2008 NYC Marathon Memories

When I decided to do two marathons in two weeks, I figured I'd try to do good in Columbus and just enjoy NY.

But when I did the Columbus marathon, I started too fast and paid for it in the 2nd half. I didn't hit my goal of 3:45 but did break 4 hours.

So I was hoping to get 3:45 at New York by doing an even 8:30 pace. But as early as mile 8, I started slowing down. Then at the 20 mile mark, the 4:00 pace team passed me. Oh well, just enjoy the rest. And I did. Actually during the whole race, I ran at the side and looked for people to high-5. For me, every high-5 is a big charge. Early in the race, there were lots of people, mostly kids, with their hands out. The best is when there's a row of hands to hit in succession. But for most of the race, despite the huge crowds, it was hard to get it. Near the end, lots of people, in particular the volunteers, obliged. So at the end, thanks to that boost, I was just hopping along and had a great time. And my pace was about a minute faster for the last mile or two because of that.

Anyway, I finished and I never stopped running (or at least "jogging" as some would say). Those are my top goals. But I wasn't close to 4 hours. I finished in 4:12. My worst time since 1994.

So my time was not good but I had a good time.