10.29.2006

5:13:07

It was fun running with Michelle for 14+ miles but, after she said goodbye, I shuffled along feeling fine but tired enough to walk a little. Then at mile 25, going down a highway ramp, my right knee said, "NO more running" no matter how much I tried to start up through the pain.
I thought I had an attainable PR (long after I gave up the fantasy medal rounds of 4:15, 4:20 and 4:30). With three miles to go I had a chance. Then I didn't.
It was a beautiful day to race. The course was good throughout. The crowds were awesome.
Best excitement of the race was seeing Eric W. (from RI) twice on the second half of the race who was there cheering on a girl friend; and seeing Susie and David coming off Hains Point. She gave me a hug and took my picture.
Michelle's husband and dad were awesome. They were everywhere and they were prepared with a full game plan of support for Michelle who I admire immensely for her stamina and success today. Ditto to Richie, Bex and Jeanne. Thanks for the comradery.

12 comments:

jeanne said...

That bridge and then that downhill! They were rough. I only hope that having you there so early and then having the race delayed by 1/2 hour didn't screw your legs up. If so, I will kill myself.

It's too unfair that you were undone at mile 23. Too, too unfair! Up til then you were booking it!

I wish we could sit down and swap stories. I guess that will have to wait til I get to Florida, huh?

Btw, you're still my hero.

21st Century Mom said...

What a bummer. I was watching your progress on-line and then I saw that you weren't really getting from 23 to the finish when you should have. I worried. I fretted. I hoped that the updater was just broken. I was wrong and my anxiety did nothing to help you. Sorry about that.

I hope you knee is kind enough to straighten up soon. You were rockin' it for so long so congratulations on that.

DawnB said...

congratulations, sorry about the knee you hang in there!!!Great job!!!

April Anne said...

Another one in the bag. The next marathon will only be better. Take it easy and enjoy your day!

Anita said...

While you didn't do exactly as you hoped, you done good! You finished the marathon in solid time...mucho kudos!

Rich said...

David - it was great meeting you. Thanks for taking in the National Portraiture Gallery with me. I hope we'll meet again (to give the race one more fight, eh?)

Jack said...

Congratulations on finishing David!

Rhea said...

You fought the good fight! Those last miles were tough, tough, tough. But you finished upright and smiling. You were smiling, right?!

Congratulations on finishing, we'll work on those later miles. It was so great to meet you in person. I hope to see you at another race! You can't stop marathoning until you hit the 4's!

Joe said...

David, congratulations on fighting the good fight. Lots of Marines and Army guys have done the same.

Hope you got home OK and look forward to more news.

Take it easy on the right knee...my right knee is just now coming back from the Portland Marathon on Oct 1.

Lara said...

Good thing I wasn't there! Both of your knees would have given out from carrying me on your back. I hope we can face this one down together next year.

Rae said...

Stupid knee!! Glad you had a great time regardless. It sounds like an excellent race. How about we give it another whirl in Atlanta in March??? ING sure knows how to put on a race....

Michelle said...

David- Thank you for a great day. I loved running side by side. I hope that knee will come around so we can try this thing again.