Flew in Friday morning. Remind me not to schedule any more 6:30 AM flights if I can help it... The parents picked me up at the airport and we had a good brunch at a quirky place called Lynn's Paradise Cafe. The expo was at the Exposition Center by Six Flags there. It was small, so that was a little disappointing, considering how many people run the mini-marathon (1/2). We ate pre-race dinner at Rocky's across the Ohio River in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Very good food for a reasonable price, and it was not crowded at all. We did go a little early (5:30) so maybe we just beat the crowds.
Race-Day
Perfect weather...for the beach!
It was a hot one! 71 degrees starting temp, and 78 by the time I finished. I had a great first half, including a 6:59 mile for Mile 6, where I did the Y-M-C-A. I was actually a little ahead of pace for a BQ, coming into the half just under 1:35. I started to fall off a little and by 16 I decided that there was no way Boston was happening in that weather. I ran up to that point with another guy and the women's leader (who ended up finishing 2nd), so it was really nice to have the company. Running with a leader was definitely a first for my marathon experiences!
Where the mini-marathon and the full marathon split around Mile 12, it gets lonely for those going the whole way, since there were around 9500 mini runners and what ended up being only just over 1000 marathon finishers. It was supposed to be 12,000 and 2,000 - but I guess some couldn't handle the heat (understandable). The hills weren't terrible, especially in Iroquois Park (miles 3-5...ish) since it is so early in the race and there are 10,000 people around you.
The uphill in the second park (Cherokee Park) is what did me in - or what made my decision for the race anyways. I was surprised there weren't many people AT ALL that passed me when I was slowing the second half of the race, which made it feel even lonelier. I was just like "WHERE IS EVERYONE!?" I didn't mind the loneliness too much though. I liked the course and by that point I was really just having fun. I did a lot of walking on and off the last 6-8 miles.
The return crossing of the bridge over the Ohio River was tough. The bridge itself was longer than I expected and coming back there was a stiff wind to go against as well. My calves started cramping a little before the return crossing, and an official on a bike was helpful enough to give me a bottle of water.
I survived the cramps and heat and had a good last mile or so to finish in 3:34:47 (good for 63rd). I'm pretty happy, considering the weather (and that I missed a week or two of training due to bronchitis). My parents were a big help, providing me with some icy sponges and cold Powerade along the way.
The race itself is more focused on the mini-marathon, but it doesn't completely forget about the full runners. There were probably enough aid stations...it just seemed like so long between them because of the heat. The officials on bikes were really helpful and all the organization seemed to be pretty good overall. The food at the end is nothing really to speak of, but I don't mind that too much. I get my bananas and bagel and drinks, and then shower and head out to lunch. You do get a free beer ticket on your bib if you so choose to partake.
After a good burger (on an english muffin!) at Bristol Bar & Grille, we headed over to Churchill Downs and watched some races. That was a new experience, though I wouldn't want to stay there all day because of the time between races (half hour). I ended up with a net gain of 40 cents on my bets! I liked Louisville, and everyone was really nice there, though parts of it seemed a little dead. If you're looking for night life, definitely 4th Street Live (downtown on, you guessed it, 4th Street).
Made our way to the Louisville Slugger Museum (gift shop) between church and the lunch on Sunday - then home.
RunningAhead Log / Map
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