2007 half marathon finish to the left and my 2009 full marathon finish above
June 7, 2009 5:01:35
This was the race I was going to run in 2007 for my first since 2003, but that morning I had a choice of the half marathon bus or the full, sadly I had to ride the half bus due to being extremely sick, but today was vindication! I run marathons in sets of two, the first a smaller one with less crowd support (though this had some) and the second one my target marathon, a training marathon so to speak. I expected my run to be around 5 hours because I wanted a faster first half to see where my strength would be at the end, compared to the Pig where I ran slower the first half and was strong at the end. I had little strength at the end, but I ran the entire marathon and am pleased wtih my results on a tough course for me.
Bottom line, I run faster at the larger marathons because of crowd support and not having to run by myself. Discovery is beautiful but the pace I generally run at keeps me alone much of the run generally, which slows me down. My pace the first half of the marathon was 9:57 and 13:00 the second half. I knew I was at the 5 hour pace but could not pick it up at the end because of hitting a long patch where the running surface was loose stones Actually, the last couple of miles before the final 5 minute stretch is gravel and I was tired. I've never had 4 weekends between marathons and even with an 18 in training this seemed like my first marathon of the year again. So, at 21 marathons and counting under my belt I am still learning.
This is a very secenic run and very well run, the directors and sponsors are top-notch and they have one of the best designed finisher medals in the state in my eyes. Their white color this year may be their best one, so I proudly have it on my wall. I am glad I ran this marathon and I have my sights on the first Seattle Rock 'n' Roll marathon with my preferred 3 weeks between events. I am glad I ran Discovery, yet it showed me that I should probably plan a few less marathons each year and ensure my marathons are well attended, this fall Portland and New York City fit that bill and we'll see about next year as Yakima always looms on my meter and it's another very difficult marathon for me, so I need to think hard before deciding on what to run next spring. Bottom line, I feel pretty good a day after the run, so it was worth it and everyone who loves scenic marathons should strongly consider running Discovery!
