2009 Mardi Gras Marathon, New Orleans, LA

Full Marathon

February 1, 2009

3:49:29 Official Time

3:49:04 Net time

 New Orleans, LA

Ouch...all I can say. This was a race I signed up for with good intentions. However, the reality of training in New England over the winter, particularly for a race this early in the year, got the best of me. My mileage has been way down, and I really got what I deserved.

I met another runner down there the night before, and was looking forward to a steady race. Started out running nice, easy 8's. The route heads out of town, via Bourbon Street. Thankfully, they washed the streets the night before, but from what I read, due to budget cuts, that was the last time. We headed out of town toward Tulane, out through a beautiful park and golf course. My right hammy started acting up around 8 miles. I knew this was going to be a long race. Well, that's obvious. Around 18 miles is the only hill on the course. A small highway overpass bridge. On the way down, my right inside quad started to hurt. That's strange, never felt that before. Just kept getting more and more sore as the race went on. The last few miles were around another park outside town, then we headed back to the Superdome. All mental getting me back there; my legs had nothing left.

Finished, threw out my shirt, and headed for the beer truck. Just why is it that race sponsors think runners only drink light, awful beer? Michelob Ultra? Come on, I just burned a few thousand calories, give me a Guinness!

Spent the remainder of the day strolling around the city. What a great place to be in February. It was sunny and warm, although we did spend a good part of the afternoon inside. Slept well that night and headed home.