15 - Quick Post Marathon Thoughts

I ran the Eugene Marathon yesterday! I want to do a more detailed race report later this week, but for now I want to jot down some quick notes:

• I PR’ed! Time was 3:22:45 with a 7:44 avg pace. PR of 10 minutes!

• It went super well. I’m super pleased, and I realize I haven’t felt this way about a race I really cared about in a while. I raced it exactly how I wanted, AND this was my first marathon with no bonk, no cramps, and no walking!
• I didn’t make any big ballsy moves but ran patiently and steadily for the whole length of the race.

• Took 7 gels total (carried 6 and picked up a chocolate Gu for the last one) at mile 3, 6, 9.5, 13, 17, and 20ish. I spent some time of the later part of the race wishing I had carried one or two more.
• I think I hit every aid station and took a sip of Nuun and water at each one. Any excess water I poured over my head and chest.
• 3 AM wake up (2 hours before going out the door) was easy and the perfect amount of time to get through my race morning routine without feeling rushed.
• Didn’t feel any tension or anxiousness race morning. Just kind of a “this is the thing I’m doing today” mindset.
• I was one of the first people to board the shuttles to the starting line (5:30 for a 7am start). Funniest quote from another runner: Is this anyone’s first marathon? Ahh of course not, we’re all here too early for that.
• Weather was perfect. Low 50's, overcast with just a little sprinkle of rain coming off the starting line and persisting for a good while. I don't remember when it let up, but it was refreshing and not a disturbance at all.
• Running with a pace group was really great! I stuck with a group through mile 11 and that took a lot of mental load off in the beginning of the race since I didn’t have to worry about pace.
• I remember during CIM 2022 when it was getting hard I was starting to think, “Damn THIS is what I signed up for? This sucks.” None of that this time! I was committed the whole time, only ever just curious if/when I might gas out. I’m down af for more.
• I think overall I got a good benchmark of how I want to race in the future. Like I feel like a raced a really well-executed race.
• #1 craving after the race was pepperoni pizza. Got that, and also added on a milkshake and fries :)