3:33:04 Oakland Marathon 2010

That race was much harder then I had anticipated: maybe I went out to fast, maybe I went for a time that was punishing, but attainable. I knew the last 6 miles would be a challenge, but I was hoping that I would have something left. That was not the case. Sheer determination and knowing I would not be running a marathon in the future, was what brought me to the finish line.

I arrived at the starting line in plenty time to stretch and get warmed up. I was able to meet a few of the people and friends from LMJS at the starting line and we talked about going the first few miles slower than the pace we wanted. I did not feel fresh at all, even though I had rested most of the week, so I knew it was going to be a long day for me. Time seemed to slow down, and I had a sense of floating that I could only think was similar to an out-of-body experience.

I had decided to aim for a 3:30 finish time and wanted to commit to this goal at the starting line. This was going to mean an 8 minute a mile pace. I met up with the pacing leader, who would have to carry his 8 lb "3:30" sign the entire course, I thanked him in advance for the hard work he was doing for all of us. The gun went off and it was not very crowded (1300 or so marathoners) as we headed down Broadway toward Piedmont Ave. As I was running the first mile I could feel tension on my neck, and thought this is great- yesterday my lower back and today my neck! I remembered what a marathoner had told me about her running, she said it took her about 7 to 8 miles to warm up. I then decided I would allow myself that same amount of time and to relax and be patient. The first mile split was 7:40, and wouldn't you know it- I was already going too fast- but I felt okay and slowed down a pinch. Pretty soon the pacing leader caught up and I was running with the group. As we headed uphill I made a move to pass him and his followers and stayed in front of him up and through Montclair Village. One of the families from Black Pine Circle School was there to cheer me on, as promised (thanks for the photo shown, Mark!) and this helped lift my spirits. My good friends and neighbors also managed to drive up to Montclair and somehow made it to motivate me two more times at different locations, despite the traffic paralyzed by the onslaught of runners all across Oakland.

Moving through town, we made our way for the final steep incline toward the Mormon Temple, then down the big hill. I was just slightly ahead of the 8 minutes a mile pace and felt solid- not great, but just okay. As we headed down the hill, I was passed by a barefoot runner (Efrem?) and I was amazed by him. We ran a few miles together, with him staying with me all the way down. He seemed to run effortlessly, while watching carefully where he was putting each foot. He told me he had been running barefoot for about 8 years, I then said that my feet were hurting in my shoes and thought maybe he was on to something.

At a water stop, I lingered a bit and he kept going- I never saw him again. Amazing. The crowds were terrific and the support in all the areas of the course in Oakland was outstanding. It really did help having that cheering all along the course. Mile 15 came along and I began to feel really tired. The day was quickly warming up, and even though there were plenty of water stations along the way, I was beginning to feel overheated. I made sure to take fluids at almost every station, but I still felt hot.

I was much impressed by the multitude of volunteers working the tables. They seemed so practiced and perfect in their delivery of fluids to the runners. I caught sight of Paul and Margaret (my neighbors) at mile 15, and as I passed by them, I said, "I'm really tired". That evening they told me that although I told them this, I did not look tired. I was happy to be in front of the pacer, but no sooner had I slowed for water, he came right past me. I was close behind him, but when we were channeled into the Half Marathoner's group that would be running with the Full Marathoners for the remaining 10 miles or so, it became crowded very quickly. Fortunately, there was room to go to alongside the runners as our pace was faster, and I did so, trying to keep within striking distance of my 3:30 pacer. The next 5 miles it got warmer, so I poured water on my chest to keep cool. I felt as if I was working harder trying to keep up with the "3:30 group", but could see my pacer getting further and further ahead until I eventually lost sight of him.

Turning down Mandela Parkway I continued on and was happy to see my brother, Alan with his wife and daughter. Again I exclaimed, "I'm really tired", and this time I looked it, so he phoned ahead to my family and friends to let them know that I was on the way, but was struggling. I know I had not hit the wall just yet, but I wondered how I was going to run another 6 miles laboring as much as I was. So, I just stopped after mile 20 and walked about 30 seconds and decided right then and there that this was going to be my last marathon (2nd), so I was going to have to dig deep and go for it for the last 6 miles. I took off and with a renewed positive attitude - so much of this race is the mental game - felt fresher, and not afraid to work in my discomfort zone. I was passing people for the next 4 miles, buoyed by the energy of this mass of humanity moving along like a snake, and found myself being somehow magically pulled along.

As we hit Lake Merritt, I knew I had to quicken my pace, with no room for my mind to dwell on the fact that I was really tired. As I rounded the Lake, getting closer to the Lakeshore Ave turnaround, where I knew all my friends and family would be waiting, I saw them ahead and waved and they shouted to me as I passed by, "Go, Tom, Go!", "You can do it, Daddy!". I wish I could say how much I appreciated them being there, as I had for everyone else along the way, but it all seemed to go by in a blur, and I felt as if I was in an alter-universe by this point. I was hurting, but determined to keep going.

They told me after the race that they were not sure if they had missed me when they arrived down at the Lake, because I arrived later than the time I was anticipating. I think the starting time of the race must have been delayed because I was 20 minutes behind. But as the 3:30 pacer ran by them, and well ahead of me, they knew I would be arriving soon. They seemed to think he was about 6-7 minutes ahead of me. After seeing me, they all shouted and then ran to the other side of the park and cheered me on a second time. My running friend, Patricia (who had just finished the half marathon) then decided to run with me all the way to the finish line, now just 2 miles ahead. She led the way, making a path in between the runners, as we were the only ones passing. My twin brother, Steve had shouted out that the 3:30 pacer was not far ahead, so this motivated me and I picked up the pace, trying to catch him. I didn't catch him, but must have run those last miles at about a 7:15 mile or so, passing fellow marathoners along the way.

I made my way around the lake with "my guide" weaving us in, out and around as we passed runner after runner, catching and passing other marathoner's moving toward the finish. Then we approached the turn away from the Lake, (tiny uphill ugh!) with 3 blocks crossing Broadway and a turn toward the finish line. She said, "Go for it, Thomas" and she peeled off the course, as I sprinted for the finish line 200 yards ahead. I was just about to pass the finish line, when I looked up and saw the time was 3:33 and I was very pleased.

I could barely walk as I finished, and was hobbling around until I found Len Goldman to thank him for all his support, and tremendous training program that got me here. Then I hobbled over to the beer queue and sat down on the grass to listen to the music and rest. Feeling exhausted, but elated, I went home to celebrate my victory with friends and family.

Today I can barely walk (never mind get out of a chair!) and I know it is going to take me a few days of recovery until I am feeling (let alone walking) better again. I came in 80th overall in the Marathon and 5th for my age group.

After recovery and rest - and when ready - I will go for my best times in the 10K, 5K and finally the 800 meters, where I can tap into my strength which is stamina versus endurance.