Dr. S at the Philly marathon Take 2

Dr. S · Postby **Dr. S** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 7:58 pm

Life has been pretty hectic since I came back from Philadelphia but I finally had some time to write my race report.

After a very tough race in Chicago (PW of 5:46) I knew that beating my best time wasn’t in the cards (5:01) which is quite disappointing since I came 40 sec close to it last year….

Training after Chicago went well, I had long runs of 17 & 14 miles and a half-marathon race which indicated that I could do a do a 5:20 marathon according to McMillan. I have never been able to come close to McMillan prediction times so I set my eyes on 5:30, hoping to come under.

Travelling my Papa is always a special time and I was happy he was back in Philly this year to cheer me on.

Picked up a 5:30 pace band at the race expo where I meet Erin and his wife. It was great to see some new maniacs.

The race went well, the pace felt easy and I kept a consistent 2 mins advance on my pace band time. I saw my Dad at 6.5 miles and the half. I remember wanting to cry last year and head to the finish line like the halfers but this year was much easier. I was very happy to see my Dad and I told him to expect me at 5:28 or more since I would probably slow down.

The second half is nice since it’s out and back you can see people going to the finish line. kept watching for Erin, Tara and my friend Laurel (which I did see!). I remembered the course from last year and knew what to expect. I just had a great time, trying to cheer on people that looked like they were struggling. I was just smiling despite the pain, I guess I am just a happy marathoner! Things felt great so I just kept running a bit faster, having miles 3-4-5-6 mins faster than my pace band! I’ve never had a faster second half in a marathon. I thought maybe I am getting good at this?!

I just keep running and had 2 mantras that kept coming back and I was repeating “Just F’ing run” and “Dig Deep Dude”. Accelerated the pace with 0.5 miles to go and crossed the line in 5:23:48! I was so happy to have finished so strong. =) My chip messed up and there is no actual proof of my Totally Awesome negative split which is disappointing to me =(

But from calculations with my garmin, I estimated my half time to be 2:43:50 for a pace of 12:30 and the 2nd half to be 2:39:59 for 12:12. (ETA 2:39 NOT 2:29...)

This has been a great journey and I’m proud to say that this was 7th marathon and I am not done yet. That sub 5h marathon will be mine soon…

barebuns1 · Postby **barebuns1** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:06 pm

Congrats on the great race report. congrats on your great run, too!

Spirit Unleashed · Postby **Spirit Unleashed** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:08 pm

This has been a great journey and I’m proud to say that this was 7th marathon and I am not done yet. That sub 5h marathon will be mine soon…

You bet!!

I'm glad you did so well what with your hip and all...

Habs4ever · Postby **Habs4ever** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:43 pm

You did great. :dance:

Congrats on a negative split.

carm · Postby **carm** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 8:59 pm

That's a monster negative split. Awesome job! You will get sub-5 hours. Keep up the good work!!!

Ken B · Postby **Ken B** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 10:37 pm

Spirit wrote:
This has been a great journey and I’m proud to say that this was 7th marathon and I am not done yet. That sub 5h marathon will be mine soon…
You bet!!

I'm glad you did so well what with your hip and all...

What she said!! Congratulations!!!!

Hammie · Postby **Hammie** » Sun Nov 25, 2012 10:39 pm

That's a massive negative split! Congrats on having a great race and a very positive attitude!

Kelodie · Postby **Kelodie** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:32 am

Bravo mon amie!

I'm glad you had a great race and a massive negative split. Good job!

HCcD · Postby **HCcD** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:37 am

Nicely done, Sonia ...

You gonna be running either Honolulu or Vegas in December, to keep your marathon a month streak going now ??? :shifty:

erinmcd · Postby **erinmcd** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:19 am

Great work on the negative split!

It was nice to finally meet you in person. Congrats on your race.

La · Postby La » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:29 am

Bravo, Sonia!

Way to beat your goal!

irun4me · Postby **irun4me** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:42 am

Great race Sonia! Awesome negative split.
You'll beat your current PB at a time you least expect to!

Miss*Smiles · Postby **Miss*Smiles** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:44 am

You did it!!!! BRAVO!!!

RA. · Postby **RA.** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:51 am

Congrats, Sonia! That's awesome!

Robinandamelia · Postby **Robinandamelia** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 12:03 pm

That's great, sounds like you had a good time! Congrats!

Dr. S · Postby **Dr. S** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 12:33 pm

HCcD wrote:Nicely done, Sonia ...

You gonna be running either Honolulu or Vegas in December, to keep your marathon a month streak going now ???

I wish!! I just need to win the lottery

I was wondering why everyone thought 3 min 52 sec was a MASSIVE negatice split when I noticed I made a mistake in my half times.... Sorry I'm not THAT great lol ETA 2:39 in the second half and NOT 2:29... :oops:

trixiee · Postby **trixiee** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 7:45 pm

Great job on the negative split, no matter if it was 3 minutes or 3 seconds, a negative split is fantastic!
:dance:

getfit · Postby **getfit** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 8:50 pm

Congratulations Sonia, awesome race and well done on the negative split. I can't imagine having enough energy in the tank at the 1/2 way point to actually pick up the pace :shock:

But maybe that's why I've never done a marathon yet :lol:

jes · Postby **jes** » Mon Nov 26, 2012 9:26 pm

Alright Dr S!! Way to go!!!

irun4me · Postby **irun4me** » Tue Nov 27, 2012 11:56 am

trixiee wrote:Great job on the negative split, no matter if it was 3 minutes or 3 seconds, a negative split is fantastic!

Agreed!!

Tisha · Postby **Tisha** » Thu Nov 29, 2012 11:36 am

WAY TO GO, DR. S! I have the biggest smile on for you! That is a wonderful time seeing as you were shooting for 5:30. How very nice to have your dad there cheering you on.