It finally happened! I'm going to be heading to Boston in April 2010 for the 114th running of the world's oldest and most famous marathon! The Colorado Marathon was a great experience all the way around. The course was beautiful as we ran the first 17 miles down the Poudre (sounds like "pooper") Canyon right next to the Poudre River. The final 9 miles meandered through a small town named Laporte before ending in Old Town Fort Collins.
I needed a 3:15:59 to qualify and with a little help of some downhill running, I was able to finish in 3:09:43. The downhill was nice on the lungs, but for the first time I experienced minor leg cramps from about mile 3 on. It wasn't bad, but it had me more than concerned that it was going to unleash at any moment.
The day started with my alarm going off at 3:00am. The hotel we were staying at had buses waiting outside to drive us the 26 miles to the start. Those buses left at 4:00am. Thankfully they opened the Starbucks stand in the hotel lobby at 3:45, so I was a happy guy for the 50 minute ride.
When the buses arrived at the start (a campground in the canyon), we had a good hour and fifteen minutes until the race started. It was 35 degrees outside and pitch black. Thankfully we were able to stay in the bus for about 35 minutes before we got kicked out into the cold.
Once the race started at 6:15am, I just focused on making it to mile 17 which was the first spot spectators were allowed on the course. I was very excited to see my three favorite ladies! They did not disappoint. Loud cheers, cowbells & signs! What more could I ask for in getting a needed boost.
Everything went great until mile 24. I had a little encounter with "the wall", but somehow managed to hold it together enough to only lose a few minutes due to much slower running.
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