Mercedes Marathon

Published February 11, 2018

Level Qualifications:

30 marathons in 30 US states, countries, or Canadian Provinces (any combination) within 365 days.

In 2015, I achieved 10-stars/Platinum Level as a Marathon Maniac.

Coming into 2018 not as fit as Ironman Year [2014]. Starting off a bit heavier too. AND of course I’m 3 years older.

First week of strong consistent training – 50 miles/week, every week ‘til Bighorn. BIGHORN’s been the focus. Platinum x2 is the GOAL…along with 50 States x2, 10 Canadian provinces AND all 7 continents. Can’t fail if you don’t try 🙂

Birmingham, Baltimore, Phoenix, Louisiana. First 4-week marathon stretch in 2 years.

545am flight Saturday. One of the few destinations, where a direct flight from Denver just isn’t possible. Easy connection in Dallas – learned my lesson years ago…avoid Chicago in winter. Not my first Rodeo.

Alabama touchdown. Light rain in Birmingham, tomorrow’s run forecast: more rain.

Fancy hotel digs. Sprung for the Westin, event’s host hotel – ‘cross the street from the Expo, 2 blocks from Sunday’s Start/Finish. ALSO, free airport shuttle & an onsite restaurant. Economically, a mighty good deal – with a late 3pm check-out.

Only GREAT things to say ‘bout the Westin. Nice to indulge. Thanks, fancy hotel digs ❤

7am marathon Start. No rain, no early check-out, no rush. Humid though, 93% humidity. Weather app predicted 2-3 hours before the overcast skies would leak: 100% chance of rain. FULL/Half shared Start – whole lotta runners.

Ran 4 miles without tunes (headphones are a crutch but dull the negative voices in my head). Settled on a compromise this journey – downloaded 4 podcasts, SE TrailRunner. Learned lotta ‘bout trail running in Kentucky. Who knew? HA!

Halfers peeled right at mile 12, Marathoners to the left. Another loop.

Streams of salt, sides of my face/forehead. 14 mile sweat fest. No wonder I finish dehydrated. Kept sucking down water. Forgot my electrolytes, refused Powerade this trek. Once I start heaving, I’m no good 2^nd Half. Break down mentally.

RAIN.

Mile 21, SHEETS of rain. Rolling water. More trail than road conditions. Body drenched, shoes soaked. iPhone got wet. Podcast randomly restarted 4 or 5 times. Voices slowed, then chipmunk-fast. Chipmunk talk ‘til the Finish – ARGH. Rain too hard to stop, locate & shut off my Phone (under my shirt, under a jacket, inside a waterproof pouch – money back please 🙁 ).

Slow & steady but another FINISH. Really, really wet. First week done, happy with the progress. 50-mile training week, marathon finish. At this pace, expect to break my PR in about 12 years. LOL> Gotta start somewhere.