marathon #5 on the books!
they definitely don’t get easier each time 
marathon-eve
chris and i ended up going to sacramento after work on friday so i could sleep in saturday and spend the day relaxing and stress free. i got a pretty good night of sleep that night but still felt a little tired throughout the day. we had a yummy brunch and just relaxed until tara and maritza arrived, then we went to the expo to get our stuff. it was the tiniest expo ever, but our shirts are a nice new balance tech shirt and it’s nice to get in and out of expos quickly every so often.
we went in the hot tub for a while and then our friend shelly arrived and we hung out in our room and chatted races and watched football. they went to dinner while i just stayed at the hotel with chris and my mom since it was already getting late and i was just ready to eat and get zoned out. the race didn’t start until 7:30, so my alarm was set for 5:00 which felt like sleeping in after all the crazy early wake up calls i have had this summer for races. i felt really good all afternoon, i felt focused and ready and excited for the race. usually i get this weird haze like feeling and just kind of feel weird the days before races, so it was nice to feel somewhat normal… i was hoping it was a good sign.
i fell asleep somewhere around 10 and had some marathon nightmares. i woke up at 2:30am because i had been dreaming i couldn’t remember the second half of the race, but when i checked my watch it said 3:5x, and i knew i had run a good first half but could not remember what happened the second half. the dream was also taking place in eugene so i guess i was having some weird scary dreams bringing back that race. i was able to go back to sleep pretty quickly but the dream pretty much continued on, so i was a little tired when the alarm went off.
race morning
i started the coffee and toast and got dressed from my pile i laid out the night before. i had time to just sit and relax by myself which was nice, but the hour went by quick and before i knew it, it was time to go.
we made it to the start around 6:45, which if you know me is kind of cutting it close. i wasn’t worried at all though, we immediately got in the porta potty line which was the slowest line ever! by the time it was our turn it was already after 7:15, but it actually worked out ok since we would be heading to the start right after that. kristin found us in line and then we headed to the start and then amy found us too! i was happy to have seen all my girls before the race started.
the weather was perfect, upper 40s but clear with a cool crisp breeze. i was so happy because i had been worried about the weather after the 100+ temps last weekend. it seemed like everything had come together and fallen into place. i felt really good and ready to go.
the 3:40 pacer was right next to us, which i was happy about. i didn’t really want to start off with them since my race plan was to hold back for a few miles, but i just like having them in my sights. i was shooting for around a 1:50-1:51 first half and then was hoping to negative split the course to get the sub 3:40. the course was 2 13.1 loops, so i was hoping that would help me to be able to hold back the first half since i would know what was coming for the second loop.
the race
i started off right on pace so i had to make myself hold back a little bit. i was feeling really good except in the first couple miles i was noticing that my water bottle felt SO heavy. i was using my handheld and i have used it on 90% of my training runs and its never bothered me, but today it felt like i was carrying a dumbbell or something. my hands were getting tingly and i kept having to switch arms, but eventually i settled in with it and felt ok. the first 5ish miles were through the park and some neighborhoods. a bunch of families had come out to cheer and it was nice having all the half marathoners around too.
miles 1-5/42:09/8:26 avg pace
we went through some industrial areas, then had a short out and back where i got to see all my friends, then we were up on the river trail cruising along. i was taking notes of the couple of tiny hills and the downhills so i would know where to attack them on my next lap. around mile 10ish we were back in another pretty neighborhood and i was still cruising along. my fueling was going just as planned… gu every 4 miles, a salt capsule every 5.5-6 miles and sips of water every mile.
miles 6-10/41:58/8:24 avg
i saw chris, my mom and maritza around mile 12 and gave them a wave. we were headed back into the park now and all the half marathoners were getting close to their finish, while the speedy fulls were coming back out on the course. i crossed the half just over 1:51, so just a little bit off pace, but right where i wanted to be. my support crew was at mile 14 again and had a new water bottle for me this time. i immediately noticed how heavy it was. i really wanted to drop it, but i knew i needed the fluids and it had all my gu and salt in it too. uggg it was so heavy though. i squirted out some water which helped a little but my legs were feeling SO heavy at this point. i was having total deja vu from eugene, feeling like crap at mile 14. i was feeling pretty defeated, i couldn’t believe it was happening again, but i just kept on running, although it was getting slower and slower. it was also SO lonely out there. for miles 14-15 i was pretty much completely by myself, it was really weird and i didn’t like it.
miles 11-15/43:05/8:37 avg pace
i was trying to hang on but i could tell it just wasn’t going to be my day again. i just kept on chugging along but i had to start taking walk breaks. my stomach was really mad at me and i really thought i was going to either puke or need an emergency trip to the bathroom. neither happened but i was dealing with a seriously pissed off stomach. on top of that my lower back was screaming, my legs were incredibly heavy and i was just feeling like crap. the miles kept on ticking by and as i slowed down there were more people around which was a plus i guess.
miles 16-20/48:27/9:41 avg pace
during all this i was trying to keep a smile on my face. i knew it was going to be a rough rest of the race, but i might as well try and have a little fun by smiling at the spectators and thanking the volunteers. my water (which was my 2nd 20oz bottle) was out around mile 20 and i stopped to pour some cups in it but one of the volunteers had a pitcher waiting right there, it was awesome. i was soooo thirsty at this point, the sun was out and it was getting warmer, but there was still a cool crisp breeze which was nice. i was getting slower and slower though, but kept on pushing through. at this point i was wishing my dream would come true and i could forget this awful second half.
miles 21-25/50:41/10:08 avg pace – ouch
something happened around mile 24. i think i realized that i was going to be really close to my eugene time and for whatever reason i just REALLY wanted to beat it. i started picking up my pace and my legs started coming back to me a bit. i knew i didn’t have much longer to run so i just told myself to suck it up and get going. mile 25 was an 8:48 pace and then mile 26 i got this crazy burst of adrenaline. at this point i was coming back into the park, i was passing a bunch of the half marathon walkers and i was just totally zoned out. i had found an awesome song on my ipod and just taken off. i was pushing hard and knew i was so close. it was the best feeling ever! i have always dreamed of having a really high burst of energy at the end of a marathon, i had just hoped it was the BQ adrenaline pulling me through, but this was fun too.
just after mile 26 i saw chris, my mom, maritza, kristin, stephen and shelly all cheering for me. i gave them a wave and smile and pushed my way to the finish line, coming in just 10 seconds faster than eugene ha!
mile 26 – 8:13 – what got into me?
last .32 according to garmin: 2:39 (8:10 avg)
garmin results: 26.32 miles/3:57:12/9:00 avg
official results: 26.2 miles/3:57:10/9:03 avg
overall: 127/328
female: 25/132
AG: 6/21
i was so happy to be done running at that point, but i wasn’t feeling that great either. i got some water and chocolate milk and then ate a couple orange slices which seemed to help. then i found my crew and was full of smiles. there was nothing to be sad or crying about today… i finished my FIFTH marathon and i got another sub 4. it definitely wasn’t what i was hoping for, or close to my PR but i learned a lot as usual.
we watched tara cross the finish line then amy found me and we took a quick pic. i don’t have any pics on my camera but i will post some more as i get them from people.
my stomach ended up being mad for most of the afternoon, so i skipped the post race lunch celebration and just went home. plus we had to pick up my girls from camp, i missed them! 
as always, thank you so much for your continued support!! i am always overwhelmed when i am checking my email comments, facebook and twitter to see how many of you out there are routing for me. seriously it means a lot to know you all believe in me, because there were definitely some moments today where i was questioning both my drive and ability to keep chasing this BQ. but you all know i won’t stop chasing it until i get it.
Hey Aron – great report and GREAT race. It wasn't your day and it is SO disappointing not to have your day again after Eugene. But your head's in a different place today – somehow. If I were you, I would focus on that part of you that pulled OUT of the bad mood at mile 24 and got back going. That's encouraging.
9 weeks is quite a long time – plenty of time to recover and get back into it. Not sure whether you would be putting too much pressure on but on the other hand – your fitness is indisputable, I think you could go for it.
Can't wait to meet you shortly! Big hug and congratulations – 5 marathons in the bag is a BIG deal!
Great job, Aron – I'm so impressed that you were able to overcome the physical issues and were really able to bring out your mental game to finish the race smiling
And dude, I love that cowbell medal – awesome!
Congrats on another great race! I can't wait to meet you at CIM. You rock, girl!
Congrats on number 5 girl! I felt very similar to you in terms of the double loop….it was hard the 2nd half to keep pushing when no one was nearby, but I'm so proud of you for staying strong even though you weren't feeling so well. You'll have your day! That BQ is yours! Looking forward to CIM! Rest up and remember always bring your race face B-)
Congrats, I'm sorry it's not what you hoped for but BOOK IT. Sub 4 is nothing to sneeze at, 26.2 is no joke, that's for sure. Always humbling.
Aron, I'm sooo proud of you! You did amazing out there and got another sub 4! I can't wait to come out and run CIM with you! Maybe ill get to see you on the big day!
as always, you rocked it! Way to go girl!
A 5th marathon and another sub-4 hour; congrats! Sorry it wasn't the BQ, and that you again felt like you crashed, but you still ran an awesome race and should be proud of it!!
Congrats on another marathon! Way to rock those last two miles. You definitely have the speed and endurance for a BQ. I am with you on the flat courses, they do a number on the legs.
Nine more weeks!
Congrats on your 5th marathon and another sub 4hr. BQ isn't easy but you will get it for sure.
I hate a loop course period.
Love the cowbell medal!
Congratulations on a fine race, Aron. You are going to get that BQ!!
Great race report Aron. Definitley sounds like you got some good info from this marathon. Number 5!!!
great race aron. sounds like it was a tough race & i'm glad that your going to keep that smile on your face because you rock
Nice race report! I'm sorry about your race not going like you wanted, but I think it's awesome that you had such a straightforward and positive attitude to finish!
Reading this will definitely help during the hard miles of Chicago, so thanks for always being an inspiration, Aron!
Well done – another marathon in teh books – and great attitude.
hurrah!
I am continually impressed by how positive your attitude is, Aron . . . it's really amazing. I am so glad that you are able to smile about this race. You pushed it when things got rough despite some physical limitations, and that is HUGE. I think you should be very proud of yourself. Honestly, you are an inspiration to so many people! I know I will be telling myself to "run like Aron" next weekend in Chicago! I hope you recover well! CIM will be here before you know it!
Congrats on your 5th marathon! Sub 4hrs has me in awe!!! You rock – nice work!
Congratulations Aron. I think the double loop course sounds really challenging but you pushed through and finished. I love that your last mile was your fastest?! You definitely have a much faster time in you and you'll find it soon. I think CIM is a good amount of time away to recover, tune up and race again. Make sure you rest even if you're not feeling too sore!
Great work out there and congrats on another marathon finish.
Congrats on a strong & happy finish, Aron!
I'm not a fan of the double-loop either. It gets lonely when the half marathoners leave off and it's just you out there.
Girl you still did great and you are such an inspiration! I will def be channeling my inner Aron when I get down and out during those final miles at Chicago! You have the BEST positive attitude ever! Great job girl and you'll get that BQ!
i am so scared of being lonely on the course. i get so much energy from cheering and seeing people i know… and i think my marathon might be a double loop… ah. i am so scared right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it seems to me that you can't predict the end of the race, esp having never done it before. and on all of my training runs i get really fatigued before 20 miles. i am totally psyching myself out, but it's just real life i guess. congrats on finding that strong finish, after so many miles, and quite a few extra tough ones. i think i would like to leave my stomach at home … it can really get in the way!!!
cim 9 weeks away! how will you go into training ? will you take some recovery time? MASSAGE!
congrats on your marathon aron.5 marathons– you are packing them in!
Great race report. Lonely races are tough. It really makes you rely on your mental game, which is the hardest part of running for me.
Is CIM a BQ course?
Congratulations! You ran a really strong and admirable race in my opinion, given your stomach issues and feeling off. What a stoic! And I don't think I've ever seen a post-marathon photo of someone who looks so fresh, which means you're a seriously strong marathoner to come out the other end looking so great. Another one in the bank!
I was so excited to read your report this morning. Sub-4 is a great race, and it sounds like you really finished strong. Lots to be proud of.
You did awesome! I have never done a double loop course, but I think I will def think twice if one ever comes up for me to run.
Stomach issues are the worst, and it sounds like you handled it all pretty well. I am really proud of you and a sub 4 hour finish is something to be really proud of!
CIM will be your race! I can't wait for it!
Glad to see you still are smiling – that is why we run? Right?
Enjoy your day off girly, you deserve it!
awesome job aron! congrats on number 5! and how great to do mile 26 the way you did, that's amazing. you have a lot to be proud of. you are awesome!!
You should be so amazingly proud of yourself! I'm just in awe of people who run, and you obviously love it. Your race reports are so fun to read – congratulations girl!!
you have such great training, this always baffles me a little. Do you think it's because you aren't racing with the people you train with..would that potentially help?
I decided to abandon the double loop races, too. There's something about that second time around that just kills me, at least when it's that small a race.
Congrats on pushing through and finishing with a smile on your face. You'll get there, I'm sure of it, and in the meantime, just keep enjoying what you're doing.
Congrats on a strong finish! A double loop race would be hard. Way to go on #5!
I'm so glad that you're keeping your head high after this race. Your day will come…and you'll have all of this experience under your belt! Although I really wish it got easier with each marathon.
Congrats on another Sub-4! I'm sorry it didn't work out as planned, but as always, you have such an amazing attitude, and can know that you learned some great lessons again.
And who knows, CIM may just be surprisingly amazing
Great report and great attitude aron! Awesome finish time especially while battling stomach issues. Could it be you were more stressed than you realized and your stomach freaked out on you? It does that to me – manifests in a different way…
Enjoy some downtime/recovery! Congrats on #5!
Oh dear, it sounds like we had the exact same type of race. Lead legs, stomach issues etc…. guess it just wasn't our day. My race report will be very similar
You have such a great attitude about this one though! I KNOW you'll get your BQ. CIM here you come!
Congrats pretty girl!! I know I would not like a double loop..
FYI I know you are busy but go visit Robin at Westford Mommy…uou WON her bag Giveaway.. YOu could probably order and get it in time to sport for your next Marathon..
I loved the neighborhood around mile 10, so pretty. This was a nice course, mostly shady and whatnot, but even I agree that it needed a few more uphills, hence, some downhills!
I also agree that double loop courses just aren't cool for marathoners. This was a great course for a half, but I felt so bad for all the marathoners going back out, and there were so few of you that it was all quiet at the finish line! The 5:00 pacer came in by herself, with no one around her!!
I think this is just part of your plan for CIM, that race is more conducive to the mental game (point to point, how lovely…) gently rolling, and you know the course already. Sending good thoughts forward for December!
Congratz again Aron! Most excellent race report. I truly felt the downs and ups of your race! Way to press forward! The expo was definitely microscopic! I was hoping to pickup some Roctane Gels at the expo. Instead, we drove around Sacramento looking for a place that carries an athlete's energy needs! Thank goodness for GPS…
Great job!
Way to finish strong at the end, even if you feel like you didn't accomplish what you wanted out there you are inspiring others and kicking plenty of ass. Plus, you have the CIM coming up too! Well done.
Great report! I think you are amazing and I think your times are awesome. Of course I know that when we set goals we like to achieve them so I'm sorry that you didn't have the race that you had hoped for. I was pulling for you yesterday as I was running thinking about all my aches and pains. I thought to myself, "Aron is running 26.2 today, I can do 3.1without complaining." Now go get some much deserved rest.
Great job, 6th in your age group is awesome! Don't dwell on this not being your PR or it feeling like crap. You will be in great shape for CIM if you stay positive and think about this race as putting hay in the barn!! You got it, girl!
Congrats! You have a great attitude! I thought your training was so good that I was positive this would be your race. It sounds like CIM is definitely a great next race though. You'll really have drive to beat your time from last year and that will push you under 3:40 for sure. Keep up the great attitude. You did great!
Hey Aron,
Honestly, I think the course had a lot to do with it (and my marathon is a double loop, by the way,,,eek!). I think it is really hard mentally to go back and run the course one more time, when you are already feeling tired. Also, running alone in a marathon is really mentally draining. I truly believe you have the endurance to run a marathon. You also have strong legs, and mental toughness. For CIM, I would add speed in the form of faster long runs finishing with 5-10 MP miles. But for now, relax those legs and your mind, and forget about racing for a week or so! You are truly inspirational and your dedication and hard work WILL pay off!
I wondered if you might go for CIM. Hopefully it will work out well. For now, concentrate on your recovery!
Finishing # 5 (and another sub-4!) is a huge accomplishmet. Keep smiling!
Congrats Aron!
Great report and great job finishing under 4! Wow. You WILL get a BQ — it is just a matter of when.
Rest up and recover well
Congrats!
What a great attitude you have, Aro. For sure, a sub-4 hour marathon is an achievement to be proud of and with every race it sounds like you are coming closer to finding out what works for you and what doesn't. Keep smiling and that BQ will be yours soon!
I'm glad you're not sad. Your time was excellent, no mattter what.
You wanted some hills to go up or down to change your legs up? HA! Sounds like you might really like trail running.
5 marathons is great! You have a positive attitude and are learning alot as you go. I think 2 loops would be tough too, if you are having an off day. Very mentally challenging. I know how you are feeling though, I had Disappointment #3 yesterday. Back to it!
loved your race report and, as always, love your attitude
do you think you could race without your water bottle? i run with a handheld on regular runs but not on race days. i've always just used whatever the race provides. the mental game of how heavy the bottle is would definitely get to me. i know you said it holds your gu's/salt thingies. i recently got a sports bra/tank top that has a pocket on the back and has worked well for me – holding my gu's/iphone on long runs. just an idea, of course.
congrats on another marathon!! who knows, maybe cowtown was a 'practice run' and cim holds the bq!
I agree about flat courses. I think they are harder, personally. I have had my best times on courses with variety (like CIM). You still did ***amazing** though. You just ran your second best marathon ever, so that has to be celebrated!! Congrats!
love love LOVE your attitude!! that is why i am so inspired by you
and i want want WANT your finish time 
but all that aside–you did a great job pushing through a tough race. CIM is coming right up and you can use this experience to help you. congrats on another marathon finish and best wishes for a speedy recovery !!
Hey Aron – great job as always…and I think you can definitely use this as a training run for CIM.
I actually have been thinking a bit about your race report since I read it first thing in the morning and have some thoughts/suggestions to help you improve your performance the next time around. I'll e-mail you about it a little later tonight.
Let me congratulate you again on your great attitude. BQ and PRs are just right around the corner for you, I'm certain of it.
Yay for # 5 & sub 4!!! You need to have a serious talk with your stomach!!
Wow, Aron, what a great race report. I know part of this experience was frustrating, but I love how you were able to celebrate in the fact that you finished your fifth marathon and under four hours!! You are such a strong and successful runner who has a huge heart and lots of motivation. You should be SO proud!
Wow, girl! You have 5 marathons under your belt! You are SO tough!And, you really did have a great race, despite how you are currently feeling about it. Marathons are NOT easy, but another sub-4 and you have such talent!
Cheer up, darlin'! We're so proud!
~carpeviam
Congrats on an awesome race and getting your fifth marathon under your belt. You have soooo much to be proud of! I'm with you.. I don't like courses that do double loops like that either. I certainly admire your drive and I don't think you give up too easily. Sometimes our stomachs just don't like to run I think… I can't wait to see what happens at #6!
Congrats on finishing #5, still working on my first half and eventually build up to #1. I hate running loops too, pretty boring to see the same thing over and over again, especially a 13.1 loop. Knowing other people who are doing the half would just make me want to stop with them! Great job on your race, and good luck on the next one!!
You have a wonderful attitude about all of this, so keep it up. You WILL get that BQ. I'd refer you to the Chicago Marathon, maybe next year, as it is as flat as they come. But you never know about the weather!!!
Congratulations on finishing your 5th marathon and another sub 4. I'm sure you will even do better the next one.
Congrats on another sub 4 marathon. Small races are really hard for me because I feed off other runners. Having to do the same thing over again sounds crappy as well. I guess the big thing I'm learning with my running is figuring out what works for me. I hope you run CIM again since you know you like that course. I was excited to hear your race report. You are such a talented runner and have accomplished so much in a short time. CONGRATS AGAIN!
Great job! Even though you didn't hit your goal, it is still a great time! I wonder why your water felt so heavy, and what happened to your stomach. It really seems like our bodies have minds of their owns some days!
You have such a good attitude about the day. I really look up to that since after every marathon (and running race) I've done I've cried and been really hard on myself. You did great, sub 4, wow, I can only dream of that!
CIM is your race and you're going to have such a great training base built for yourself. Keep your attitude up and believe in yourself!
Good report. I'll admit, having a race like that is tough, but I know that you can do better and WILL do better next time!
Keep your head up!
I love your openness in this race report and really admire your ability to smile through the race—that's amazing
I also like your perspective on the double loop marathon course and the 'too' flat course. Take care of yourself during recovery time and know you're an awesome runner!
Hey however you slice or dice it it's another sub4! Your head's in the right place and you're gonna dial it all in for CIM!
Hang tough, like I know you can!
Aron great race report! So sorry it wasn't your day but I think that you had some good thoughts and CIM will be better! Sometimes running can be so confusing with wondering why we run a certain way on certain days! Keep smiling and I hope that CIM is better for you!
Congrats on another sub-4! That's an awesome accomplishment. Recover well and you'll rock CIM!
I echo everyone's thoughts, especially Petra's…focusing on that strength at the end of the race should make you both proud and also give you something to focus on mentally for your next marathon.
I am so so proud of you, from every day that you get out there for a run to the strength and drive you show on race day. You really do learn something from every race (not just say so) and work on being a better runner every time around. I know you will get that BQ, and it will be because you worked your ass off for it. You've definitely proven that.
Happy almost-anniversary!
Congratulations on your race! I'm sorry it wasn't the BQ you were hoping for, but it sounds like you learned some really great lessons. The mental toughness thing is so hard. I struggle with it all the time too. I'm still working on trying to overcome my brain when it says, "no, I can't do it."
Best of luck training for CIM! There is something to be said for the power of a course or race being your favourite.
Hey, Aron!
Sorry it wasn't your day out there. You still threw down an awesome marathon, though! And you're right about the lessons only helping you out down the road.
Bring on CIM!!
Congrats on marathon number 5!! I'm sorry it wasn't your BQ/PR, but I have no doubt you'll get it one day soon!
I know how much you wanted that BQ and I'm sorry that it wasn't your day. But you have such a great attitude about it, you should be really proud of yourself. You are an amazing runner and an real inspiration to everyone who reads this blog. I can't believe you have run FIVE marathons already!!!
You'll get your day soon, there is no doubt about it. Your body can totally do it, I think, just like all of us, the mind (taking you back to Eugene around mile 10) can really do a number on a race. It's crazy how powerful that can be.
But you did amazing. Another sub 4 marathon which for me is my number one goal (after Jr. of course).
P.S…I LOVE the medal!