The Colfax Marathon is officially over for 2009. I actually thought this years was better that last year, but that could be because last year I ran the full, and this year I ran the half.
It was a picture perfect day for the most part. I think it was a bit warm for my tastes, and I would have melted if I ran the full. The race started at City Park in Denver which to the start line from my house, is 3 miles. I thought that would be a great warm up to jog down to the park in the morning before the race, and although I think it was a good idea in normal times, it wasn’t this time. My longest run sine January was only 14 miles, so here I am running 3 miles for a warm up before I run 13. Oye. I think I overdid it a bit. At right about mile 10, I started wearing out. I was dragging and the one thing that saved me was Diane and Miles (my dog) were waiting for me at about 11 1/2 miles. That rejuvinated me a little bit and made the last mile and a half a little more bearable.
Although I didn’t hit my goal (1:50), I was allright with my finish time, which was 1:56:17. It was exactly 1 second faster than my last half marathon. Out of the 2294 runners, I came in 563rd place. Out of 846 males. I came in at 341, and then in my age group, there were 104 runners, and I came in 24th.
Next uo, The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon next month.
I was diagnosed with MS about 6 years ago and I am one of the lucky ones. I don't have too many problems associated with it, and the disease has actually slowed down. I took up running 4 years ago just to see if I could do it. So far I've run 4 marathons in 2 years and 12 half marathons.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:11 am
I would really like to congratulate you. I was also diagnosed with MS about 1 year ago and I am also one of the lucky ones. I don’t have too many problems associated with it. The last 9 years I am an active runner and cyclist participating in a lot of half-marathons and cycling brevets. My problem now is that although i do not generally have any problem doctors say that I should avoid participating in races that for me is soooo bad since i can do it and with really good times. I keep training, since this keeps me fit both in mind and body.
I would appreciate any comments or experiences you have.
Keep running, keep living.
May 18th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
No love for the Bolder Boulder? Don’t you have a chance for revenge from the OBX half? And don’t I have a chance to avenge my 2007 Bolder Boulder loss?
May 18th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Okay, I’m a big dork. I was just a few seconds ahead of you, at 1:56:12 (missing my 1:55 goal). I actually saw you stop at 11 1/2, I just wasn’t positive it was you so I didn’t say anything. Glad you enjoyed the race.
May 18th, 2009 at 11:06 pm
George - why does your doctor not want you to race? I say if you feel okay, why not?
May 18th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
Ah yes, the Bolder Boulder. I really don’t think of that as a serious race because there are so many runners, and walkers, and crazy people. Revenge is not in my vocabulary, and besides, you said that you’re happy and fat now. Or were you just trying to psyche me out?
May 18th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Kristen - good run even though you missed your goal. Was it just me, or was it a nasty uphill at mile 10?
May 19th, 2009 at 12:44 am
That’s funny…seemed hillier between miles 6 and 7 to me. Reaaly, not a bad course overall. Good luck in next month’s Rocky Mountain Half.
May 19th, 2009 at 3:13 am
The doctor says that i should avoid anything that makes me feel tired and exhausts me. My age is 38 and i really enjoy races. I am really doing very well with the races but doctors are not very familiar with the kilometers.
May 19th, 2009 at 7:41 am
George - Exercise itself will not make your MS worse. It may make you feel tired and exhausted, but will not do any damage. I would get another opinion. Mine says to do whatever my body allows me to do. If I get tired, rest.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Thank you very much for your advices. Me i am now doing the same. I am training according to my body signals. I do not really know a lot about sclerosis and I thought that exercise and races makes it worse. Keep running…
May 20th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Och, you were one of those bodies I was chasing! Great job on the race; I though the weather was heavenly, too. I’m doing the Rocky Mtn Half next month too….maybe that time I won’t be so far behind you!