I'm not going to do a (for me) traditional race review here - it was a big city city marathon with lots of money (well) spent and went off like clockwork. Samml races have lots of charm and the (few) things that go wrong usually and mostly add to the charm. With Baltimore it's the city and people who bring the charm. From scenic and historic neighborhoods to street corner, makeshift aid stations (serving beer shots)and a side trip through the zoo (alligators, skunks and penguins!)the race is al charm. And all hills. Although truthfully after my last few races the hills were less then intimidating. They still took a toll on the quads though.
For a race this big I still saw many freinds and races are starting to feel like a family gathering. That's a really great feeling to know that in a crowd of thousands that you're never really, truly alone. It's a nice reminder for our trip through life.
It was Matt's first marathon and although he didn't get the time he wanted he ran a great, smart race with many lessons along the way. Next marathon will be even better - unfortunetly he has to go through a 50 miler to get there! Moca ran her third marathon for the year (plus three 50ks, 3 halfs and a handful of 5ks) and this last on came on the tail end of a streak of 4 races in 5 weeks (including Air Force Marathon)and the toll was eveident but she pulled through strong and positive. Great training for her as she tackles her first 50 miler next month.
I ran a good race but could have ran it smarter. Not much of a taper for me after many races in last month and I came out with two fast of a pace - which nearly defeated the purpose of my Galloway program (don't want to here from the anti Galloway brigrade!)The plan was to run 4 and walk 1 and hold steady with a pace between 9:55 and 10:10. I ran 9:05 to 9:40 through mile 15 (2:07 at half) and cut walk breaks in half far to many times. I didn't have the kick I hoped for at the end but I wasn't spent (as I was last year) either. I ran the first half with Melissa who ran a tough as nails race with a sprained ankle at mile 3. She's not a walk break girl at all and we battled back and forth a bit (she tried her best to abide the Galloway rules - thanks Melissa!)and at mile 13 or so I pulled ahead and she made it a medical aid tent, got wrapped up and finished strong. With no more walk breaks!
So we're on to Stome Mill 50 next and this was a stop along the way. It's a great stop and one of my favorite races and a great way to get to know Baltimore. Come run with us next year! (yeah you)
This years race also convinced me that I have a sub 4 in me if not right now (but maybe) then real soon and I may look for a mid-winter race to try for it. Just a bit more tempo work and I'm there.
A big thanks to all who particpated in the Baltimore City Marathon - from races, pacers and volunteers and more!
Peace,
Eric
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