My Miami Marathon adventure started off on the wrong foot and never really eased into the right pace. While in Florida they experienced the coldest weather they'd had in years and freeze warning were posted most nights. At the end of the week when I was hoping for cool weather the heat came in so the warmest temperatures we encountered was on marathon day.
Since we had so much snow in Connecticut I didn’t put as many miles as planned on my new marathon shoes. I purchased two identical pairs of Kayano 14’s and used one during training but only had about 25 miles on my racing pair. Marathon morning I was a bit concerned because my left foot had been sore since my last run in my race day shoes and there was a bruise on the topside of my foot.
The official start time for the Miami Marathon was 6:15am but with a crowd of 15,000 or so it took me about 10 minutes to get to the starting line. Typically the first few miles are slow due to the dense pack of runners so I was surprised when motorcycle cops started pushing us to the right as we
crossed the bridge into Miami Beach so they could open a lane to traffic. My second bout of slight disappointment came at the first few water stops. Early in a long run I'm not a big Gatorade fan so I opt for water which is towards the end of the hydration stations. The first stop was so chaotic with the masses of runners and understaffed attendants that I decided to wait for the next stop where it was still short staffed so I had to stop and pour my own water.
My foot didn’t feel too bad once I got going but the later miles were tough. As we ran through a residential area with fairly loose roadways I could feel a pebble in each of my shoes so just after mile 16 I stopped to get them out. By mile 20 the heat on my feet was a pretty clear indicator that I was blistering and my pace dropped off the last six miles. Of the three marathons I finished Miami was the slowest, 5 minutes slower than San Diego and a full half hour slower than Hartford, heat does a number on my feet.My feet have started to heal so I'm ready to chase the next real estate deal. If you are thinking of buying or selling give me a call or google Dan Cummings, The Running Realtor.
My marathon running also allows me to mingle with agents throughout the country so if you are leaving Connecticut contact me and I'll put you in touch with a great agent that I know will serve you well.
ugh..I still can't look at your feet.
Dan, what a story. I feel bad for your poor feet. Keep up your perseverance, its very admirable.
Hi Dan,
Ouch...that looks like it really hurts...you had to show it off didn't you! :)
Dan you finished and did not give up, that is what is important, but that is one ugly foot buddy :)
Sandra... You could always try a blindfold and foot massage.
Leslie... I'll keep trying and plan to get out to the northwest one for these days.
Suzanne...Actually doesn't feel bad now and already looking for my next long run, Noticed Providence in May but that's SAT weekend for my son but maybe I'll take a ride. Thinking it would be nice to say I finished four marathons in my rookie year...
George... Never give up! Called Sandra at mile 20 hoping she was near a computer so she could give me a progress report on the other people I was running with but she was at the pool. When I finished I had messages that everyone gave up and did the Half except me.
Sounds like a tough run. Did they not have enough volunteers? Glad you finished.
Dan never thought that you would ever give up so it is not a surprise to me that you finished.
Of course I was at the pool, that was my whole plan : ) ... I was also sleeping when you called me from the start line at 5 am.
Dan,
I feel for you. I ran the Chicago marathon this year in much warmer conditions than I would have preferred. At least it was not as bad as the previous year, but they did red flag the race.
Anyway, I tripped at mile 14 over my own two feet and really did a number on my left knee. I might not have been very smart, but I was very determined to finish. My pace time dropped over 2 minutes per mile and I was running with a heavy limp but managed to drag my broken body across the finish line. The limp caused me to over-compensate and turn my left foot inward. This forced unconditioned parts of my foot to get about 12 miles of wear and tear. I had one of those great bruises and a blood blister over 3 inches in diameter off the side of my foot. It resulted in about 2 weeks of pain, and about 2 months of waiting before I could really test that knee.
After all of that, I love running and will continue to abuse myself in the process. Congratulations on the finish and continued success on the trails, roadsides, sidewalks, and if you must treadmills. :-)
Congrats on a terrific race in the Miami "heat" in the Winter! I'm sure it beats the snowy roads up there in CT! Stay warm...keep in touch! Your friend in Sunny, FL!
Ian... I have never done Chicago but hear it's been exceptionally warm the last few years. One of these days I will get out there.
Susie... Those Florida temps did get me a little grumpy!
You are killing me! This picture must've been on YOUR camera because it wasn't on mine! Look@that face! OMG
You are not only a Running Realtor, but a Running Warrior. You, my friend, are hardcore. Tell Sandra to grab a blindfold and take one for the team:)
Jason - No freakin way!
Love the comments..... especially about all the others giving up!!!! Grrrrrrr. just wait... there is always next time. ha.
Opps... Didn't mean to imply they gave up.... More like altered their route due injury or anticipated discomfort. That is actually the wise thing to do instead of pushing on causing longer term damage.