Only about 2% of runners will finish a marathon in less than 180 minutes (3 hours)

Six years ago, I couldn't even imagine running the distance (26.2 miles). But after working up to 3-4 mile jogs a few times a week, I set the incredible goal of running a half marathon.

After four months of intense training, well at that time (20-25 miles/wk), I ran the Houston half-marathon on January 16th, 2005. It was so grueling, I swore that was it. I'll never do another half, let alone a full.

Fortunately a running comrade pushed me to do a full marathon. Rededicated, I set a sub 4:00 hour goal for the full Houston marathon the following year. I trained harder than ever and crossed the finish in 3:59; I was hooked.

I've now run 21 marathons and this site is my journal to join that exclusive club of those who finish a marathon in under 180 minutes (3 hours).

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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

In a Bad Bad Mood

Confident I could post a sub 1:30 in this coming Saturday's American Bank half-marathon, I pre-loaded my mileage last week by doing two long runs. I posted a PR for both my 21 miler and 18 miler.

Then on Monday, I saw a Friday night forecasted low of 63. Half my motivation left me. I ran a sloppy four mile recovery counting every minute until is was over. On Tuesday, a cold front came through and picked me up some; I ran a good eight mile LT.

Now as of today, they're forecasting a Friday low of 67 with a 15 mile/hr southwind, and 95% humidity. As a taste, the wind shifted to the south tonight and brought the humidity to 96%. Five miles into a 12 miler (at a easy pace), I was totally dejected and quit.

All I could think of is how I'm going to have to bust it full bore Saturday in these oppressive conditions, and still be lucky to PR a 1:34. More specifically, I was recalling how I almost heat stroked in Chicago after 8 miles in similar conditions.

I could express this more urbanely after six years of college, but the only way to really express it is to say, "THIS SUCKS!!!" And to make it "COMPLETELY SUCK", the forecasted high for Sunday is 57.
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