First Marathon Ever!!!

Feb. 2, 2014--New Orleans

I completed my first official marathon ever!! Months of training culminated in this one event! I was well rested (having not run for 3 days prior to the race), carb-loaded, and had my race strategy set. My goal was to finish around 4 hours while running a negative split but that plan did not go so well. The weather was gloomy with clouds and fog that morning.

 In the first half of the race there were a few sprinkles that actually felt nice. The temperature was somewhere around the 60s. Everything was going great until about mile 17 or 18. I had to walk through some of the water stations but was able to maintain a 9:30 or so pace. Looking back at my splits, Mile 20 was where I slowed down drastically. I guess that was the dreaded 'wall' that marathoners have always talked about. There was never any doubt that I would finish. I had to utilize the jog-walk method and stay mentally engaged on the challenge at hand. I knew my goal of finishing in 4 hours was out the window but a decent time was still within reach. I prayed, sung along to the songs being played, grabbed some gatorade, ate a couple cookies that were being handed out, and whatever else to keep my mind fresh!

                                                A screenshot is worth a thousand words!!!


With about half a mile to go I knew I had to finish strong so I gave it all I had. I finished in 4:11:06. Not too bad for my first time!

I think I would like to do another but it will probably be in December 2014 when I will have another chance at the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. I will probably focus more on distances 5K to the half marathon. 

Here are my running goals for the upcoming year:
sub 1:40 for the half marathon
sub-19 min for the 5K
sub 45 min for the 10K.

My overall marathon experience was definitely positive. I enjoy training but am glad that I won't be spending so many hours on the road anymore. Track Club at my school is starting and it will be nice to influence young athletes to develop a love for this sport!!!

                      Becca and me at Redfish Grill. She had the Redfish and I had the Half Chicken

 We stayed at the Astor Crowne Plaza. It was right on Bourbon and Canal Street. This was our pre-race photo. I was decked out in all Nike and a St. Jude shirt underneath.

After the race I stopped by the St. Jude Heroes' tent and they were serving gumbo and king cake! It was delicious!

Nike+ Achievement...add me!

Taper Time!

Well, 12 more days until my first official marathon in New Orleans and I'm in the tapering phase of my training! Becca was in Savannah, GA for a work thing and so I ran my 16 miles on Saturday by myself! There was actually a wind advisory with wind gusts up to 40 mph. I contemplated waiting until Sunday to run it but decided to go with the Nike slogan and "Just Do It".

The first few miles were actually quite nice due to the tailwind I received! I did a different course than normal to keep things interesting. There were a lot of moments where it felt as if I was doing speedwork, hill work, and running a race all at the same time due to the wind! My average pace for 16 miles was 8:45min/mile! However, I don't think I could keep that pace for another 10.2 miles. This run was very challenging and I think it will prep me well for NOLA.