It was fitting that I achieved my Marathon Maniac credentials at the same race where I ran my first marathon just one year ago. The Rock n Roll Mardi Gras Marathon was an awesome event once again. The near perfect weather made it more than memorable.
An added bonus was I was able to achieve a PR by two minutes over my marathon in December. In fact, all of my "3 in 90 days" marathon maniac runs were PRs! I can definitely attribute this PR to the near perfect weather and the flat, flat, flat course. I truly was undertrained and had no idea I would have any endurance to make it past 20 miles with dignity.
I made the decision to run at my most recent marathon pace until my body said otherwise. I was really banking on the flat course giving me an extra boost. Thankfully, I held that pace until the last three miles and at that point I knew I could achieve a small PR if I didn't let myself quit. Although falling about 30 seconds off pace for the last three miles, the PR was there for the taking....and then I crossed the finish line with a huge smile on my face. At that moment I pictured the same finish line last year....my first marathon....about 40 minutes slower....and feeling barely alive. What a difference a year has made!
I have learned a few things about fuel, hydration, and electrolytes since my first marathon last year which ended with 6 miles of jog/walk due to calf cramps. Now, I rarely miss a water stop and always go for the Gatorade type drinks because they offer a few calories and needed electrolytes. I also choose the farthest cup bearers at the water stops to avoid the traffic jams at the nearest point. I don't stop running, although I occasionally slow slightly, and I don't usually consume the whole cup even though they are small. Sometimes, I squeeze out a little liquid so it doesn't hit me in the face before reaching my mouth. I always get two good swigs of liquid down and then toss the cup in the trash. I never permit myself to overdrink because I know it will slosh in my belly and end up in my bladder...requiring a pee stop and lost time. I will also consume GU packets when offered. Typically these are provided twice during the race. With each being about 90-100 calories, that's a quick burst of needed fuel...and electrolytes. During the last two marathons, I also carried Hammer Endurolyte capsules for some real cramp fighting weaponry. I made it a point to take one capsule every 40 minutes or so and then doubling up on the capsules during the last half of the marathon. The bottom line result has been several successful finishes with no potty stops along the way and no "last miles" cramping to destroy what would have been a good run.
That's about it for the quest to be a Maniac. Scratch that item off my running bucket list and there's really only one thing left....the Boston Qualification. That will be another story....perhaps another book...after today's unveiling of the new stringent qualifying requirements by the Boston Athletic Association. It seems that I can easily qualify next winter (with a 3:40 time required), but have ZERO chance of an actual invitation to go to Boston. No problem! I am just along for the ride!