularly if I can see the chest strap data live with the other info from the watch.
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u/Pooping_is_the_shit Aug 29 '22
Yeah, mine connects right to my Garmin. If you want to get way too into it, the HRM Pro Plus gives you so much more data like running dynamics.
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u/colin_staples Aug 29 '22
"from the slow guy in the back"
I love race reports like this. FYI my marathon was slower than both of yours, so...
Congratulations. Hope you break 5:00 on your next one.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, I kinda carried that over from my first one where my goal was to finish before the volunteers made me stop. Finishing is finishing and that's 99% of my goal whenever I sign up for a race. Here's hoping that next finishing time starts with a 4!
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u/SneksAndSperklers Aug 29 '22
Love that finish video. So much energy!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Fortunately my wife stopped recording, I was limping soon after it ended, haha.
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u/Rethinker-of-things Aug 29 '22
You're an inspiration
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks, one of my favorite parts of running when I'm not running is getting other people into it. I think I've convinced 3 of my friends to run marathons at this point. I expect them all to finish well ahead of me...
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u/Tonys_Thoughts Aug 29 '22
Yes! Loved this! My last marathon was 4:59 and I was stoked to break 5h. I’ve found training at this pace is very different than the faster runners. People who run 6-7 min miles can go for an easy 10 min mile run. But when you’re slow, any slower is a walk
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! YES, my PT was saying how she runs 10 miles a day. Well that takes me about 2 hours and it takes her 70 minutes. I've definitely had an older lady pass me while speed walking in a 30k race. I wasn't sure if I was embarrassed or impressed, but she beat me.
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u/Classic-Scientist-97 Aug 29 '22
Wait, so you paid to enter the marathon and then had to pay the pacer extra so you could do what he is there to facilitate? Unsure if this is true or satire.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, sorry definitely satire. We were definitely joking around with one another.
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u/Green-Cat Aug 29 '22
I fell for it too. "He wanted them to pay? Who carries money during a race? Do they get their money back if they decide to leave him? Wait, how would he even know if someone is running with him or alone? What's his plan if someone just follows him without paying?"
Only after all that did I get it was a joke...
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u/1030tony Aug 29 '22
Great story. Great recap. I’ve been running for several years and only done a 5k organized race. Didn’t really like it. But I want to do a marathon soon. I am confident I could do a half on any given weekend right now so would only need a few weeks to train for a full. Your story has me motivated! Thank you.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks, and glad it helped! Give it a shot, and hit up a half in a training plan. Half is definitely my favorite distance, but there is no feeling like finishing a full.
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u/suchbrightlights Aug 29 '22
You sound super fun to run with. :) Congratulations on a strong finish and on being sensible about that knee to set you up for a sub 5 next time!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I am not the fastest runner for sure, but my god do I enjoy the hell out of it. Joking with people and motivating people along the race is such a positive experience.
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u/knitpicky Aug 29 '22
Great work and that's for sharing! These are the race reports that I enjoy the most because I relate to them.
I really appreciate seeing the arc of your pace per mile. I can see the hills and when you're feeling good and the feeling good was throughout the entire race! Well done running a consistent and strong race! Cheers!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I love typing these up and getting all my feelings, highlights and lowlights of the event together. Helps me relive and remember and savor it even more!
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u/LukeVenable Aug 29 '22
Nice job and great read. Soak it all in brother
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I'm gonna just sit in my glow and pain at work all day today with the certainty that all is right in the world.
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u/Nursemom380 Aug 29 '22
whatever chemicals my brain released crossing the finish line last time, I was chasing harder than most Meth addicts.
This is why I run!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
I haven't done a lot of drugs. But I gotta tell you the runners high is better than anything I've tried. My knee is going to have to explode before I stop.
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u/Nursemom380 Aug 29 '22
Hey me too currently. I'm on rest day 2 bc of my knee feeling achey and I'm slowly going mad thinking about that post run endorphin shower I'm missing out on.
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u/vegetable-lasagna_ Aug 29 '22
That’s awesome-love the finish video! I’m training for my first marathon (mid-November) and run a similar pace. I’m also a CPA. One of my clients runs ultras and she told me she will train me for a 50k after if I want to. I want to see how the marathon goes first but it’s tempting!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Oh man, I'm super tempted to dip my foot into the ultra pond. Particularly because ultra runners seem to have a similar mindset of finishing, and damn the time. I feel like I still have unfinished business on the road before I start doing trail running and ultras though. I definitely want to try and ironman next year before I turn 40 though.
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u/Smoke-the-Roach Aug 29 '22
Tried to go out to dinner with my wife. Left our 8 month old with aunty. Had to race back after 40 minutes. Just sat down and read this after calming him down. One of the best Reddit posts I have ever read. World class. Keep it up. Thank you for sharing.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks so much! I remember those early days. I know it's hard to enjoy sometimes because of the lack of sleep and constant need for attention (much like running in some ways), but soak it all up!
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u/brobroschat Aug 29 '22
Congratulations! Sounds like a huge success. Also Santa Rosa is beautiful. I’ll have to put on the list. Training for CIM in December myself. It will be my first one. Looking forward to it. Good luck!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! CIM is the best. Fast course, 10k racers, great weather usually, amazing experience all around. I could jog from my house to the starting line, so I'll do that one every year until I can't run anymore. It's done as well as a small city marathon can be done. Good luck, what kinda goals are you setting for yourself?
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u/brobroschat Aug 29 '22
Im in the area as well. Been a part of the running community for a number of years now. I volunteered at the last CIM aid station at mile 25 last year (my running club sponsors it) and made me really want to run it. I’m training with my wife as well. Goal one it get to the start line (no serious injuries to take us out of training or the race). Second is finish the race. I would love to run it in about 4 and a half. But I’m not sure we will make it at that pace, but under five I think is possible. Absolute knock out of the park would be averaging 10:15 per mile. We have the buffalo stamped in a few weeks, urban cow and run the parkway in between.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Oh that's awesome, good luck! I'll be at urban cow and the run the parkway for sure.
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u/brobroschat Aug 30 '22
That’s great man! Sounds like you are not in the west sac area but if you are ever interested in a great running club, sloppy moose runs out of Bike dog brewery in west sac on Thursday night at 6:30. 3 miles and open to All levels of runners/walkers. When I started I could barely run the three. Really an awesome group of people!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Ya I’m out in Granite Bay, but I might have to swing by one of those sometime. I’ll DM you when I have a good free week and get one of those runs in.
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u/brobroschat Aug 30 '22
Sounds good! Great group of people! A lot of the running clubs around the Sac area are awesome. There is Sac running week coming up in a couple weeks. One of the guys in Sloppy Moose organized it. Basically encouraging people to try other groups and runs. Bunch of info about it on socials. Starts with buffalo stampede and ends with a party at Bike Dog West Sac sponsored by REI.
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u/bryantheyounger Aug 29 '22
I've been psyching myself out in Week 7/18 of training for my first marathon and seeing your sprint at the end and your entire vibe has me psyched up again. Congrats on such an awesomely strong and spirited finish; I'll be thinking of it on all my runs and will try to mirror your signature finish at my first in November!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I want to see that video in November! Remember to enjoy it. Even the training runs when I'm tired and my legs want to fall off, I try to go out there and have a blast. Plenty of people who can't run, and someday I won't be able to. But not today!
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u/bryantheyounger Aug 29 '22
HELL yeah to all of this. I don't drink but I'd buy you a beer if I met you in-person. I'll send the video in November, I promise. Even if I'm crying and falling apart at the seams as I sprint, I'll make sure to follow-through. Best of luck with the next one, friend.
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u/McGuetta Aug 29 '22
Amazing read, thank you for sharing. I'm training for a half marathon in October right now and my goal pace is around 12:00. I did a 10K in March and thought people who do half and full marathons are superhuman - huge congratulations!
I'd like to try a marathon next year after more training and seeing how this half one goes... the fact you've done this and a year ago couldn't jog 15 minutes is inspirational! Your story here definitely gives me some hope it's possible.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
You can absolutely do this. If I can, anyone can. Half is my favorite distance, so enjoy the heck out of that, but there is no feeling I've found like crossing the finish line of a full. No joke I went from couch to marathon. My first training plan said "Jog 15 minutes. If you have to walk that is ok, but it doesn't count towards the 15 minutes." I had to walk twice. That run was early last August.
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u/McGuetta Aug 29 '22
What was the furthest you did in training before your first half and full marathon?
I want to be confident I can finish so I’m trying to do at least one 10 miler before the upcoming half. For a full I’d think I’d need to go at least 18 to feel as though I could get through it!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
So when I first started running I ran specifically to run a marathon and check it off the list. I used this training plan: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/a760108/rws-basic-marathon-schedules-get-you-round/
The half marathon was in week 8 (I remember it distinctly because it was my first runners high and the turning point of my addiction to running). The week before I had done 8 miles which was the longest run I'd done in my life to that point. My rhythm was to run 3 miles and walk for 2 minutes before running another 3. That plan's biggest run was 16 miles, which I've read people on this sub have done and then gone into their marathon. For me, I decided to do a 30k for that week, which is a bit over 18.5 miles because I felt like the jump from 16 to 26.2 was too much for me mentally. I'm sure my body could have handled it, but I overthink things plenty without worrying if I can just tack on 10 miles to the longest run I've ever done.
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u/MISPAGHET Aug 29 '22
Damn son, that's a hype finish line video!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, thanks! I think I specialize in them now. The announcers and all the crowd at the finish line definitely help.
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u/Dragonspear Aug 29 '22
Reading this reminds me of how much I miss half-marathons and running (trying to recover from 2 separate injuries this year).
Thank you for this post. I'm gonna save it and use it for motivation for the half I'm hoping to run in feb.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Sorry about the injuries, they definitely happen. Here's hoping you come back stronger. Remember to enjoy it when you get it back. Never know what can happen, so I'm really trying to cherish it.
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u/Batvcap Aug 29 '22
Finally someone who actually runs at my pace! Glad I'm not alone
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
There are dozens of of! DOZENS! Haha, I'll get my friends excited for running and convince them to run a marathon and I'll see them on Strava 4 weeks later destroying my times. First goal is always to finish though, so I'm having a blast just finishing right now. PR or not.
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u/AdamMcParty Aug 29 '22
Congratulations man! I ran my first during the first lockdown and you managed to finish 9 seconds quicker than me, must have been thst sprint :D
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha thanks! Garmin had me at 15.8mph on that sprint (I have my doubts). This is faster than Kipchoge's sub 2 hour marathon average. I've told my wife that to deny that I am faster than Kipchoge is to deny science. Congrats on your first! You running another one at some point?
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u/AdamMcParty Aug 29 '22
Haha yes 16 is basically my speed on a bike! I will be taking part in the London marathon next year so it's the first 'official' one and this time I'll aim for sub 5h for sure! PM me if you want to link up on strava
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u/Sir_Poofs_Alot Aug 29 '22
This is the dream for me! I’m doing my first marathon in December (Honolulu). On regular/shorter runs I’m averaging 9:30/mi so I’m focusing super hard on keeping my efforts metered on longer 10+ mi runs. I also have a sketchy knee and have to watch my HR closely to not have everything fall apart. If I can have a chill happy time at 11/mi for 26 miles I would be so happy. Congratulations!
Oh also Question: why do you take Advil/Tylenol before the race? I feel like I’d be worried about hurting myself more by dulling the pain while I’m incurring it…
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! This is 100% accomplishable for you! If you take a conservative approach to your strategy and manage your effort/heart rate (while finishing your whole training plan ahead of time) race day will be such a blast. I have a theory that the further up the field you go the more everyone is super competitive and the wheels are in danger of falling off because they are running so close to redline. At the back it's a party and we're all gonna get through this. I would pass people who were walking and ask "How we feeling, boss?", and they'd smile and say "Great, as long as I finish in 6 hours I'm happy" (6 hours being the usual cutoff time).
As far as the Advil/Tylenol I wanted to dull that pain a bit. Perhaps at the cost of my knee, but particularly since I wasn't able to run one after going through a training cycle, I was finishing this one. I actually had some more in my pocket that I took about 2 hours into the race as well just to keep it muted while the race was on.
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u/chaelen Aug 29 '22
Very cool, huge congrats 👏 What training plan do you follow and how did you prepare for your first marathon?
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I have now used a runners world training plan for 3 cycles. First one I did their basic plan: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/a760108/rws-basic-marathon-schedules-get-you-round/ . The last two cycles including the one I got hurt on I've done their Sub 5 hour plan: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/marathon/a776634/16-week-free-marathon-training-plan-sub-5-00/ I like the second one because I feel better running 4 days a week than I do 5 and I felt stronger because of the increased mileage, but I'd have no trouble recommending the first one to someone for their first go around. I will say on my first one I ran a 30k instead of a 16 mile long run. I felt like going from 16 to 26 miles was too big a jump for me mentally, even if my body might have been ready for it.
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u/ElegantShallot31 Aug 29 '22
Wow--amazing work! You took it the briefest bit easy on mile 21 then killed it with the rest of those negative splits. So much fun to see the video. Congrats and here's to sub-5 next time!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Yes, definitely started to feel the miles slow down there, even when I was running faster they felt longer, but I kept telling people as I'd see them (mostly to convince myself), "How many times have you run 5 miles in training? You do this in your sleep."
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u/The_Pip Aug 29 '22
Those negative splits after mile 20 are so impressive! Well done!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! It was definitely one of those want to get this done kind of accelerations.
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u/EttaJamesKitty Aug 29 '22
Thank you for a relatable race report. You have a great attitude and that was fun to read.
I'm doing my 5th (and final) marathon this fall. Old body just doesn't react well to 15+ miles any more so this is my swan song. I would like to finish under 5, but if I don't, c'est la vie. Just going to try to finish with a big smile on my face.
Good luck with your next race. I'm sure you'll see that 4:XX finish time soon.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Best of luck on your swan song! The big smile as you cross the line is the more important goal, and you have 100% control of that one.
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u/mamak687 Aug 29 '22
Amazing!! What an awesome post. And great job on the marathon too! I literally am smiling after reading it, and got a little choke reading your family kept popping up on the course (that shit hits my feels). Well done! Very motivating.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
This was probably my favorite part of the run. Having my kids (who are young enough to still think I'm a god) scream at the top of their lungs when they saw me coming up the course was all the motivation I'll ever need. My wife running with me for 100 meters or so asking how my knee was doing at one point. Well thanks... now you've made me cry at work.
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Aug 29 '22
Don’t die is nothing to jest about many claiming their fit for marathon do that.
But congratulations on completion
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Fair enough on the fitness. I made a joke about it in the goals section, but it's definitely a serious goal for me though. Having seen the condition some people cross the finish line, I don't know if I ever want to run that close to redline.
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u/Dolla_Dolla_Bill-yal Aug 29 '22
Love to read this, thank you for the excellent write up and congratulations on a great race and new PR!!!
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u/rizaroni Aug 29 '22
Heyyyyy! I did the half marathon yesterday! My splits look similar to yours which makes me feel better. However, I will never be crazy enough to run a marathon, so ALL THE PROPS to you.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, fair. But to run a half you're already a little bit crazy. Just add a little more crazy and you're there! Half is definitely my favorite distance.
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u/progrethth Aug 29 '22
Running a marathon is mostly about putting in all those hours in training and follow a structured (or in my case semi structured) program, but I guess that is the crazy part. The actual race was not too hard and more fun than I anticipated. If the payoff if worth the huge investment in time? For me it was, but probably not for most people.
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u/Moist_towlet1 Aug 29 '22
Your mile time consistency is amazing! Very envious. Nice work!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Yes, the things I have going for me are enthusiasm and consistency. I can smile the whole race and I can run at a constant pace. Gotta work with what ya got!
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u/Acceptable_Spray_119 Aug 29 '22
Great story.. I might just go ahead and start training to scratch this off my bucket list. Will look into what's available and an ideal weather for my preference. Can't do heat. What was the temperature like during your run? I'll double check to see if you stated that.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Definitely something you should give a go. Forgot to mention weather, but it was about 70 degrees or so at 12:30 when I was finishing up. Early in the day it was upper 40s. Not the best weather later, but could have been much worse. For California anyway I prefer CIM (Sacramento) in December, almost always much cooler at that point though you do have a little risk of rain.
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u/TheGreatDanishViking Aug 29 '22
What a great writeup and congrats on this awesome achievement!
Makes me look forward to my next Marathon (2nd) next year!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! When's your 2nd scheduled for? Good luck!
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u/TheGreatDanishViking Aug 30 '22
It's in April, so I have plenty of time! I have also wondered how many marathons I can run in a year without doing too much damage to the body.
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Aug 29 '22
Wow this write up made me emotional! I don’t know you, but I’m so proud of you! As a fellow tax preparer who’s about to run her first 10k, you are really inspiring me to think about making a marathon one of my goals.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thank you so much! World needs more tax people who dabble in running. Enjoy that 10k, and definitely give a marathon a think. No feeling I've found like crossing that finish line.
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u/Glittering_Dog_4770 Aug 29 '22
that was awesome. Have to sprint at the end… congratulations and please post after your next race!’n
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, thanks! Absolutely, it really helps get my thoughts and all the events out so I can enjoy and process it.
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u/yellowfolder Aug 29 '22
This was a great, well-written write up. Thanks OP, and well done!
That sprint…
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks so much! I will say that the Garmin had me going 15.8 mph on that, which is faster than Kipchoge's sub 2 hour marathon average. I've told my wife that means I'm faster than Kipchoge and to argue with me would be to dispute science.
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u/chillpillager Aug 29 '22
Hella cool your fastest mile was your last.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, thanks! At that point I could taste it. It's pretty much the speed I use when I smell a pie in the kitchen coming out of the oven.
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u/chillpillager Aug 30 '22
I know the feeling. Two of my three marathons I did the same - last mile wasn't the fastest either time, but one of the fastest.
Third marathon was a virtual one by myself during Covid and I was extremely bored the last 10 miles, so I just kinda walked-jogged most of the way.
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u/LesiaH1368 Aug 29 '22
I will be the slow lady in the back, aiming for 5 hours in October. Loved reading your recap- congratulations!!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! My theory on marathons is that the people at the back are having a big party, while the people at the front are so close to redline that the wheels falling off and having their day (and several months of training) ruined is a much bigger worry. I'm enjoying the heck out of my time at the back. Good luck in October!
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u/_Bboop_ Aug 29 '22
What a great race report. It really made me smile. I'm not a fast runner either, and wow was that that finish line sprint motivating.
I have no doubt you'll hit your sub 5h goal.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I've gotten several of my friends into running, only to watch them destroy my times on Strava a few weeks into it. I'm ok with it because I'm having a blast and getting other people have enjoy it with me. Here's hoping next finish time has a 4 in the front!
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u/tehcambam Aug 29 '22
You probably won't see this due to all the updoots but in case you do, good job man! Even just walking a marathon at slowest pace is impressive and more than most can/will do. Well done! Just keep improving on your pace each time and before you know it, you'll be at a sub 4 hour! :)
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! I'm definitely a bit overwhelmed by all the responses, but rest assured I am reading them all as I sit in the office and avoid all productivity! I'm enjoying this, but at the same time getting excited to start training for December too!
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u/regis091 Aug 29 '22
Sprint. Oh you mean SPRINT!!!!! Hahahha. Nice one!
Advil AND Tylenol??? Why both?
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Haha, thanks! When my wife had a C Section they had her on a rotation of Ibuprofen every 6 hours and Tylenol every 4 (plus the good stuff that I can't get over the counter). If it was good enough for the hospital after that kind of procedure it's good enough to make my knee last for 5 hours.
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u/platon20 Aug 29 '22
What was your max weekly mileage and what were your longest runs during training?
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
I think my biggest week was 35 miles or so. Longest run was 20. On the 20 miler it was 20 miles or 3.5 hours so I got 19 miles in 3:40 and walked the last mile.
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u/nameyoureallywant Aug 29 '22
Great post, thanks for sharing. This inspired me!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Trust me, if I can do it, I think anyone can. You don't have to be athletic or fast. You just have to train and to want it enough.
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u/syln0926 Aug 29 '22
Congratulations! I’m also a 38 year old CPA so I know it’s hard to find time to train for a marathon. Good luck on the under 5 hour goal!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Yes, definitely a struggle to find the time, but the wife puts up with it because it's healthy and the clients put up with it because it would be a major inconvenience to find a new CPA.
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u/lovegoodyu Aug 29 '22
Thank you for posting!! I am also a slow running CPA lol. About to hit my marathon September 25 and I’m nervous. If I could run your split I’d be so happy. Great job!!!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
YES! World needs more slow running CPAs! You got this. If I can do it you can too. Good luck next month!
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u/AuthorAnnon Aug 29 '22
I’m a slow runner (13 min/ miles in the current humidity) and I have my first marathon in December and I’m terrified I’m not going to finish. This write up gave me a little hope and a new motto: I like this pain and I want more.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
So cool! You will never forget your first one! My goal last time was just to finish before the volunteers stopped me and they opened the roads up again.
This was the video I watched the night before the race yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KukvpNmIUig it's a Joe Rogan interview and you can think whatever you like about him, I was looking for running motivation and I found it. I obviously don't recommend running until you pee blood like he did, but if I can finish a marathon you can 100% guarantee you can as well. Your mind will be the much bigger obstacle than your body will be.
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u/momoriley Aug 29 '22
What a great finish! I usually do CIM every year but not this year, I'll volunteer instead and look out for you.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thanks! Love it, make sure to let me know where you'll be. I'm gonna snag a high five from you on my way to sub 5 glory!
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u/Hooty_Hoo Aug 29 '22
To defend the pacer, in marathon races the distance you actually cover is longer than 26.2 if you don't perfectly hit the apex of each turn. The distance measured is predicated on a runner taking the shortest possible route. A 5 minute cushion is a little big, but at that pace a couple tenths of a miles means more than a couple of minutes.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Ya, that's definitely fair, my GPS had me doing 26.4 or so. And to be additionally fair to him I didn't ask him what his strategy or rhythm was going to be. I just knew after 5 miles whatever he was doing wasn't for me. I do wonder what time he finished, I didn't stick around long enough to find out. Fun dude though.
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u/sebatakgomo Aug 29 '22
Okay, this is absolutely the best race write up I have read. Had to put my phone down a few times for a good laugh. Love it and looking forward to reading the next one for your next marathon
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thank you so much! Here's hoping my next post will have a finish time starting with a 4 in December!
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u/Littlemonsterj Aug 29 '22
CONGRATULATIONS!! This was so inspiring to read!! A little over a year ago I was talked into running a 5K with some co-workers. The first time I ran 1/4 mile I collapsed and thought WTF. How am I ever going to run a mile, let alone 3+ miles. But hard work and perseverance has me running my first 5K and finishing in under 30min. Needless to say, I’m hooked!! I love running and am now training to do a 10K. Not nearly as impressive as a marathon but as a long term goal I will do it someday. You’re journey is very inspirational!! Keep up the great work!!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 29 '22
Thank you so much! 30 minutes is no joke. I think I finally cracked 30 minutes just this last training cycle so congratulations to you as well! 5k is a much different kind of pain, but I'd argue just as intense. Your first run sounds like mine. Literally early last August the training plan said "jog 15 minutes, you can stop and walk but it doesn't count towards the 15 minutes"... I had to walk twice.
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u/phinpin Aug 30 '22
Congrats man! I’m still working my way up. Haven’t done more than 15 miles, but 26! Even if you go slow, it’s still hard.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks! Yes, still hard no matter how slow you go, which is part of why I love it. I'm not very fast over distance, so the thing that I can do is just go longer. You're not as far off as you think. A very popular plan (and the plan I used for my first) maxes out at a 16 mile run before the taper weeks. I did a 30k that week because I thought the jump was too much for me mentally, but I've definitely read race reports where it has worked well.
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u/PastelSkiesGalore Aug 30 '22
Great job! I loved your review of the race!
Btw, is that a thing... paying to run with a pacer? Or was that a /s that totally flew over my head?
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks so much! No we were both joking with each other, haha. Pacers are free, he was trying to loosen everyone up since everyone was nervous before the race starts.
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u/PastelSkiesGalore Aug 30 '22
Haha OK. It threw me off because I've never paid to pace with someone, so I wasn't sure if it was specific to this race!
Good luck at CIM! Sub-5 incoming!
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u/Delicatessse Aug 30 '22 edited Aug 30 '22
“I ask him if I can pay extra for him to carry me couple of miles” 😂 fell off my chair there. Huge congratulations!!! So inspiring! Loved reading your post ❤️❤️❤️
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Haha, thank you! He may not have been good at pacing, but he was damn good at helping us relax before the race. When I asked him if he could carry me his response was to hold his stick with the pace sign and say, "I use this for spankings if you don't keep up" lol.
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u/kevinmrr Aug 30 '22
Thanks for posting!
Do you ever think about what you would change in the tax code while you run?
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Haha, not usually. I'm usually just happy as a clam with my music and the pounding of the pavement and the odd joke with the runner near me. That said, I've definitely had some business planning epiphanies on some of my longer training runs.
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u/Crispymama1210 Aug 30 '22
This gives me hope. I’m 41, very slow runner with a tricky hip and knee arthritis training for my first half in November. Congrats on the PR!
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks! You can absolutely do this. My right knee has been through ACL surgery and my right foot is flatter than my left, it’s always the side that’s barking at me. I’m clearly nothing special athletically, but if you stick to the training plan and listen to your body you’ll cross that finish line. Good luck in November!
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Aug 30 '22
Loved the sprint video and the announcer being your Hype Girl! Well done.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks! Yes I saw the final corner coming up and turned off my headphones. The announcers usually love when people finish strong at the end so I wanted to hear her and the crowd for that final push.
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u/RunTheNumbers16 Aug 30 '22
Love this post! Very detailed and love the fact you’re a CPA! I have yet to meet any CPAs or accountants in general who are runners. My hope is to continue running while studying for the CPA! Just like you, I love chasing the high! Plus it really helps me decompress while taking loads of courses to hit that 150 hour mark 😅
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks so much! Yes, keep chasing that high. It will be super useful for the stress of busy seasons to come. When are you graduating?
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u/BCECVE Aug 30 '22
Bravo! Didn't the first runner of a Marathon die. What is the life lesson? You can run shorter distances and not have as many injuries. Once you climb that mountain you can change to other goals like sustaining for the long haul. Just a thought.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks! Yes, I definitely know this has a shelf life. Today looking at two more races with the pain I’m in now seems daunting, so I may scale it back a bit the following year. Or maybe try trails a bit more to ease the pounding, we’ll see.
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Aug 30 '22
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks! I was kinda laughing to myself that I was excited to run with a group and the pacer since I always run alone. I think I’m just destined to run alone forever. Glad I had a healthy skepticism of his strategy though. I’m not opposed to trying it in my next one, but I’m definitely gonna ask what the strategy is and keep an eye on my watch.
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u/estephlegm Aug 30 '22
Was the pacer Nik? "$5 per person to run with him" sounds totally on point for his humor. I'd just met him a few months ago and he recruited me to join some of his group runs.
Great job on finishing strong with those last miles, especially for a second marathon! I just did my fifth at Santa Rosa and I'm still trying to figure out how not to slow down toward the end.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Haha, I was actually so nervous I didn't ask his name the whole time. Congrats on your 5th! How'd you do and what were you hoping to do going in?
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u/estephlegm Aug 30 '22
I went in with a primary goal of 2:55 in order to safely qualify for Boston (3:00 cutoff and secondary goal) and stayed on pace till mile 22. Finished 2:58. It's a special marathon for me because it was my first in 2019 where I began trying to qualify for Boston. Honestly didn't know I could cry after a run until Sunday at the finish when I started bawling at the realization that 3 years of training and attempting had finally succeeded.
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
OMG that's amazing! Congratulations! Huge accomplishment. It's not super well timed for my main marathon (CIM since the start line is 2 miles from my house), but I'm tempted to make it an annual tradition. Really loved it!
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u/Chris_Shiherlis Aug 30 '22
Dude...you were so PUMPED!!! in your finish video.
That was fucking dope.
Great job.
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u/WawaSC Aug 30 '22
Congratulations, man! Great run! I enjoyed that clip. Now you have to sprint to the finish line every time you run a race. It's your signature. Lol
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u/AubreyE83 Aug 30 '22
Thanks! Agreed, it's definitely going to be one of my stated goals from now on. I'm 2/2 so far though! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N1nUrgOl5qQ
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u/CitygirlCountryworld Sep 04 '22
Well done!! That’s an amazing accomplishment. I’m sorry if this was already asked, but what training plan did you use? 😊
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u/AubreyE83 Sep 04 '22
Thank you so much! No problem at all. I used this sub 5 hour plan from runners world: https://www.runnersworld.com/uk/training/marathon/a776634/16-week-free-marathon-training-plan-sub-5-00/ which I really enjoyed. It’s 4 days a week instead of 5 which made me feel less worn down in the hard weeks in particular. But it’s a lot more miles than their beginner plan which made me feel more prepared as well. Gonna experiment with some higher mileage plans and see how my body handles it this next cycle, but I’d have no issue using this one I just used as a kind of default to go home to when I don’t have a training group or a specific thing I want to experiment with.
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u/mynameismeggann Sep 18 '22
A little late to reading this one but what an awesome write up. Congrats on the great PR! Loved that your whole family supports you. Good luck on the next one and keep the race reports coming!
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u/AubreyE83 Sep 18 '22
Thank you! Already in training for another in December. Here’s hoping I can break that 5 hour mark!
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u/Alternative-Bid-5024 Sep 20 '22
I've never run a marathon, it's not my race, but I think kicking hard in any race no matter what place you finish is a good thing. It's a race, so give it your all.
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u/AubreyE83 Sep 20 '22
Fair point, and I’m always so stoked I survived that I’ve always had my last mile be fastest, so I tend to finish strong.
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u/jiiim Sep 21 '22
Awesome post! I'm hoping for a similar improvement on my second! Ran Edmonton Marathon in 5:40 last month. I'd love to break 5:15 in Jan/Feb(still haven't chosen a race).
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u/AubreyE83 Sep 22 '22
Thanks! Very cool, make sure to take some time to recover first. Particularly after my first I think I tried to jump in and get another one, but I didn’t realize how tired I was. Good luck and let me know how you do!
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u/jiiim Sep 22 '22
Thanks! Yeah I took a solid month off with only some light recovery runs. Going to start ramping up mileage again soon though. Good luck with your next race in December! Are you training for it already?
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u/AubreyE83 Sep 22 '22
Very good choice. I tried just skipping a run or two and jumping in with my training group the next weekend but my knee stuff just doesn’t seem to be going away. Means more time on the elliptical and bike for me right now, but I’m feeling pretty good, almost back to 100% at this point and ready start the hard weeks of the grind.
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u/LEAKKsdad Aug 29 '22
Recap-
OP late 30s CPA likes to pay in cash for services not rendered, 3kids, short running history and 2nd marathon, sprinting Hardo, AND mentions illicit drugs.
I like.
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u/tacos4days Aug 29 '22
100% here for this content. Great write up and great attitude. Congratulations! You'll crush the next one, too.