Garden Spot Marathon Recap
So, I ran the Garden Spot Marathon yesterday.
I'd heard very good things about this race, and was very favorably impressed leading up to it. It's a small race (400 marathoners, up to 1000 1/2 marathoners but 800 this year) in its sixth year, held out of a retirement village. The pre-race organization and communication was excellent, and I had absolutely no questions that weren't answered. There's a Facebook page in addition to weekly emails, and I think that sort of communication definitely creates a more intimate feeling.
I got a slightly late start getting out of the house, and also had to stop on the way to use the bathroom. As a result I got there, parked, picked up my packet and changed, checked my bag, used the bathroom and it was pretty much time to go. But even in my short time pre-race, I could see all the little touches that made this race stand out. There were changing tents right by the start line/gear check. There were heated tents to wait in. There were pre-race snacks and drinks for runners. There were volunteers by the portapotties, shepherding runners to the free ones and keeping the line moving. (With the way they had to set the portapotties up, it wouldn't have always been apparent which ones were free.) The volunteers even had baby wipes for people to clean off their hands. The goodie bag was a really nice cinch bag- far more durable than they usually are, a shirt, and a hat. And the volunteers- many who were residents of Garden Spot- were the nicest, most helpful, and were incredibly enthusiastic. They had some volunteers walking around with signs that said "information" so if you needed something, you could find them fast. Awesome.
Because the race was so small there were no corrals and no seeding, although they did remind slower runners to get towards the back, and there were some pacers, which gave people a good idea of where to stand. 1200 people is a pretty small crowd racewise, so I never even really got that weaving, crowded feeling, even in the very beginning.
This was a weird run for me because I have never gone into a paid race not wanting to do my best. But I was using this run as a training run for the 50K, which is my A race this spring. I just figured (and rightly so) that it's much easier to get excited about a 20+ mile run when you've got nice amenities and other people than trying to do it alone on the trail. So I wanted to make sure I did not go faster than 12 minute miles for the race. To that end, I hopped in with the 2:30 half marathon pace group. (They only had a few marathon pace groups, and 5:15 wasn't one of them :) )
I've never run with a pace group before, and I think I'm glad I started with them. The people were really nice and we enjoyed running, and it was nice to have some conversation early in the run. On the other hand, they ended up doing 11 minute miles for the first five miles, which was the exact pace I was trying to avoid. The problem was that, that early in the run, 11 minute miles is an easy pace for me. The group did start breaking up, and I was able to slow down a bit. I got myself down to a 12 minute per mile pace, and pretty much held that. And I ended up being glad I banked those 5 minutes, because I did stop to use the bathroom and I lingered at some of the water stops a few seconds.
The course was tough. It was a lot of hills, and there was pretty much no flat terrain. Or at least, it felt that way. It was a lot like running Hershey (which makes sense since they're not that far from each other), but most of the hills were multiplied by 2 or 3, and they went on for a full instead of a half. Plus there were a couple really brutal hills as well, the worst ones stretching from mile 20-21. We had beautiful weather- sun with a nice breeze- but as the day went on, the sun got pretty hot. (Again, good training for my 50K!) And there was no shade, because the entire course was farmland. It was all through Amish country, and it was gorgeous. (Not the nicest smelling because the fields were mostly freshly manured and there were a lot of cows around, but beautiful to look at.) There were water stops every two miles- always well stocked- and the volunteers were awesome.
The marathon and the half marathon course start out the same and end the same, but around mile 7 the half marathoners turn around to finish and the marathoners keep going. There weren't a ton of marathoners to begin with, and I am fairly slow, so by this point the runners were pretty strung out, and I spent long stretches of the race alone. There were times I'd get to a water stop and all the volunteers would jump up to serve me because they were bored. There were people around me and I think quite a few people behind me, but I am totally a back of the pack runner, so.... It's always interesting, too, because I pass a lot of people late in the marathon, because there tend to be a lot of people walking, and I'm always running. I think some people plan on it, but I think there are a lot of people who undertrain or who started out too fast or had some other difficulty but are determined to finish anyway, whereas I'm just slow.
I did a really good job of keeping my pace up, and I remembered to pour water over me as much as drink it, but I did start getting a cramp at Mile 24 or so. I think it might have been electrolytes, because there was a Mile 25 refuel-for-the-final-sprint water station and I took some Gatorade, and my cramp went away. (It might have been walking through that water stop, though, I don't know.) I finished strong and at 5:15:59. (Yet another marathon at the 5:15 mark!) They gave me my water and medal and immediately sent me to the recovery tent, where I was handed chocolate milk immediately. They had stations set up all around the walls, with all sorts of goodies, but to be honest I made a beeline straight for the chocolate milkshakes. YES! They had CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKES as a finishing treat! I guess they mixed up huge batches, put them in gallon jugs, and poured out good sized dixie cups. Advantages of being back of the pack- the volunteers encouraged me to take as many as I want. I don't often drink milkshakes anymore because they are SUCH a calorie bomb, but if you can't drink one after a marathon, when can you? And holy cow, that was THE BEST EVER. And for all that I get excited because chocolate milkshakes, to be honest, that's exactly what my stomach can handle post-marathon. I usually can't handle much real food for a couple of hours, carbs often taste super dry to me, and my stomach usually isn't super happy. So a chocolate milkshake was perfect. I'd originally planned on trying the homemade cream of chicken soup, but that was before it was 70 degrees and super sunny. (There were also omelets and wraps and oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins and a ton more stuff.)
After I recovered, I investigated the possibility of a massage but the wait was really long, so I skipped that. I did get my stuff and go take a shower and hop in the pool- the village opens up their pool, locker rooms, and hot tub for runners. NICE PERK. Although runners were allowed to get food from the concession stand for free, I just still was not hungry and it was getting late, so I started home. Stopped at an Arby's on the way, and then finally made it home. Have a few blisters, a sunburn, a little chafing, and a couple TMI digestive issue things to deal with, but those will all go away quickly. I think that according to my training plan I'm supposed to run 5 miles today to simulate the feeling of running on tired legs, but I was also only supposed to do 22 miles yesterday so that ain't happening. (Also, we have a ton of other stuff to do. and I'm tired and don't feel like it.)
I was mostly happy with my time. I did exactly what I set out to do, and that was definitely great. And I finished, which still feels like a massive accomplishment. It just comes down to I wish I didn't have to run at a 12 minute mile pace for it to be a LSD- I wish my slow pace was faster, although I need to consider the fact that this was a very hilly course. And I definitely need to get back on my weight loss efforts, which have slipped some. I also really need to keep up my strength/core work- I REALLY felt how doing that affected me this race. My shoulders didn't get as tired as usual, my back felt good, and I did make it up all those hills, so hill training and core work have definitely been good for me! So focus on the positive.
I would very, very highly recommend the Garden Spot marathon, with a couple of minor caveats. I would NOT recommend the marathon to first time marathoners, unless they really want to run alone. The course support was great, but the crowd support was minimal out on the marathon course. Also, apparently the weather is usually pretty brutal. We lucked out with sun and very little wind (and what we did have felt GREAT rather than pushing), but last year it was cold and super-windy, and that's more the norm for this race, from what I'm told. And even the sun took its toll, really, although I'm worried I used up all my good weather race karma this weekend and last weekend! And while I would recommend the half to a first timer, it would be with advisement that it is hilly and hill training is a must. But otherwise, I would absolutely recommend it, especially to anyone who wanted a non-big city experience. The volunteers were fantastic, the organization was top notch, the course was challenging, there were a ton of little touches, and really, the whole thing felt very personal. Sometimes the big city ones can make you feel like you're a number and not much else, but this one really felt like you were more than a number. The perfect way to show that? There was no course closing time- no time limit. Everyone who could got to finish. That sums up their philosophy perfectly.
So yes, wonderful experience, totally recommend. Today we're going to an egg hunt- I'm taking a brownie plate with fudgy vanilla brownies and peanut butter ganache bars. (aome, my family thanks you SO MUCH for that recipe!) Should be a good day. And then I'd better get back to my shipswap fic. The reasons for an extension are sad, but I am relieved for the time. So better get moving a bit!
I'd heard very good things about this race, and was very favorably impressed leading up to it. It's a small race (400 marathoners, up to 1000 1/2 marathoners but 800 this year) in its sixth year, held out of a retirement village. The pre-race organization and communication was excellent, and I had absolutely no questions that weren't answered. There's a Facebook page in addition to weekly emails, and I think that sort of communication definitely creates a more intimate feeling.
I got a slightly late start getting out of the house, and also had to stop on the way to use the bathroom. As a result I got there, parked, picked up my packet and changed, checked my bag, used the bathroom and it was pretty much time to go. But even in my short time pre-race, I could see all the little touches that made this race stand out. There were changing tents right by the start line/gear check. There were heated tents to wait in. There were pre-race snacks and drinks for runners. There were volunteers by the portapotties, shepherding runners to the free ones and keeping the line moving. (With the way they had to set the portapotties up, it wouldn't have always been apparent which ones were free.) The volunteers even had baby wipes for people to clean off their hands. The goodie bag was a really nice cinch bag- far more durable than they usually are, a shirt, and a hat. And the volunteers- many who were residents of Garden Spot- were the nicest, most helpful, and were incredibly enthusiastic. They had some volunteers walking around with signs that said "information" so if you needed something, you could find them fast. Awesome.
Because the race was so small there were no corrals and no seeding, although they did remind slower runners to get towards the back, and there were some pacers, which gave people a good idea of where to stand. 1200 people is a pretty small crowd racewise, so I never even really got that weaving, crowded feeling, even in the very beginning.
This was a weird run for me because I have never gone into a paid race not wanting to do my best. But I was using this run as a training run for the 50K, which is my A race this spring. I just figured (and rightly so) that it's much easier to get excited about a 20+ mile run when you've got nice amenities and other people than trying to do it alone on the trail. So I wanted to make sure I did not go faster than 12 minute miles for the race. To that end, I hopped in with the 2:30 half marathon pace group. (They only had a few marathon pace groups, and 5:15 wasn't one of them :) )
I've never run with a pace group before, and I think I'm glad I started with them. The people were really nice and we enjoyed running, and it was nice to have some conversation early in the run. On the other hand, they ended up doing 11 minute miles for the first five miles, which was the exact pace I was trying to avoid. The problem was that, that early in the run, 11 minute miles is an easy pace for me. The group did start breaking up, and I was able to slow down a bit. I got myself down to a 12 minute per mile pace, and pretty much held that. And I ended up being glad I banked those 5 minutes, because I did stop to use the bathroom and I lingered at some of the water stops a few seconds.
The course was tough. It was a lot of hills, and there was pretty much no flat terrain. Or at least, it felt that way. It was a lot like running Hershey (which makes sense since they're not that far from each other), but most of the hills were multiplied by 2 or 3, and they went on for a full instead of a half. Plus there were a couple really brutal hills as well, the worst ones stretching from mile 20-21. We had beautiful weather- sun with a nice breeze- but as the day went on, the sun got pretty hot. (Again, good training for my 50K!) And there was no shade, because the entire course was farmland. It was all through Amish country, and it was gorgeous. (Not the nicest smelling because the fields were mostly freshly manured and there were a lot of cows around, but beautiful to look at.) There were water stops every two miles- always well stocked- and the volunteers were awesome.
The marathon and the half marathon course start out the same and end the same, but around mile 7 the half marathoners turn around to finish and the marathoners keep going. There weren't a ton of marathoners to begin with, and I am fairly slow, so by this point the runners were pretty strung out, and I spent long stretches of the race alone. There were times I'd get to a water stop and all the volunteers would jump up to serve me because they were bored. There were people around me and I think quite a few people behind me, but I am totally a back of the pack runner, so.... It's always interesting, too, because I pass a lot of people late in the marathon, because there tend to be a lot of people walking, and I'm always running. I think some people plan on it, but I think there are a lot of people who undertrain or who started out too fast or had some other difficulty but are determined to finish anyway, whereas I'm just slow.
I did a really good job of keeping my pace up, and I remembered to pour water over me as much as drink it, but I did start getting a cramp at Mile 24 or so. I think it might have been electrolytes, because there was a Mile 25 refuel-for-the-final-sprint water station and I took some Gatorade, and my cramp went away. (It might have been walking through that water stop, though, I don't know.) I finished strong and at 5:15:59. (Yet another marathon at the 5:15 mark!) They gave me my water and medal and immediately sent me to the recovery tent, where I was handed chocolate milk immediately. They had stations set up all around the walls, with all sorts of goodies, but to be honest I made a beeline straight for the chocolate milkshakes. YES! They had CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKES as a finishing treat! I guess they mixed up huge batches, put them in gallon jugs, and poured out good sized dixie cups. Advantages of being back of the pack- the volunteers encouraged me to take as many as I want. I don't often drink milkshakes anymore because they are SUCH a calorie bomb, but if you can't drink one after a marathon, when can you? And holy cow, that was THE BEST EVER. And for all that I get excited because chocolate milkshakes, to be honest, that's exactly what my stomach can handle post-marathon. I usually can't handle much real food for a couple of hours, carbs often taste super dry to me, and my stomach usually isn't super happy. So a chocolate milkshake was perfect. I'd originally planned on trying the homemade cream of chicken soup, but that was before it was 70 degrees and super sunny. (There were also omelets and wraps and oatmeal with brown sugar and raisins and a ton more stuff.)
After I recovered, I investigated the possibility of a massage but the wait was really long, so I skipped that. I did get my stuff and go take a shower and hop in the pool- the village opens up their pool, locker rooms, and hot tub for runners. NICE PERK. Although runners were allowed to get food from the concession stand for free, I just still was not hungry and it was getting late, so I started home. Stopped at an Arby's on the way, and then finally made it home. Have a few blisters, a sunburn, a little chafing, and a couple TMI digestive issue things to deal with, but those will all go away quickly. I think that according to my training plan I'm supposed to run 5 miles today to simulate the feeling of running on tired legs, but I was also only supposed to do 22 miles yesterday so that ain't happening. (Also, we have a ton of other stuff to do. and I'm tired and don't feel like it.)
I was mostly happy with my time. I did exactly what I set out to do, and that was definitely great. And I finished, which still feels like a massive accomplishment. It just comes down to I wish I didn't have to run at a 12 minute mile pace for it to be a LSD- I wish my slow pace was faster, although I need to consider the fact that this was a very hilly course. And I definitely need to get back on my weight loss efforts, which have slipped some. I also really need to keep up my strength/core work- I REALLY felt how doing that affected me this race. My shoulders didn't get as tired as usual, my back felt good, and I did make it up all those hills, so hill training and core work have definitely been good for me! So focus on the positive.
I would very, very highly recommend the Garden Spot marathon, with a couple of minor caveats. I would NOT recommend the marathon to first time marathoners, unless they really want to run alone. The course support was great, but the crowd support was minimal out on the marathon course. Also, apparently the weather is usually pretty brutal. We lucked out with sun and very little wind (and what we did have felt GREAT rather than pushing), but last year it was cold and super-windy, and that's more the norm for this race, from what I'm told. And even the sun took its toll, really, although I'm worried I used up all my good weather race karma this weekend and last weekend! And while I would recommend the half to a first timer, it would be with advisement that it is hilly and hill training is a must. But otherwise, I would absolutely recommend it, especially to anyone who wanted a non-big city experience. The volunteers were fantastic, the organization was top notch, the course was challenging, there were a ton of little touches, and really, the whole thing felt very personal. Sometimes the big city ones can make you feel like you're a number and not much else, but this one really felt like you were more than a number. The perfect way to show that? There was no course closing time- no time limit. Everyone who could got to finish. That sums up their philosophy perfectly.
So yes, wonderful experience, totally recommend. Today we're going to an egg hunt- I'm taking a brownie plate with fudgy vanilla brownies and peanut butter ganache bars. (aome, my family thanks you SO MUCH for that recipe!) Should be a good day. And then I'd better get back to my shipswap fic. The reasons for an extension are sad, but I am relieved for the time. So better get moving a bit!