Congratulations Paul. I know it's been a long road on this journey, so it's nice to see you finally reach that goal. I've been following you for a few years now (and even dating back to your basketball writing days), and have learned so much about running (and myself) from these posts. Since then I've run my first half and full marathons and used many of the techniques you have mentioned. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good fight.
I had a very similar path. Tore a calf muscle 15 miles into my first marathon about a decade ago. Bonked in my 2nd. Ran my 3rd last year in a much more grownup strategy, and totally relate to this idea that it felt hard but not insurmountable. Felt kinda great after TBH.
This is a great accomplishment to run 26.2 as fast as you did AND walk away feeling good.
YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE BEAST. Nothing better than hitting a mark you’ve had hanging over your head for a long time. As someone we’re all familiar with once said, “anything is possiblllllllllllllle!” PROUDA YA!!
I was checking out the marathon results tracker last Saturday. On the final marker before the finish line, the tracker had you on pace for 3:19 and change and I was a little worried. I figured you'd have a strong finish, but I thought it might be closer. It was clearly a strong finish and I was pumped to see it!
On a moderately related note: I'm waiting to hear back on a charity application for the NYC Marathon. I didn't have a backup plan if that (likely) doesn't happen. I was checking out some marathon calendars while you were running and decided if I don't get into NYC, I'm gonna sign up for the Philadelphia Marathon. It's the weekend before Thanksgiving, and is an easy train ride up from DC! Ready to f around and find out!
It's funny that the thought of not qualifying never entered my mind, even though I knew I was losing ground toward the end. Philly is a GREAT marathon. Ran the half there many years ago. Love that city, love the vibe. Great race.
Fingers crossed for NYC, but the Philly Marathon is looking more and more appealing. That late November date means cooler temperatures. And it seems like it's pretty wide open for getting in, unlike NYC. But either way, we'll see. I'm just glad I've got a backup plan in place!
Good job by you, Paul(y)! Been fun and inspiring to follow along this journey, thanks for documenting it in such a mundane (a compliment) and unassuming way. Keep doing what you're doing!
Congratulations Paul. I know it's been a long road on this journey, so it's nice to see you finally reach that goal. I've been following you for a few years now (and even dating back to your basketball writing days), and have learned so much about running (and myself) from these posts. Since then I've run my first half and full marathons and used many of the techniques you have mentioned. Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good fight.
We LOVE to hear it. This crew is unstoppable.
Oh man, that is awesome. Thanks for sharing that with me. It's the fuel that keeps me going.
I had a very similar path. Tore a calf muscle 15 miles into my first marathon about a decade ago. Bonked in my 2nd. Ran my 3rd last year in a much more grownup strategy, and totally relate to this idea that it felt hard but not insurmountable. Felt kinda great after TBH.
This is a great accomplishment to run 26.2 as fast as you did AND walk away feeling good.
That's a really good point. The base is everything.
YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE BEAST. Nothing better than hitting a mark you’ve had hanging over your head for a long time. As someone we’re all familiar with once said, “anything is possiblllllllllllllle!” PROUDA YA!!
Thanks Tracey. I'd like to think KG would be impressed.
I was checking out the marathon results tracker last Saturday. On the final marker before the finish line, the tracker had you on pace for 3:19 and change and I was a little worried. I figured you'd have a strong finish, but I thought it might be closer. It was clearly a strong finish and I was pumped to see it!
On a moderately related note: I'm waiting to hear back on a charity application for the NYC Marathon. I didn't have a backup plan if that (likely) doesn't happen. I was checking out some marathon calendars while you were running and decided if I don't get into NYC, I'm gonna sign up for the Philadelphia Marathon. It's the weekend before Thanksgiving, and is an easy train ride up from DC! Ready to f around and find out!
It's funny that the thought of not qualifying never entered my mind, even though I knew I was losing ground toward the end. Philly is a GREAT marathon. Ran the half there many years ago. Love that city, love the vibe. Great race.
I’ll cross my fingers for you!
Fingers crossed for NYC, but the Philly Marathon is looking more and more appealing. That late November date means cooler temperatures. And it seems like it's pretty wide open for getting in, unlike NYC. But either way, we'll see. I'm just glad I've got a backup plan in place!
Good job by you, Paul(y)! Been fun and inspiring to follow along this journey, thanks for documenting it in such a mundane (a compliment) and unassuming way. Keep doing what you're doing!
Appreciate it.
Would you mind sharing your fueling plan for this race? Carbo loading, race intake, etc?
Absolutely, coming right up in Friday's post
YOOOOOOOOOO! that is awesome, Flan. Super impressive. Congrats, brother
Thanks man. Big day!
YES SIR! Congrats on this awesome achievement. Really great to see this all come together. Very sensible race strategy and perfect execution.
Thanks Ryan. I think this is called being a grownup? I felt like I ran a very smart race. Nice to be rewarded for that.