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| Race Report from Greg McDowell: I completed my 6th marathon this morning in 4:31, in the middle of my 4:11 to 4:48 range. I have never felt so good at a start. While the temperature was pretty good at 58-68 (and partly cloudy) for our 6:00am start, the high humidity must have made up for it. I was wobbly by mile 14, slowed down, and recovered somewhat. So that felt like an accomplishment. I started with my 69 year old inspiring island running pal Chuck. Chuck has completed over 200 marathons in 47 states, including the Tampa "Gasparillo" run 2 weeks ago. The start was slow, with only about 650 marathoners, but triple that number of half marathoners on some narrow roads. We wound through neighborhoods carefully in the dark, but I thought the conservative start would help me in the end - maybe it did. These days, Chuck runs mostly 4:40-4:50, but he occasionally makes an attempt at 4:15. We stayed together for 4 miles before I picked up the pace. I suspected I would see him again despite secretly hoping to finish ahead of him. He caught up with me as I faltered while re-crossing the only significant incline, a bridge to St. Armands Circle, south of Longboat Key (it had not slowed me down on the first crossing, mile 6). We met up before mile 15 and ran together until I needed a walk break at 17. (During that brief run, we were cheered by his wife Esther, who runs more halves than wholes, but neither today. Also, Chuck invited me to join him on at least 3 more marathon trips in the coming couple months. I did not commit.) I saw him again at the finish, looking no worse for wear, finishing several minutes ahead of me. I am appropriately impressed, and humbled. It was an early start, with much of the course run within view of the Gulf. Lovely wife May worked as a volunteer; directing cars to park at 5:00am (I sat in the car until 5:30), then working the finish line, unbagging medals and awarding them. She draped mine around my neck; that was certainly a happy first! As a real people person, May had a blast. My sister was also at the finish. She and May were surprised that I looked so well, May in particular because I had left her a couple text messages (yes, I carry a phone) suggesting that I was struggling a bit. I had projected my finish at 4:15 - 4:30 and mentioned how good I felt at the start (uhh, before taking my first step). Except for briefly considering being a drop-out at 14 miles, I thought I held up fairly well for my first marathon in over a year. While I'm walking slowly and resting mostly, there are no significant injuries to report. I'm sure I'll be sore for a few days, and I may lose a toenail or two, but previous hamstring and calf issues of 2006 are not a concern. Quads may be more sore than usual due to the consistently flat terrain, which I am Not complaining about. I only met a couple goals today (and you'd have to be a bit of a running wonk to be interested in splits, final 10ks, etc.). So I hope to keep running these things as I find the 26.2 mile distance very intriguing - and ok, one goal: when conditions and training, and stars and moon align properly, I would like to break 4:00. Some runs are more satisfying than others, but always worth the effort to learn something. I've said many times that you don't run marathons for your health. Maybe a 10k or even a half marathon. The marathon itself is a bit more about the physical and mental challenge and is open to many, regardless of age, build, etc. There are such a variety of folks out on the course, each with his or her own approach, goal and ability. Thanks to all - those who encourage me, and those who tolerate hearing about my little hobby/obsession. And a special thanks to Ron Horton, whose camaraderie in a recent 20 miler helped me immensely (although the 28 degrees that day may not have been the best preparation for Florida--but still much better than the treadmill I was considering). Believe it or not, May (did I mention that she is my lovely wife?) told my sister that we are going to work on me running the 50 states...after she moves to Charlotte next year. I still can't believe my ears. I'm at 3 states (plus D.C.), so perhaps she knows something I don't!
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