Race Report
Ranjit Raju

Kiawah Marathon – December 6, 2008

This was my first marathon. I started training in February with light runs. The training plan I followed called for running three days a week for 26 weeks. The long runs (at least one minute slower than short runs) on Sundays and the weekdays (Tuesday and Thursday) consist of 45 to 60 minutes of running at a faster pace.
Saturday December 6, 2008 - Race Day!

Had a hard time sleeping Friday night and finally woke up at five. I ate couple of dry toasts and drank a cup of coffee while watching CNN. I must have gone to the bathroom at least four times between six and seven while getting dressed. It was about 40 degrees outside so I wore a full sleeve Nike dry fit shirt, running shorts, and a T-shirt on top of that. Gloves and toboggan kept me warm.

I spent about 30 minutes inside the conference center before the race stretching, walking, and well ... going to bathroom again. I couldn’t wait to get the race started. Around 7:45 went outside to the start area and promptly got into a line for the Porta-Jons … just as Ron recommended. By the time I got back to the start area it was 7:55. There were 6, 7, 8, 9, and walkers pace listed. I chose 9 minute pace even though I am slower than that. This was a mistake. Ron had told me to choose a faster pace and I should have chosen 8.

Finally, the race got started. Spent 0 to 2 miles avoiding slower runners … yes, there were people slower than me in 9 minute pace group. From about 2 to 8 miles is always rough for me because my legs hurt during this time … not sure why this happens and stretching does not seem to help. Left my gloves and toboggan at about the 6 mile point on a table as it got warmer.

Nine through 13 was good and felt completely fine turning for my second loop. The time was not bad for me at 2hr 15min but I thought I could have done better. I was just cruising thirteen through nineteen on a comfortable pace. Towards the end of 20 and by 21 I felt my left knee getting weak … finishing the race and not getting hurt became more of a priority than finishing the race with the fastest possible time. At this point I felt a little chilly also, I put on my gloves and toboggan that I picked up from the 19th (old 6 mile point) mile.

I think the last 6.2 miles took me about 90 minutes. I wasn’t tired but was somewhat worried about pushing my left knee so I started alternating fast walking with running (slower than my slow running!). Spectators and runners alike were all nice and encouraging throughout. Finally, 4hrs 52mins later, I finished. It was 26 minutes more than what I had anticipated but knowing that I didn’t push myself to the brink will give me enough encouragement to do this all over again in 2010 (just weeks after my 50th) for a better time.

I took Gatorade or water from all the drink stations except for the last one throughout the race. I took salt at one hour and about three hour point. I took half a banana at the 2.5hr and 4hr marks. Mile markers were plainly visible (if you were looking for them) and split time was recorded at 13 mile and past 19 point marks.

After the race, went for a mile walk and then took a warm shower. I slept for about an hour before going out for dinner. Sunday morning was slightly painful but got better as I walked some. Monday was better than Sunday. Ran about five miles on Tuesday and felt as good as ever.

This was truly a great experience. I did something I thought was very difficult.

Things to do differently the next time (2010):
• Strength building exercises for the knee
• Try a different training program
• Run at least two half-marathons before the full
• Try to sleep well the night before the race
• Get in the 9 minute pace group but if they are the last pace group go to the front of 9’s or the back of 8’s.
• Stay for the after run party … at least drink some beer before walking back to the Condo

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