CIM Race Recap

I shaved off three minutes and eight seconds for my third consecutive personal best last weekend at the California International Marathon. Thankfully, the race times are going in the correct direction, although I wish I had seen more improvement. Here’s what I learned.

Pace

I tried my best to take the first half slow; however, eight miles were faster than planned, and five were slower. My half marathon time was 24 seconds faster than planned. The second half was slower as my old archenemy, iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), decided to join me.

Nutrition and Hydration

During the excitement of the first half, I found it challenging to remember to drink on schedule, so when I did, I was forcing it down. The weather was slightly cooler than my last 20 mile long run. As for nutrition, at mile 15, I could tell my fourth gel from mile 12 wasn’t sitting well. I decided to stop gels until I felt better around mile 18. I hadn’t practiced carb loading before my long runs. I believe my body was telling me that I was over-fueled and over-hydrated -- lesson learned.

Course

I enjoyed the rolling nature of the course for the first nine miles. However, it felt like the rollers continued through mile 16 during the race. My favorite section was running through Old Fair Oaks, but I must admit I burned a few matches feeding off the crowd's excitement.

ITBS

I had no IT band issues during my 708 miles of training for this race. However, I felt tightness outside my right knee at mile 13. After the half marathon point, my goals changed. I wanted to get to the bridge at about mile 22 without walking. It became a mental and physical challenge. Once I got there, the next goal was 57th Street, when the streets started to count down to 8th Street. Then it was 47th, 37th, 27th, 17th, and finally 8th. I started the training block with good intentions but had let my strength training slip, and I was paying the price. I was so worried about falling, but I made it without walking and had a little finish-line kick to get over the line.

Overall, it was a great day and, as always, a learning experience.

“The Marathon doesn’t owe you anything” -Peter Bromka


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