Zero to Marathon in 5 Months.
60 runs leading to the marathon.
47 hours of training.
360 miles in total.
Average of 8:00 minutes per mile.
40,000 calories burned.
My first 26.2 in 3:39:37.
I decided to write a relatively detailed post about my first marathon for a few reasons.
1. It's nice to take a look at my progression and set goals for this new year.
2. I had so many people doubt me in one of my threads on Runner's World. Mind you, I was sort of asking for advice while simultaneously bombing their sport, so I deserved it. Sorry guys, I understand now.
3. For all the people who doubt themselves, DON'T! Put your mind to it, get through the training, and run. Don't let doubt set in. Don't let people tell you it's impossible in that time frame, in those shoes, with that time goal. I had people telling me what I couldn't do and I proved them wrong. 23 months until Ironman!
The marathon: I decided to run the first ever Taichung Freeway No.4 Marathon. I really wanted to run a marathon before 2011 ended, and it was on Saturday so I wouldn't have to miss church. I woke up at 4am to eat a bagel and drink some fluids early enough so that I could pee before the race. Lauren and I left the door at 5:45am and drove 20 minutes in the rain on our motor scooter to the race point. I wasn't going to let rain deter me from my goal. I stretched, went for a 4 minute jog, kissed my wife, and headed to the starting line.
I must admit that the first half was far easier than I thought it would be. After passing the half-way mark I decided to boost my speed up from 8:10 per mile to 7:50-7:55 per mile. Again, my inexperience got the best of me. The third quarter went swimmingly and I was still feeling great and was looking to maybe finish closer to 3:30. By then, I had finished most of my peanut M&M's, one small dinner roll, plenty of Supao (Taiwanese sport drink), and a bit of water.
CRASH!
After mile 20 I started to feel the burn. My heart rate felt ok, but my body was just giving up. I really wanted to hold a sub-8:00 per mile pace but I couldn't. I couldn't even focus on the songs helping me keep a solid cadence in my mind (Bon Iver-Skinny Love; John Mayer-Who Says; Grizzly Bear-Two Weeks; Minus the Bear-Pachuca Sunrise, Absinthe Party, Fine +2 Points; Dave Bazon-That's How I Remember; Foals-This Orient;my favorites from In Rainbows, Hail to the Thief, Amnesiac and when I really need to kill time, the musical Les Mis which I know most of the words to thank you Summer 2006).
I knew it was going to be a grueling finish but I pushed and pushed. Each kilometer marker passed too slowly. The landmarks I used to gauge my distance were too far and few between. The food I had sounded horrible and only the Supao and the sliced oranges seemed appetizing. When I crossed the 1km marker I couldn't even push for the final few minutes. In fact, my final kilometer was the slowest of the 42. My last mile was at an 8:40 pace. Ouch! After seeing my wife Lauren, my friend Elias, and the clock ticking at 3:39:xx I was so happy!
I crossed the line at 3:39:37.
After stopping my body felt like never before. I could barely walk. During the descent down the 250m off ramp of the freeway, I had to take three breaks to stretch. Eating my "complimentary" pork and rice had never tasted so good. After a shower and a nap, Lauren and I took the bus up to Taipei to watch the New Year's fireworks at Taipei 101. Needless to say, it was a long and glorious day.
My splits.
| 1 | 7:54 | 7'54"/mi |
| 2 | 15:58 | 8'04"/mi |
| 3 | 24:11 | 8'13"/mi |
| 4 | 32:27 | 8'16"/mi |
| 5 | 40:36 | 8'09"/mi |
| 6 | 48:47 | 8'11"/mi |
| 7 | 56:53 | 8'06"/mi |
| 8 | 1:05:08 | 8'15"/mi |
| 9 | 1:13:13 | 8'05"/mi |
| 10 | 1:21:17 | 8'04"/mi |
| 11 | 1:29:27 | 8'10"/mi |
| 12 | 1:37:30 | 8'03"/mi |
| 13 | 1:45:41 | 8'11"/mi |
| 14 | 1:53:36 | 7'55"/mi |
| 15 | 2:01:23 | 7'47"/mi |
| 16 | 2:09:19 | 7'56"/mi |
| 17 | 2:17:22 | 8'03"/mi |
| 18 | 2:25:21 | 7'59"/mi |
| 19 | 2:33:05 | 7'44"/mi |
| 20 | 2:40:57 | 7'52"/mi |
| 21 | 2:49:11 | 8'14"/mi |
| 22 | 2:57:24 | 8'13"/mi |
| 23 | 3:05:46 | 8'22"/mi |
| 24 | 3:14:25 | 8'39"/mi |
| 25 | 3:23:02 | 8'37"/mi |
| 26 | 3:31:42 | 8'40"/mi |
Before the race. I think I have leg muscles now...
I was so sad that Lauren's 5k was during my marathon. Thanks Elias for taking photos of her for me!
Only 60 meters left!
Yes, I am taller than most people in Taiwan. Oh, and look at the time! 3:39:37 was my official time.
I promised my wife that my first marathon wouldn't ruin New Year's Eve. Don't you think watching $1 million USD's worth of fireworks in 2.5 minutes at the second tallest building in the world qualifies as a great evening? I do.
I love Taiwan. The Taipei 101 on New Year's Eve is a must see for all you travelers.
Mind you, this is about 1.5 miles from the actual building, to give you some scale as to how big the building and firework show is. Factor in camera zoom as well...
My wife took some great photos with our 550/Rebel T2i.
Despite my smile, I am hurting from sitting "indian style" (politically incorrect 吧) for 2.5 hours waiting for the show to start. I do, however, have a lot to smile for. 2011 was a great year and I look forward to spending many more with my beautiful wife Lauren.
Check out the video of the fireworks if you haven't already. I like this video because he's right underneath it.
