Comments on: Philly Marathon ‘09 Race Report

By: Runner in Paradise

Runner in Paradise — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:45:54 +0000

Flo,
Be hard on yourself if you want. It’s okay. And I think quite understandable considering the time and effort that you’ve put into your training. However, by any objective standard, you still had a good race. Also, it was only your second marathon. FWIW, I had a good first marathon (3:25) and then crashed and had the same “Givver Upper” experience (I walked also) that you had in both my second (3:17) and third marathons (3:18). Although those two marathons were faster than my first, I wasn’t happy with either of them. So I understand where you’re coming from.

In any case, I think both of those bad experiences made me a much better marathoner. It can work that way for you also. It’s just about gaining both confidence and experience. Remember- it’s a marathon and it’s not suppose to be easy. Just keep at it (the smart training) and you’ll get the marathon results you’re seeking. Best of luck to you.

Looking forward to meeting you in Boston.

By: nickerss

nickerss — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:45:33 +0000

I admire your honesty in saying that you thought your race sucked, and admitting that you think of yourself as a “Giver Upper.” Everyone wants to give up sometimes, at least you admit it. You are certainly capable of a much better race. I think focusing on positive aspects of your races will help you fight through giving up. Whenever I want to quit in a race, or sleep in and not go for a run at 6 AM when its cold, dark, and raining outside, I think to myself: “I never want to look back and wonder how fast I could have been.” Do you want to look back and think, wow, I think I could have run 3:17, 3:10, 3:00, etc, but I gave up/didn’t try hard enough? You can do it. And we (RWOL, and I’m sure your friends/family) are here to help.

By: Christine

Christine — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:50:44 +0000

So what is the chances we’re running side by side for who knows how long until i hear my name and realize its you! I agree with what everyone else said… you still rock! You have Boston to look forward to (which i am very jealous of b/c i put off trying to register for until the 15th… to realize it closed on the 13th).
p.s i give you major props for fighting off the ‘bear attack’… you could have been the lady i saw pooping behind a tree (she thought she was hiding, but i would beg to differ) around mile 14.

By: SCL

SCL — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:27:37 +0000

I hear what you said about the names on bibs. I am not one to put my name on my bib, but I had so much fun at the Austin Marathon where they printed your first name on the bib. I enjoyed it a lot more than I though I would, especially late in the race when the inevitable struggle arrived.

If this is only your 2nd, then you can look forward to continued improvement in your next ones as you learn from the experiences! Good luck…

By: Glorybelle

Glorybelle — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:21:54 +0000

Only because it’ll make you feel better… You suck. But I really don’t mean that, and you know I don’t. All I want to get into your head is do not give up. Swallow this pill and move forward. You are a good runner who happened to have a bad race. (Well, bad in your eyes). Learn from it and apply it to the next one. And I know there will be a next one! Your potential has not even come close to being tapped. For now, recover and relax. Run when you are fucking good and ready, and don’t run a step until that moment! Hugs.

By: Marianne

Marianne — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:51:00 +0000

Congrats Flo! Sorry it was disappointing race for you, but it still is a great PR.
Hopefully hubby and I will see you at a race in the future.

By: Nick1969

Nick1969 — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:33:21 +0000

Sorry you sucked so bad and in your local race. At least your travel and hotel was cheap. Enjoy a few weeks of recovery and then do what you feel. Your training was strong and I’m sure you have more PR’s in you. My first 2 marathons were walkers and I didn’t hit my goal time till my 6th so you are still learning. Maybe it is not you that sucks but it is the distance 26.2. Keep working at it and you will solve the mystery.