Flying Pig Marathon 2009

Race Day

I slept horrible and woke up at 3:45am, with a blood sugar reading of 67. I ate two English muffins with Peanut Butter & Jelly and took my normal Bolus minus the correction. At about 5:40 I left my house for the 1.5 mile walk to the start line. About half way there I checked my blood sugar 125, and I started eating a protein bar with about 24 carbs, and Bolused for half. I washed this down with a small bottle of water. I arrived at the start line around 6:00am, and I spoke to the 3:20 pacer then left for my visit to the Porta-Pot. Without getting into the specifics, this was my second “failure” of the day, and I would pay for this later. The temperature was in the mid 50’s and there was a very light drizzle. Even though 55 is a decent, I would have much preferred 45, especially after training in temps ranging from 0 – 55 degrees. The rain also added a touch of humidity to the air.

I arrived back to the start line around 6:27 with little time to spare. The first few miles were easy, but not as easy as they should have been. Around mile 5 my stomach started to rumble. Through 6.8 miles I was at an 8:02 pace. I was shooting for a 7:49 pace, which was fine because the hills were almost over. Unfortunately my stomach was still bothering me and I knew a Porta-Pot stop was inevitable. Around Mile 12 I finally gave in and stopped, I was in and out (of the Porta-Pot) in less than a minute, and felt much better.

I crossed the half-way point in 1:44:13, a little disappointing, but considering the circumstances, I was satisfied. I thought if my stomach would cooperate I could finish with a negative split. Unfortunately around the 15 mile mark, I started to feel the rumble again, and again I tried to put it off. Around mile 16 I started to feel nauseous / light headed, wasn't quite sure what was going on, so I decided to check my blood sugar. As I was running I pulled my meter out and continued going. My CGMS had me at 145 and the finger stick showed 180. This gave me peace of mind and the nausea passed. Unfortunately my stomach didn't cooperate and I succumbed to the Porta Pot at mile 18, unfortunately this stop was a little longer. When I came out, I saw that the 3:30:00 pacer had passed me by. The rest of the way I tried to reign him in, but I wasn’t able to close the distance. I finished in 3:30:20.

What I learned.

First off, it wasn’t my day. Next marathon, I’m going to eat the carb (heavy) meal 2 nights before the marathon, and eat something more “simple” the night before. I would like to get up and eat breakfast 4 hours before the marathon, but for a 6:30am start, that is awfully difficult. This was my third marathon. My first was the ‘07 Marine Corps 3:40:06, I didn’t know what to expect, and my biggest goal was to finish. My second was ’08 Chicago 3:35:06, and I think I would have fared much better if it weren’t for the dreaded heat. The Flying Pig Marathon was definitely the toughest course of the 3, and I did manage an almost 5 minute PR.

What’s to come?

I’m still very hungry and think that a BQ is definitely in my future. I have signed up for the Columbus Marathon on October 18^th. This will be a much “friendlier” course, and one that I think I will really enjoy. I don’t think it’s out of the question to shoot for a 3:20:00 or maybe even a 3:15:00, which the ladder would qualify me for the 2011 Boston Marathon. I'll keep trying till I get that "Perfect" day, where I get great weather, a great course, and I feel great.

Race Day Chart of Blood Sugars

Unfortunately I haven't been able to attach the PDF to this post, but during the race my number kept within the 100 - 190 range. Though I'm not happy with my race result, this control is VERY satisfying!