Comments on: Fail: HMRRC Winter Marathon

By: eliz

eliz — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 02:55:01 +0000

So glad you skipped the DNF, though it sounds like a hell of a race. You toughed it out though!! That’s worth a lot more than the elusive “perfect race”, if that even exists! I like that whole “small marathon” vibe though. I have to try it!

By: The Laminator

The Laminator — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:52:27 +0000

Good job on pushing through. Honestly though, lining up in the first line when there are nonmarathoners would be enough to screw with any pre-conceived notions of time. I’m sure you learned a lot in your race! We always learn more from the times we fail than the times we succeed. Live, learn, and move on. It’s so early on in the season that I’m sure you’ll bounce back soon. Good luck on all your marathons and ultras this year!

By: Robert James Reese

Robert James Reese — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:04:32 +0000

Yeah, I was in 4th place at the half (and would have finished there if I had hit my goal time). Plus, there were a bunch of guys running the relay who headed out real fast and I got caught up with them in the first half mile or so (which was way too fast) thinking they were marathoners I had to compete against.

By: Brenn

Brenn — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:53:58 +0000

During the first eight miles, were you pulled out too fast by the leader(s)? You must have been right up there. If I had been in your shoes (and in your shape), I would have had trouble resisting thoughts of a top 5 finish.

By: Morrissey

Morrissey — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:48:47 +0000

bonking at mile 8 and hitting a 3:07. 95% of the running community out there would still think that is an awesome time. Rest up and 2:55 on the next one

By: ny wolve

ny wolve — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 16:59:39 +0000

An exercise in perseverance and mental toughness for sure. That crashing feeling just sucks, and the fact that you carried it for 18 miles can only help later, even if it doesn’t show up in your time.

By: Robert James Reese

Robert James Reese — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:00:08 +0000

Yeah, more of a breakfast is definitely on the agenda next time around.

By: carpeviam

carpeviam — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:06:17 +0000

I’m glad you were able to analyze it and determine what went wrong. I don’t think they’re excuses. Runners are smarter than that. We analyze so we know what to do/not to do next time. You have another marathon under your belt, an you can make changes next time as needed.

Well done! ;)

By: Ewen

Ewen — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 23:46:30 +0000

Robert, sorry it was a ‘fail’, but well done on finishing. Starting races without the option of a DNF certainly makes a runner strong mentally. 8 miles is a very early wall-hit! Looks like much of that was due to the early pace and no breaky. Maybe get up at the crack of before dawn and try a half decent breakfast for the next one.

Well done to Helen too — an example of a relaxed attitude and no expectations paying off big time.

By: Robert James Reese

Robert James Reese — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:36:59 +0000

Don’t worry. No offense taken. :-)