_motivation
After watching Barkley the documentary, I felt I shortchanged my running life by craving too much comfort. I decided to run more marathons.
_nutritional experiment
After years of learning from Maffetone and others, I liked to think I was fat-efficient at lower heart rate. I tested running a marathon with minimal carbs.
I made a point to minimize carb intake 48 hours prior to race. I skipped the usual jelly bean at the start line.
“How bad can it be?” I mentally go through the worst case scenario: passing out after mile 20; the runner behind me or a spectator would alert volunteers or law enforcement. But chances are I’d just walk during final 10k—like Ben Greenfield’s 2013 ketosis for his farewell Ironman Kona.
My past emulation of Greenfield’s experiment: minimizing electrolyte intake at Montreal 24-hour. I ended up with sever cramp and a story to tell
_goal
Go easy enough to recover for next 2 marathons.
_race
Pace Raluca for 5 miles at 9:30 pace. We ran with Tanisha for a few minutes. It was great to see her. The twin from Cowtown passed me. They looked serious.
I pace a 6’6” 25-year-old Mark at northern bridge. His long legs were awkward at the pace.
_dehydration
The twin stopped after out-and-back. One was puking against a tree.
I didn’t feel too great myself. I felt dehydrated and lacked energy. I tapped out planned pace but felt weaker with each mile.
_hypoglycemia
I started to crave sugar. This hasn’t happened in years. I came to water station near mile 14, “anything with sugar?” “Sorry we only have water.” Can’t say I didn’t ask for this. This would be a long day.
Help came at next stop at mile 16.5. It had banana. I foolishly assumed calories would also be available at upcoming rest stops. The remaining calories came from spectators. I didn’t expect I’d beg for food.
_4:15 pace group
I was caught by the pacers after half way mark. They shielded me from wind for couple miles before I let them go at a climb.
_walking
I started to walk all the climbs. My brain urged me to stop running but legs jogged at comfortable pace—this was Ironman all over again. I ran-walked and waited for 4:30 pacer.
_ flirting with the Oprah Line
4:30 pacers were 2 Japanese ojisans. They made it clear the most important thing at marathons and life was post-race cold beer. Their enthusiasm was contagious but not enough to make me chatty. I focused on tapping out 10:30 pace.
_#’s
GPS Garmin Forerunner 910XT
Distance: 26.37 mi
Time: 4:29:11
Pace: 10:12
Chip
Distance: 26.2 mi
Time: 4:29:51
Pace: 10:17
Place: 184/546 (491 finishers)
Oprah’s 1994 Marine Corps time: 4:29:20
My April 2014 Irving Marathon time: 3:23:48
_aftermath
I felt dizzy walking toward the car and went to the ambulance to measure glucose—it matched how I felt. Coconut water + Starbucks Frappuccino resolved the immediate medical issues.
We left Fair Park on schedule. Garden Restaurant was out of lobster—of all the emotional up and downs during last few days, missing out on cheap lobster felt the most tragic.
Picked up Aiki from her first boarding after hot tub. Seeing a happy Aiki was so gratifying.
Order too much food at Sichuan Folk dinner. Very tasty.
Walking wasn’t too difficult after the satisfying meal. The immediate challenge was to get enough sleep before work. Mazda and Amex projects continued passed their deadlines—life is a constant stream of little and big struggles.
