A Runners Journey for 26.2 Across the U.S.A.

This is my first attempt at Blogging, so please bear with me as I go!

February 12, 2008

I just finished running the Mercedes Marathon in Birmingham, Alabama on Sunday February 10, 2008 and here is my Race Report (http://www.mercedesmarathon.com/):

Course - Difficult but enjoyable! There are 2 major climbs in this race, the first is around mile 5 and the second is at mile 21 (through mile 23). The first climb was not bad I was able to keep close to my desired pace and my legs felt very fresh! The second climb...wow was that a DOOZIE! I slowed to a 10 minute pace towards the end of the climb and I thought that was going to be everything I had! Thank goodness there was a downhill (albeit STEEP downhill) for 1 mile then it was flat until the finish! Check out the Elevation Profile here: http://www.mercedesmarathon.com/course/profile.gif

I met some really nice folks out on the course and had some brief conversations and either I moved or they moved on! This was one of the first races wherin the last 3 miles no one passed me and I was able to make a move and pass a few people! WOW...was I amazed!

This had to be the best designed finish area I have ever seen! They actually had seperate running chutes for the 1/2 marathoners and full marathoners. So, you did not have to play Dodge a Halfer (who usualy is walking) when you are trying to finish! Race Directors TAKE NOTE!

Finish Time - 3 hours 38 minutes and 46 seconds. 132 place out of nearly 800 finishers. 17th in my age group. Not to shabby in my opinion! Check out the Results Page (http://www.mercedesmarathon.com/results/08/fullchip08.txt)

I have now completed 16 marathons in 16 different States in less than 4 years. Running has been a life changing experience for me! Plus, I like doing it! LOL

More to come in the future!