Awesome Marathon in Huntsville
Marathon #14 is done. It was fantastic – I finished in 4:39:21 which is my fourth best time of the 14 marathons that I’ve run. The course was fantastic, the weather was perfect, and I had a great pace car (Matt Shobe).
As I mentioned in my previous post, I didn’t feel particular ready for this one. My running has been solid and steady with a good base, but I was feeling tired from the cumulative effect of travel combined with four other marathons this year. I had a great vacation a week ago, but last week was brutal and I didn’t really spend any time thinking about the marathon until Friday. Oh – and I’m still heavier than I want to be (although lighter than when I declared a jihad on my weight.)
There were about 1100 runners in the race. Matt and I started in the very back of the pack so it was satisfying to pass a number of folks (I was the 847th finisher.) I felt very strong at the half way point (2:18:36) and was able to hold the pace in the second half (a 10:29 per mile pace overall.) I had a ton left at the end – I had an 8:46 pace for the 1.2 mile stretch from 25 on.
Once again Amy has been a phenomenal sherpa. We’re sticking around to see Huntsville (US Space & Rocket Center anyone?) and are planning to have dinner with Andy Smith, the founder/CEO of Gyminee (one of the TechStars 2008 companies that is based here.)
I feel superb right now – a little sore but basically like I just did a long run. I’m hopeful that I’m starting to figure out how to train for and run these things.
Nice work Brad! Enjoy the rest of your trip and say hello to Andy from me.
Congratulations Brad! That's a nice time especially considering your state of mind entering the race. I also know that this isn't the easiest time of year to get consistent training done in Colorado. Great job!
Great to hear it. I hope you and Amy are enjoy the rest of your trip.
Holiday Cheers!
Brad:
Congratulations on #14! Your persistence in working towards your goal continues to impress and inspire me.
–Dean Richardson
It was really really cool. And – they have a new building – the Davidson Space Museum – next door that is 100% dedicated to the Saturn V (including having a life sized replica of one.) Awesome.
Congrats on the finish! The US Space and Rocket Center rocks – its been years since I've been there, but I recall it being really, really cool.