KET Fitness

• 3rd place division podium finish at the NE Maryland Olympic Tri
• 4th place division finish at the Devilman Sprint Tri
• Completed first 70.3 at Syracuse under 6 hrs
• Completed first Marathon (Philly)

Here is his race report following the 2010 Philadelphia Marathon
Well, here goes my report.

The day started out quite well until we had to stop and wait in line for the bathroom. At, roughly, mile two we stopped and attended to natures calling. We were down on our time by a few minutes by the time we got back at it. Mark and I made up the lost time and some by mile 7 or so. The run was beautiful. I felt great and the crowds cheering us on really provided the extra boost I needed. By the time we reached MLK to head for the art museum I was feeling a little pain in my right foot. I have been battling a foot issue for the past two months. I popped a IBU and kept motoring along. Mark and I ran side by side for most of the race. I like to think he was holding back and pushing me along. His dedication to seeing me through the race was with out a doubt the main motivator for me to not walk or give up. When we reached the Falls Bridge I started to feel a little pain in my side. I thought nothing of it but when we turned left to head down MLK I could barely breath. It felt like someone was jabbing me in the side every time I took a breath. Needless to say I needed to stop and stretch it out. After what felt like an eternity we got going again. within a mile I was feeling good again. Or at least I was feeling like I could breath.

Now, this is where things get a little hazy for me. Once we reached Manayunk I was hurting. My feet were screaming and my quads felt like they were being torn apart. I got through Manayunk with Mark at my side but once we started heading back to the finish I couldn’t keep pace. I’m not sure if Mark picked it up or I slowed down but I just could not keep up. By the time I reached Kelly Drive again Mark was good 200-250 yards in front of me and pulling away. At this point I knew I wasn’t going to be able to catch him so I ran my race. I stayed within myself and pushed it out. I don’t remember much of the run on Kelly drive. I remember seeing the mile markers and thinking how I was going to be able to make it. By the time I got to mile 25 I knew I was going to do it. I was in some serious pain. In order to make it that last 1.2 miles I decided I needed to find people to run with. Pick land marks to make it to. Basically, I had multiple “finish” lines until the real finish line. After I would reach one of these points I would pick a new one, so on and so forth.

Once I got to the last water stop I decided I needed to walk through it. I took on a bunch of gatorade and picked it back up. I’m not sure how far it was to the finish line but all I remember thinking was it couldn’t be close enough. Seeing the finish line was absolutely glorious! The crowds were so inspiring and encouraging.

Crossing the finish line felt so good. Mark was there to meet me as I crossed and we shared a hug and congratulated each other. The coach won this battle! My time was 4:05:34. I am very happy with my time and with what I learned about myself that day. I had to dig deeper than I have ever had to in the past. To think that all I wanted to accomplish this year was a Half Ironman. It has been a very good year for me. I’ve achieved every goal I’ve set out to accomplish and added new goals along the way.

So, if you really want to find out how tough you are I highly recommend running a marathon. I know now that I will with out a doubt be able to finish Rev3 Cedar Point next year. I don’t have a goal time in mind, yet, but I do know I feel like I know what it will take to get it done.

Thanks everyone for your encouragement. Thank you Mark for your superb coaching and dedication.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon. Until then, be safe and have a wonderful Holiday season!

Doug