What a difference three weeks makes! Having an unheard of bad marathon in heat woke me up to watching hydration, correct gels, proper carb feeds etc. I didn't miss a thing, but everyone I knew was worried as I didn't get back my face color and health back for 2 1/2 weeks, but during that time I trained harder and was very determined to get back to normal. All ended well with my 13th best time out of 35 marathon finishes and third straight RnR Seattle finish.
The weather was perfect and my pace was very consistent, I was still running ten minute paces up to miles 22 and 23 and only droped to 12 near the end and not all that long. I did not stop and had to run up the hill at mile 25 as I started to cramp and did not want to walk, so that probably put me under my magic number of 4:45 which is always my goal to break. I felt pretty strong though was ready to finish, stronger then Eugene and definately stronger then the Newport debacle.
I was able to meet the Brooks owner in the VIP tent before the race. I guess writing an article for Marathon and Beyond each year has it's advantages. Having no lines for a portapoties and plenty to eat and drink was nice! Being 45 minuts faster then Newport made me feel great again though people think I am out of mind considering it's my third finish this year, how could I look down on myself? But I am not used to not being consistent and my body simply shut off in Newport, but i did finish!
It was nice seeing so many Maniacs, I go to bigger races generally now as I have a hard time staying motivated in smaller races and Western Washington is the main hub for the maniacs (pictured below). Brooks paid for my race this year and I only saw one other member of the Brooks team and I wear their gear, but do always wear a maniac hat each race. It's not as rare to be a maniac anymore, but I am always proud of such as I am a three star member!
Second year in a row a Gentry was pictured in Northwest Runner! Thanks Martin! :-)
