I’m a little wiped out right now (for obvious reasons), but it was a very challenging day at the Lehigh Valley Health Network marathon today. The weather took a weird and unexpected turn and instead of starting out in the mid 50’s, like predicted, it was more like the low 60’s by the time the race kicked off and got real humid, real fast. The humidity was unexpected, but it was so foggy from all the rain overnight and the dampness in the air that it just turned to humidity. This is what hurt me real bad today..

The most I can say is that I didn’t do great, but I didn’t do REAL bad. I finished with a 4:13, which in my book is okay .. I’ve accepted the fact that i’ve probably run my best marathon, and after working hard all summer, I finished it, and that was my goal and thats what matters ..

Outside of the humidity and the severe dehydration that comes with it, my pacing was all off… even though I kept an 8:35-8:45/mile like I expected, it was too fast for me. I felt comfortable at around 8:55 or 9:00, which is what I should have gone for, but didn’t. I kept around that pace until mile 20 or so when things started to fall apart ..

So i’ve made enough excuses, and am NOT upset with my finish.. I enjoyed the run, the people, the scenery and the nice changes the folks who put together this marathon made. These included porta-potties at the start, refreshments at the end, no-wait shuttles .. LOTS of water (including BOTTLED WATER).. I have to remember that I do marathons because I like to do them and train for them, not because i’m good at them.

I’ll write more tomorrow about the marathon and the whole experience, including pictures .. I have to go and rest a bit … only 4 weeks until Baltimore…

LATE EDIT: Lehigh Valley Health Network Marathon results are now posted here .. I didn’t do too bad overall, still in the top 40% of marathoners!