Dallas Marathon 2015

12.13.15

this is likely the last time I'll run the dallas marathon, but, more on that later...

I registered for this race when I was till on the marathon high from Chicago.

I went into this race undertrained.  Since Chicago, I've done little to no training.  I have however, had some good races, including PR's at the 10k, 15k and 13.1 distances.  But, the last 3 weeks or so I've felt "off" in races.  I've mismanaged several, and have felt slow.

Fortunately, I'm not carrying much more weight since Chicago, but, I've felt somewhat lethargic due to poor diet and lack of training.

I really had no clue how to plan for today.  I wavered between the idea of pushing a quicker pace than in Chicago, and, "just finish".

But...1st things 1st.

The Expo sucks.  After a great experience in Chicago (and, for that matter, many of the RnR events), I would have thought a marathon in a big city would have a little more wow factor.

and...$15 for parking at the convention center.  That means $30 between the expo and race day.  Really??

I arrived early today...sold a pint of blood to pay for parking, and prepped.  I saw a few folks that I know and visited for a bit.

when the horn sounded, I got off to a 11 min / mile pace.  I felt pretty good, even with the cold, wet conditions.

I continued at a steady pace until mile 12. At that point, we'd just left Swiss Ave, passed through lakewood shopping center, and were approaching the lake.  I began to feel a bit of a cramp.  uh oh.  It was early for that.  I made it to the 13.1 mark in 2:30.  I was running my planned race.  Then it happened.  apathy.  fatigue.  cramping.  general disinterest.  So, the 13.1 mile walk began.  It was cold and windy.  The conditions sucked.

My lack of training would keep me from running much over the last half.  I must have stopped to pee 5 times...at least I was hydrated.  Any time I tried to run a bit, my feet hurt, I felt some cramping, and I had blisters forming on my heels.

The crowd support sucked.  I suspect the weather had something to do with it, but, it still sucked.  Nothing like the energy in Chicago.

The best part of the day:  seeing the fam at mile 22 and again at the finish.  That truly brightened my day.

The roads towards the end were in terrible condition, and, I'd forgotten how much of this course sucks.  while some of the east dallas and highland park areas are neat, there is no shortage of crappy neighborhoods, etc.  course map here:

https://www.dallasmarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/2015-Dallas-Marathon-Half-Marathon-Course-Map.pdf

Final time:  5:55:51.  Almost an hour slower than Chicago.

Glad to have this one done.  I doubt I'll be back.