When I stepped outside the hotel at 6:00 on the morning of the Rocket City Marathon, the flags were standing straight out and it was near freezing. After a short jog around the parking lot, I knew I had the proper clothing for the race, but the wind seemed like it was going to be a show stopper. The second half of the marathon would be run straight into that north wind. Then, the thought entered "just go back inside and go to bed", saving the BQ attempt for another race closer to spring. After all, I wasn't there for a routine marathon finish, not even for a PR. I was there for my first "trained up" attempt at qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 2013. I thought about the months of training specifically to achieve a sub 3:40 race time. I thought how cruel it was for the Boston Athletic Association to lower the qualifying times by 6 minutes for each age group just when I was getting close to being able to run at a qualifying pace. I thought that it would no longer be enough to cross the finish line barely under the qualifying time. I thought that the BQ itself, while an awesome achievement, was no promise of an entry into Boston. But wait, I didn't even care if I went to Boston. I wanted to BQ!
Since early summer, I began working towards achieving the BQ this winter. While my weekly run miles were only in the 20s, I had supplemented my training with a considerable amount of cycling. This approach was to just get me through the summer months. Once late August came, I dropped the cycling and began the serious ramp up in miles and intensity. By mid October, my weekly miles were into the 50s for the first time ever. Leading up to this marathon morning, I had the base miles, a quality training program, and several recent 20 mile runs under my belt, plus a very recent marathon that was run at a slow training pace. I was ready to BQ at the Rocket City Marathon!
The gun went off and so did the runners. I chose the 3:35 pace group for one primary reason: it would be an easier run for the first half since it was to be mostly with the wind at our backs. I only needed to finish under 3:40. As we entered the first miles, the temperature felt great as did the pace. By the halfway point, I was feeling strong. At the turn back to the north, we hit the wind and a long gradual uphill climb. The climb was so gradual, it was hardly noticable. Well into it, I felt I was struggling a little. The pacer seemed to be slipping ahead. Once we completed the long gradual ascent and tapered off, I regained my strength and once again remained snuggled up behind the pacer. The strategy now was to stay attached to the pace group, using others to block the wind as much as possible...just like a flock of birds. For the most part, it worked.
After about 18 miles, runners were dropping like flies from the pace group. At mile 22, I felt I was slipping. I thought it was okay at that point to let the pacer and one remaining runner get ahead. By mile 23, the pacer was out of sight, but the finish was gettting nearer. Only a 5K to go! Then it hit. Calf cramps! First, a twinge or two. I slowed a bit, changed my gait, bargained with myself. "Keep going, you have several minutes to spare". Once or twice, I had to stop for a quick stretch. I was continuing on. Then, a hamstring cramp arrived. I inhaled my last GU and begged "Don't let my BQ end at mile 24!" For the first time, I saw my dream about to disappear in a flash. Still, I continued on...1/4 mile at a time. Mile 25 came and I looked at my watch. I had only lost 2 minutes off the 3:35 pacer. I could probably walk in and beat the 3:40 qualifying time. At that point, I increased my pace and the calf cramps stayed under control. I got excited...just like a first time marathoner. I neared the finish line, running strong, overwhelmed at the accomplishment. I crossed the line. I qualified for Boston. When a finish line handler approached me with the finisher's cap and medal, he asked how I was feeling. I said "I feel great! I qualified for Boston!"
Official finish time: 3:37:04