I was a little worried going into this race because I haven't been hitting long runs every week like in the past. Instead I've been running hills, biking, and doing long runs every other week. Anyhow, I wasn't sure what was going to happen but my game plan was to stay as close to a 10 minute per mile pace as I could for as long as I could.
The air was crisp and cool as I waited for the race to start. I had a few issues on the ride to town with my stomach and really need to investigate what's going on with me and wheat. I felt no real jitters and was semi-confident that I would be able to finish the race. The horn went off and I took off at a nice easy pace. As everyone sprinted past me I reminded myself to stay on track, stay calm, stay relaxed, and run my own race. I kept at a steady 10 minute mile and heading up the first Diamond Head hill ran strong and confidently even though I was nervous since I hadn't been training in town as in years past. Diamond Head seemed easy and it validated my decision to train in Mililani and skip the long drives into town. I ran the down hill fast and skipped the first water station at Triangle Park.
I kept a steady pace for the next few miles but was pissed when I had to stop and tie my shoe by Kaimuki Middle School. I made a mental note to myself to fix that issue going into the Marathon. The air was still feeling cool to me and I continued to run well. As planned I took out my first gel as I neared the gas station and fueled up to prepare for Kalanianaole.
As I ran toward Hawaii Kai I told myself to stay in the middle of the road and repeatedly told myself to beat the sun. Running into the sun is brutal and I knew it would zap much of my energy so I wanted to try and miss it. Running out I drank some water and Tailwind at each station walking through them so that I wouldn't pour water in my nose. I was feeling strong mentally and physically and was pleased that I was maintaining my 10 minute pace without much trouble.
At the turn at Hawaii Kai I felt strong and was happy to see that the sun had just begun to peak over the mountains. I was making good time and I was glad. I ran well for the next few miles but by mile 12 a blister on my pinky toe began to throb. It's the same toe that I had a blister on at the 25K. It slowed me down a lot and messed up my foot strike which then put pressure on my callouses on my bunion as well as the outside of my foot. I began having mental battles with myself. Part of me said it was okay to do a 10:30 pace, the other part of me was getting mad, but no matter what I did I could not pick up my pace. I hung in there as best as I could and continued to run and walk through the water stops.
As I neared the end of Kahala Avenue I looked to my right and saw my buddy Darren Ching. We talked a bit and began to run the last two miles together. Every time I was slowing down Darren would push me more. Hearing him coach me and push me made me run those last two miles amazing strong. I climbed Diamond Dead with conviction and sprinted toward the end. Darren was by my side telling me to push, telling me to kick and somehow I surpassed all expectations with a 3:05.1 finish time (yes, I am pissed that I didn't run 2 seconds faster for a 3:04) which resulted in a 14 minute PR from last year!!! I was simply amazed!!!
After I took a few drinks of water I then went out an ran a few more miles to make it an even 20 to max out at my long runs. Here on out I will concentrate on getting stronger and my pace. I have lofty goals for my 4th marathon and I think I can get it if I work a little harder, push a little harder, train with intensity, and push myself.
I am quite excited. :)
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