Athens Ohio Marathon

Published April 15, 2018

Athens this weekend, Vienna the next. After marathoning Brazil, seemingly all posh now.

‘course that’s Athens OHIO & VI-enna Illinois. No worries folks, this hillbilly’s still grounded. Saturday flight to Columbus, 3pm touchdown, hour-half drive to Athens. Bib check-in ’til 6, PLENTY of time. Booked a room at THE place in Athens, the OU Inn. Athens, home of Ohio University – nope, not THAT university. No Buckeyes here, Bobcats. Dining Hall dinner, early to bed.

Starting in 1968 the Athens Marathon hasn’t taken a break since giving it the title of “Ohio’s Longest Running Marathon.” With that rich history participants will start in beautiful Uptown Athens right next to the College Green of Ohio University. The course soon connects with the Hockhocking-Adena Bikeway for a fast and flat remainder of the race before finishing on the Ohio University track. You’ll experience the rich views Athens has to offer in spring time while you meander along the Hocking River valley. Though Athens is known for its foothills, you’ll stay safely in the valley for the marathon course making this an ideal fast race course to get your Boston Marathon qualifier.

Sunday morning drizzle. Precip supposed to pickup at 10, heavy all afternoon. Wet weekend was forecasted long ago – windbreaker, trucker cap & a pair of shorts – ready ready to run. On-campus Start ’bout a mile walk from my hotel. Richland Ave Bridge over the Hocking River onto OU campus. Banners of fallen veterans decorated each Bridge light post. Well done, classy.

Day’s start: corner of South College & East Union on the College Green. National Anthem, LOUD cannon Start. Literally SHOOK the ground. 2 lap course – notta huge fan of laps. Hard to stay motivated at mile 13, when 80% of the field finishes.

Steady drizzle kept day-temps comfortable. Couple miles of university town, then pushed onto a well-maintained bike path.

First 10 miles? Easy sub-4 marathon pace. Whatta difference a week makes! Struggled in São Paulo then KILLED IT this past week. Logged over 40 miles Tue-Thurs. Didn’t let setback hold me captive today. Today – legs felt strong.

2:08 Half. Rain fell hard next 4 miles. Goal: keep running ‘til mile 20.

Didn’t stop ‘til marker 21…walk/jogged the remainder. PROGRESS. An hour+ faster than last Sunday. No stomach issues, no puking, just lacking stamina. 52 miles – that’s the distance goal in June, Bighorn 60 days away.

Not a great finish time, but physically & mentally FAAAANNNTASTIC! big Smile, PROGRESS ❤

2 hours to Columbus, drove back in a downpour. Hindsight, mighty lucky with my race weather. Airport Hilton Sunday, early Monday return flight, back at my work desk 9:30 a.m. (Mountain time). Rinse repeat, Illinois in 6 days.