Sunday, Feb. 27, Post Oak Challenge Marathon.
Up to this point, my training hasn't been consistent. This weekend, I had scheduled a long training run. So I just decided to run the Post Oak marathon. I would rather have ran the 50K trail the day before, but had other plans going.
Saturday, the conditions were great for long run. But sunday, it was the opposite, good chance of rain, high humidity, strong south winds, and temps. in the 60s, maybe 70s. Not good conditions for marathon PR. However, I hadn't plan on getting a PR anyway, just a good solid training run.
From start, the course is mainly downhill for about 4-5 miles, then turns on an asphalt trail (flat) for the next 15 or so miles. I really treaded the flat sections. I ran pretty good for 15 or 16 miles (9:55 pace), then I started having issues with my right calf muscle. I slowed it down for next 4 or 5 miles. My pace was somewhat like 12:00/mile.
The course was basically out and back with few different turns here and there. The 4-5 miles from start is what we had to back-track. With legs trashed, it was tough going but got it done. The last 1/4 mile was brutal. Soon as I hit the top, I was able to run it in for 4:42 finish.
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| 1/4 mile climb to finish line (garmin-20% grade) |
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| nice bling. |
