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April 4, 2009
5:09:32
Having a marathon maniac reunion made up my mind to run Yakima as my first marathon for the second straight year. I was able to visit with so many people I have come to know as good friends and it's like seeing high school friends, it's special and you don't want the comrodere to end, and oh yeah, we have to run a marathon too!
I guess I will never have it figured out, I think I am just plain out-of-it during and after my first marathon of the year as I have to retrain from the fall. I had more milage, a 20 miler run 3 weeks ago like it's recommended (only 18 the year before), I was not sick and well rested. That is the formula for a good marathon, right?....wrong. I was tired and actually hit a wall, which I generally doesn't happen anymore, from miles 18-21. I felt better by the time I hit the last very large mountain, it figures, that was fun, not! So I was about 30 seconds a mile slower then last years Yakima run, but hey I finished and should be fine for running the pig in May (Flying Pig in Cincy).
Having my wife and two boy scout boys allowed on the course in a car as directional volunteers and aid station helpers was great as they saw what we marathoners go through and could take these pics too! It was an honor to have them with me and maybe they slowed me down a tad as I had to greet them (yes, I'm making excuses!).
As per usual it was a perfect, fantastic day for running and the tons of maniacs were very fun to speak too all along the course. Additionally, I received a Maniac finisher medal as an added bonus that I will always cherish. I don't take these days for granted, surely if there is a marathon in Heaven the Dolphin's will handle the details!
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