Running Mania

It was a perfect day for running, and I ran hard.

I ran my perfect marathon thus far in my career, a well planned and executed marathon at any pace or finishing time is really a thing of beauty. Yesterday was every dream come true for me.

First I want thank everyone that supported this race, Volunteers and Spectators, also friends that took care of me. Doonst and SO for getting me to the race worry free, and Jojo for helping me relax and keeping me out of my head.

My goals for this marathon, #1 sub 3 hour (2:59:59), #2 PB sub 3:05:17, #3 continue the run of BQ's sub 3:14:59
My plan run the first 2k 4:20-25 pace, then stick the rest of the race between 4:13-4:16 avg pace. I wasn't confident I could do this, I knew it would/could hurt, and I knew if I wasn't prepared properly for this it would hurt.

OK enough already let's just skip to the race.

Planned 2k at 4:20-25 pace, that went well but that pace continued on for 3k instead, I was thinking at this point that's fine but lets get back on pace sooner then later now.

5k (21:39) I was just off goal, my pace was on now, but it wasn't feeling as easy as it should at this point, but I'm run against me and I stick to the plan.

10k (21:21/43:00) Still off goal, pace still ok, I wasn't sure this would be my day, but soldiered on, it was still very early to change any plans yet.

15k (20:44/1:03:44) 6 seconds off goal, pace feeling better and made up a bit of ground. Starting to wake up, pace is picking up for the same amount of effort.

20k (21:38/1:25:22) slowed a bit on this split, not really worried though, still not too sure this was my day, sticking to the plan, the goal is still in reach.

21.1k (1:30:04) exactly where I wanted to be, the Half starters gave me a huge boost, by 22k I was thinking yeah I can't do this for another 20k, I feeling pretty good still.

25k (21:16/1:46:38 ) just off my goal still, pace is very consistent now and km markers are going by quickly.

30k (21:02/2:07:40) still just off goal, started picking up the pace, checking all systems every km now and still feeling great. I think I feel better now then before, am I suppose to feel this good? Should I keeping pushing? 12 more km to go.

35k (20:33/2:28:13) I'm ahead of goal now, all those km were 4:10 or below, I'm getting scarred to look at my watch, I don't want to worry about going too fast, I'm running on perceived effort now, I yell at myself a couple times, "it's yours, finish it now!!" (maybe that was Strider's voice)

40k (20:35/2:48:48 ) now I'm booking it for the finish, there were a few inclines in that last part, but now I'm doing 3:5x pace, avoiding looking at my watch, I didn't think this would be possible at this point in the race. Now I'm bearing down heading through town, I passed a couple guys I think they had to believe I was in the relay. It is hurting but it's because I've been sprinting since 32k, and I can continue to sprint.

42.2k (2:57:48 ) last 5k (38-42) split was 19:57!! second half split 1:27:54 for a negative 2:10 split.

I can't believe the number of times I saw RM fans on the side of the road, it was amazing, and really helped me keep powering on. Thanks everyone, you guys blow me away!!

Maybe I can run faster, sure I can, but wow that was really fun, I get emotional thinking back on it still, it has been a lot of work to get this far but, hey Mom look at me now!! I'll never forget this race, I was never sure a sub 3 hour race was possible, Surprise!!

I could continue to ramble on but I better go......

Splits
5 21:39
10 21:21
15 20:44
20 21:38
25 21:16
30 21:02
35 20:33
40 20:35
42.2 8:44

final 5k (38-42k) 19:57

21.1 1:30:04
42.2 1:27:54
neg split 2:10

Congrats on a super speedy race!

Wow- a negative split and a sub-3 hour I am in awe.

Congratulations Rob! You train hard and race harder, and deserve every victory! Savour this one, you earned it!

There are off days and there are on days. I remember your STWM marathon report from 2006. For you it was a bad race day with a lot of unanswered questions, and a full hour slower than the time you posted yesterday. And here you are now.

It has been incredible to play witness to your journey and growth as a focused and disciplined runner. You do us proud every time Rob and it's great to try and feed off your energy.

Congrats on a perfectly executed race, another BQ and an incredible smokin' PB.

Outfreakinstanding Robbie. A negative split, at that pace, on that course, really is so impressive. As I read your 5 K splits, I thought, wow, 30-35, that is a 4 K gradual uphill. And then faster 35-40 on the real hills! Man you make it sound easy.You have come so far, and still getting better. Go man go!

Super race, Rob! Great plan, well executed. You looked like you were flying out there (well, OK, you were flying). The guy right in front of you at the finish was my old coach when I ran with the group from the Bushtukah store.
Congrats on a huge PB!!! Echo Marg's comments...it's been fun watching your training and journey to the finish line.
Yes, more to come from Mr. T but relax and savour the accomplishment for a while first.....

Smart training plus smart raceplan plus ideal racing conditions equals one huge PB. Very nicely done.

wow.

I don't think I could bike 42k in that time.

Ok.....no, I know I can, but I sures the hell can't run that fast!

Congratulations - amazing result! Amazing race!

it must have been the nightgown-clad coffee service provided by Jo-Jo!

I have some awesome pictures of you - I'll post them here tonight!

Congrats! Thanks for hanging out with us mere mortals.

You set such a great example for all other runners. You set a goal, you enjoy training your butt off while also living a normal life, and then you go and get your reward on race day. You make it look so simple. Not easy, but simple.

Great job Robbie. That's a 7 or 8 minute PB - only six months after your last marathon - very impressive. Really nice even running and a great second half. And that was an especially nice Usain Bolt pose once you crossed the line!

We did have pretty similar races. I kept waiting to see you catch up to me somewhere on the course - especially since Doonst predicted you at 2:53! Four seconds behind me at 15k - I must have been hearing your footsteps at that point.

Nice putting a face to my on-line arch-enemy as well.

Hope to get to race against you again soon.

Congrats

When you're on you're on...and you were definitely ON!!

Way to go...congrats on multiple levels!!!!

I have much to learn oh great one.

You did awesome.

Just awesome, Robbie! Please don't hang up your marathon shoes.. it's been so much fun to watch you get better/faster! You're inspiring!

Awesome report Robbie. I can't believe you can run so far, so fast, while feeling so good at the end.

Simply amazing! Congratulations on smashing that goal - your hard work and mental toughness inspires me time and again.

Congratulations!!! You definitely never forget those days when everything just falls in to place.

Congrats Rob! It's inspirational to watch you raise the bar every race!

Congratulations on a very well executed race

wow

nothing better than just reward for all of your hard work, as dave says you make it look simple, not easy - simple

inspiring

A thing of beauty, Brother. A work of art. A masterful performance. I wish I could have been there to see you finish it off. I know, really I do know, how much this meant to you. Congratulations does not seem enough, but I hope you know how much I mean it.

Enjoy - well earned - now get that tat, it is long overdue.

Outstanding job, Robbie! I would have loved to have been there to see the finish. Very well executed.
Having looked at you race history, you certainly have come a long way in a short time. My jaw dropped when I saw your progress.
Hats off to you, sir! Very well done!

Another amazing time. You never fail to impress. It was nice meeting you.

Congratulations Robbie-T! Watching (okay, reading about) your progression to here from where you started has been amazing. Who knows how low you can go!!