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, April 14, 2010

Self-Flagellation


I've often said that I can't run in the heat and humidity.  It is more accurate to say that I can't run fast. 

 

If I tried to run 7:00 min / miles in 80 degrees / 90% humidity, I'd be wiped out on the ground after 8 miles.  If I pulled back to 7:30, I could do 15-18.  At 8:00, full marathon no problem.  But racing is one thing, training is another.

 

Last year I had to pull back all my summer training by 15 sec / mile just to log my scheduled distance.  I did it, but was miserable still.  Yet in early October when I ran the Harbor Half marathon, I posted a solid 1:32, and that was going over the 130 foot harbor bridge not once, but twice.

 

The point, ".. when you're telling these little stories? Here's a good idea - have a POINT. It makes it SO much more interesting for the listener," is that I can probably slow down my summer training by 30 secs / mile, make it much less torturous, and yet still probably not effect my overall marathon time by more than 2-3 minutes.

 

No brainier.

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