My Bib: 103
Entrants: 830
Finish: 168 / 680
Location: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Weather Conditions: Low 50s, Sunny
Chip Time: 4:02:14
Gun Time: 4:02:34
Pace(mi): 9:14
Splits : 1:54:32 at 13.1 miles, 2:50:19 at 19.3 miles
Ah, so my first marathon. Normally, people train for months to run a marathon. I, however, had given myself roughly three weeks. Though I had run consistently all summer, a marathon was never on my to-do list. However, sometime in early October, I decided that it was a good idea. I had done a half-marathon the month before and, while training, I knew I could successfully run up to 17 miles without stopping. I thought running 26 would be a pushing it, but that race day adrenaline would kick in and I would be fine.
So, I looked up some beginner-friendly marathons I could do and found the Outer Banks Marathon, which was perfect! Though I live in Maryland, my wife had been pestering me for some time to take her to North Carolina to visit a friend who recently had a baby. I had been brushing her off since I, quite frankly, take little interest in the offspring of other people, especially if it involved a lot of travel.
With this marathon, however, I had a good reason to excuse myself from the baby fawning and go run a cool marathon on the beach. So, plans were made and on the Friday of Veterans Day weekend, we were off. The race was on Sunday, so I spend some of Saturday perfunctorily “admiring” the new baby before heading off to the beach where I had booked a room with my brother, who was already there. He was doing the half marathon, and we spend some time carbo-loading with beers.
Race Day
I get up at 4:30 am to eat and prepare. Due to nerves, I found it hard to choke down food. However, I manage to get pasta, fried plantains, toast, and coffee down. It’s a cold and windy morning, so I take a hot shower to get my mood up. My brother gets up a bit later than me and after packing up and loading up the car, we were off. I drop him off at the half marathon start point, while I drive to mine.
At about 7:30 am, the race starts. It was really cold that morning, and I really hope I warm up and start to feel more comfortable. I keep a steady pace and let my body adjust to the motion of running. Though I felt a spring in my step, I am determined to stay with the 4-hr pacer and not go out too strong. It was my first marathon and I didn’t want to do anything crazy..
Miles 4 to 15 – Way too fast
But of course, I don’t listen to my race plan and I start to go way faster than I should. After getting comfortable and keeping a steady pace for the first 3 miles, I start obsessing over passing people and making sure I don’t get passed myself. I told myself to keep a 9-minute per mile pace, but I start doing 8-minute miles instead.
Despite this, I’m really enjoying myself. The scenery was gorgeous the first half of the race. We run through beautiful resort property and eventually reach Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers’ memorial, where the “first flights” were made. Following this, the course goes into a wilderness trail for about 4 miles. Since I identify as a hiker more than a runner, I feel inspired surrounded by trees and fly through the dirt trails, eventually hitting the halfway point (mile 13.1) at a time of 1hr and 54 minutes. I’m pleased that I still have so much energy and convince myself that I’ll finish well under 4 hours.
Miles 16 to 21 – Dying
Around mile 16, I start to worry. Where had that spring in my step gone? Why are my legs suddenly so heavy? I can feel myself slowing down some and every step is starting to get painful. Still, I must not stop! Though the first half of the marathon was scenic and interesting, I must say that the last half was a bit monotonous. We run along the main highway and add side trips through residential streets to add distance. It was mid-morning as well. The temperature was more comfortable, but the sun was strong and starting to burn through the crust of salt that had formed on my face. I was miserable, but I had not yet succumbed to walking.
Running along the highway exhausted and trying to hide my burning rage
Miles 22 to the End: Dead
Around mile 22, there is a bridge that connects Nags Head with Manteo further inland, where the race ends. The bridge inclines significantly and once I saw it, I simply had to stop and start walking. I was broken. My toenails were on fire and my arms were absolutely numb. I inexplicably get angry. Along the route there are volunteers and spectators cheering you on. They tell me that I look strong and to keep going. Truthfully, I wanted to give them all the finger. I didn’t look strong. I looked like shit and felt even worse! However, I give them a polite wave anyways as I hide my inner misery.
And so, the last four miles were spent jogging half-heartedly with a lot of walking mixed in. My once 8-minute miles turned into 11-minute miles. A few of the people I had proudly passed earlier in the race start to pass me, which further inflames my inner rage. As a final insult, the 4-hour pacer I had not seen for the past 3 and half hours passes me on the final mile; officially ending my dreams of having a sub-4 hour marathon. I manage to run once I see the finish line, which I guess gave me a final shot of excitement and finish in 4 hours, 2 minutes, and 14 seconds.
Final Thoughts
After finishing, I am provided with a heat blanket, a cool medal, and some random knick knacks. I meet up with my brother, and we just sit and chill for a while. The post-race party was near some docks by the sea and could not have been in a prettier location. I am so glad the race is over and am happy with myself for finishing it. There is something inexplicably satisfying with pushing your body to its absolute limits, and that is what I did that day.
In terms of the event, I must say that it was very well-run and the route was pretty good. I was not as enthralled with the last half of the race as I was with the first, but I would not mind doing the event again. First of all, I love being in the Carolinas with good, honest southern people. The post-race party had good food and beer, and I got to take home some nice attire. If I had one complaint, it is with the picture situation. One digital photo costs $20, which is kind of ridiculous. Though I can understand print photos costing additional money, I feel the race, which costs more than $100 to do, should just throw in a couple free photos. Otherwise, I must say that this was a good race and one I’ll surely remember!