Snow on Friday, cool overcast but dry on Saturday (great day with family) – so what would race day weather hold?

Freezing drizzle.

Cold, yes – cold & freezing rain, kinda tough.  That said, Little Rock cancelled last year’s marathon – can’t afford any more cancellations…too many $$ tied up in airfare.  Rain, heat, sleet, snow – bring it on.  I’m running.

Suited up, running beanie & a rain jacket – parked a half mile away & walked in with my Mom & bro.  I’ll say this over & over – nothing like running with family.  Lined up late so queued way back – more than 2 minutes behind clock time.

Slower than normal start, legs felt like bricks in the rain.  At mile 4, heard the 3:55 pace group behind me – already?  Seriously?  Turns out this was the motivation needed.  Picked up my stride, settled into the tunes & actively flexed my gloved hands to keep fingers from going numb.  I run in snow – winter rain is a whole different animal.

Passed the Capitol dome at mile 11.  Thought I’d see family at mile 18 or 19 – kept me motivated (unfortunately, traffic trapped them Downtown).  Stopped under the race clock at mile 20, downed some Frog Fuel, a swig of water, re-focused & pushed hard.  First time since November pacing ahead of 4 hours, 20 miles in.

Right leg started cramping at mile 25.  Ran too many hills, drank too little water – had to power through.

Approaching the Finish, saw my first 3 hour clock.  Never have I crossed sub-4 under the clock (previous sub-4s have only been official time).  Mentally – a HUGE moment!

Sub-4! – first of 2015 & by far my hilliest.  Minute+ slower than Indy (PR marathon run with my sis).  Nothing but smiles, I’ll take it – FAANNNNTASTIC!

LITTLE ROCK MARATHON 2015 RESULTS
1151   K HAGA   Marathon   3:56:39.8   9:01/mile   LOUISVILLE CO

Have seen Mom 3 times since November.  Will see bro & his family again in 3 weeks (Colorado ski weekend).  And sis?  Next month at Go! St. Louis, my Missouri marathon & USA half-way mark (25^th state).  Life is good, really really good 🙂