Race Report: Georgia Publix Marathon

After last year’s race I said I wouldn’t do it again. Well, I did. I said this year and I’ll say it here in writing: I will not do this race again. Hilly, hot, tough course…

I woke up early and followed my typical routine: A full length shower, breakfast of a peanut butter and honey sandwich, a banana, water with added electrolytes. I spent some time with Team Podium and friends from Atlanta Tri Club and did some pre-race stretching.

There was nothing special about the first leg of this or any full marathon. The temps were higher than last year. The first 10 miles or so slipped by as they do. After the split of the half and full marathons at mile 7 or so it became much quieter for the full runners. The wall came at about 18 miles, and I knew I was in for it. Despite having no goal, I still wanted a respectable time. I slowed from my average 9 minute/mile pace to a walk/jog. I kept this up, walking the hills and jogging the flats. Near mile 22, I came upon on friend who seemed to need more help than I did and paced him to the line. The pain went away about with a quarter mile to go and I’m sure this was my fastest quarter mile of the day. The finish line activity was great; lots of people were still around.

I collected my medal and finally got some food.  Official Time: 4:25

For me this “race” was more of a run. I spent most of the winter just keeping in shape. This race gave me something to focus on but not train too hard for. I figured I would finish between 4:15 and 4:30. I believe that it’s important to use a few races every year as just a training run. With this in mind, this year’s first marathon was just that.

My PR in the full marathon was 3:50 at Chicago in 2011 and I plan to race the Indianapolis Marathon this October with a goal of 3:45.

Other Team Podium athletes included Alex Solomon (1:20:52), Jeremy Ploessel(1:30:33),  John Rotella (1:30:34), Laura Sophiea (1:38:50), Brian Wainwright(1:40:46), Michael McGinniss (1:48:23), and Sheila Howard (2:00:53) in the half marathon, and Dan Meyer (3:46:49) in the marathon. Full results can be found here.

Just like last year, I said I wouldn’t do this race again. I’ll see you in 2013.