Jaron Brown ran his first marathon at the Publix Georgia Marathon in Atlanta, Georgia in finishing in the time of 3:41:35.
This was my first marathon (my “maiden marathon”), which was a long time in the making. After having run numerous 5k’s, 10k’s and about a half dozen half-marathons over the last four years, I set my sights a few months ago on finally running a full marathon. I joined RunnersConnect over a year ago and used your plans and guidance for my last two half-marathons and performed better with each one, so I knew I’d be in good hands for my first full marathon. Now for the race: the temperature at the beginning of the race was in the low 50’s, so it was perfect for running. However, there was a steady down pour for most of the race, which was tolderable, but made for a messy race and very cold ending. I started off a bit fast over the first half of the race, but settled into what I thought was a good grove through mile 18. I knew from the beginning that this race was going to be tough, given that it had over 1,500 ft of elevation gain and 1,500 ft of elevation loss. However, I didn’t know what was in store for me until mile 19 when the elevation change become more and more frequent and drastic. At that point, I started experiencing sever cramping in my left hamstring, something I didn’t experience at all during training. I’d like to think that this was due to the significant elevation changes, but it might have also been due to hydration and fueling, which I need to improve on in the next race. In any event, once the cramping started, I dug down deep and accepted the fact that I was likely not going to be able to run a negative split or hit my goal time of 3:30:00. I then told myself that I would not stop running and would finish the race without walking at any time. I was able to accomplish that goal and finished with an official time of 3:41:35. I’d like to thank the RunnersConnect coaches for providing such great guidance and support during my training cycle. I’d also like to thank the RunnersConnect community for providing amazing support and encouragement in the days leading up to my race. The outpouring of inspiration, encouragement and care were nothing short of amazing. Finally, I could not have done this without the unwavering support of my lovely wife, Shirley Diaz-Brown, who started the marathon bug in our house and whom I’ve convinced to join RC. I can’t wait to cheer her on in her next race!
MJ Llamas ran the Shamrock Virginia Beach Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA finishing in the time of 4:36:24 which is a PR by 47 minutes.
In 2014 I disappointingly bowed down from the Shamrock Marathon 3 days before race due to a severe case of ITBS. In a year, I have already ran a handful of races including MCM (my first marathon). As I finally toed the line yesterday for 2015 Shamrock, I reflected a bit on how far I’ve come along, the lessons I have learned along the way to get myself where I am today with my running. And indeed it turned out to be a great day of racing for me…
As I started the race, Miles 1-6 was southbound with tailwinds (not too bad). As we made a u-turn and headed back north towards Mile 7, I knew then that the next 13 miles will not happen as easy. Mile 7.5ish to 20 is where I found myself getting tested — mentally and physically. It’s where I questioned why would anyone do this crap?!? I mean seriously, it’s cold, it’s freaking windy, my feet are aching and I’m hungry! As if “something” heard what I was thinking, Kelly Clarkson starts singing in my iPod, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller.” I’m like really?? Is that true?? So I thought, let’s see if Kelly is right. Miles 21-23 was still agony but since Kelly said I won’t die, I just went for it. By Mile 23ish I accepted that Kelly is right and I won’t die out here. Then from out of nowhere I start hearing voices yelling my name. I’m looking and looking and finally I spot this pretty lady with the biggest smile 🙂 At first I’m like OMG, I have a stalker, eh, wait, I think that’s Gertrude Jewell!! I’m not so sure since this is the first time we are meeting and as I was about to ask her for identification, she started pacing me and giving me RC running tips to kick like this and that (but honestly all I wanted at this point was a cheeseburger and a beer). But I also knew that she is a faster runner than me (and has been to ZAP camp 🙂 so I had to listen to her and somehow found more strength to kick like this and that and before you know it, I only had .2 left to run… and soon enough… crossed the finish line. Official time of 4:36:24. A PR of 47 minutes from my first marathon. I raced my heart out, I met a new friend on the course, I feel he althy and strong today. And that’s what my running is all about… thank you RC!!
Charlie Rhodes ran the Shamrock Virginia Beach Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA coming across the finish line in the time of 3:24:41 which is a PR by 3 minutes and 32 seconds and BQ.
BQ for sure (I’ll be 50 in February), Richmond 2014 3:28:13 was probably good enough, but I can’t handle that kind of uncertainty. Set a conservative goal at 3:25, and glad I did. It was a bit windy.
Sara Ham ran Shamrock Virginia Beach Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA completing this race in the time of 4:17:33 which is PR of 26 minutes.
The VA Beach Shamrock is complete! I PR’ed by 26 minutes. I really feel wonderful about it. I was sting mentally the whole way–there were a few minutes I had to fight for it, but I stayed in control. . Most of my miles were sub 10. I was fighting a headache and stuffy nose all day Saturday and I really felt like I did my best and laid everything out there. That makes me so happy–that was my number one goal! I was able to sprint the last .10 of a mile to ginish strong.
Catherine Smith ran Shamrock Virginia Beach Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA finishing this race event in the time 4:00:38 which is a PR of 2 minutes 24 seconds.
Although I didn’t hit my sub-4 hour, I was able to PR! So, no gold medal, but I brought home the silver! I executed my race plan perfectly and felt pretty well the entire race. The last 10k was difficult, as it should be, but I only slowed down a little bit and was still on target. Then…right after the 25 mile mark, I vomited. A lot. Luckily the final aid station was right there so I took a swig of water and kept going. I was still able to run around an 8:30 to the finish line. Not sure what caused the nausea, but I didn’t have that extra minute built into my race plan!
Julia Labovsky ran Shamrock Virginia Beach Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, VA coming across the finish line in the time of 1:44:13 which is a PR of 4 minutes.
This was supposed to be my goal race last year, but I had to scratch it due to a stress rx/fx. A year of donkey kicks later, learning to listen to my body, and a nice, gentle return to running thanks to the RC coaches, I was able to run that goal race a year later. And a big PR was icing on the cake. Having the RC community behind me helped me just as much as that awesome tailwind on race day! Patience has always been hard for me, so this was a valuable experience for me.
Sasha Sellers ran the Alamo 13.1 in San Antonio, TX finishing in the time of 2 hours and 23 minutes which was a PR of 7 minutes.
This was my second race and I was able to beat my time by 7 minutes! This race was special to me because I didn’t think I was going to be able to finish it let alone beat my first time. Training for this race has been challenging. This proves to me I need to believe in myself more!
Brenda Steedman ran the Sydney Trail Series 20KM in Manly Dam, Sydney finishing this race in the time of 2 hours and 29 minutes winning her an 1st in Age Group award.
I love trails, and this is a particularly challenging course, quite technical, from narrow walking trails to wide fire trails, down stairs and rocky ascents. Total elevation gain is 441m. I’ve run the 10km course several times and this is the first time I’ve run the 20km long course. It was hard but worth it(and I won my age group!).
Ramona Dragnea ran the Oakland Running Festival half marathon in Oakland, CA finishing in the time of 2:00:34.
I ran this race as a tune up and though I did not PR, I was happy with how it went; I warmed up before, got to practice taking gels & water in during a race and overall tried to stay focused and maintain a good running form.
Heather Joe ran the Altis Half Marathon on Tanglefoot Trail in Houston, Mississippi finishing in the time of 2:10:15.
This race was a difficult one for me. With torrential rains, a hurt ankle , and felt pretty worn since tune up that I PR’d a month ago. Its crazy I PR’d a very hilly race but this flat trail race took me down. Weather was horrible and I hurt a bit throughout but I really ran out of gas at the end so this was 2 minutes slower than my last rice. The positive was that this was in my dad’s town and he was there to see me. I did enjoy the peacefulness of the trail and basically running alone. Met some nice people because it was so small. I just wish it had been a better race for me.
John Gardener Merthyr Tidfil Half Marathon in Merthyr Tidfil, Wales finishing in the time of 1:39:25.
First time I have run this race as it is new on the calendar. Certainly undulating and had an awkward section with steps going under a bridge. Completely ruined my stride as it was poorly lit and I had to walk to avoid tripping on the steps. Not a PB, but not bad as preparation for the Marathon in 4 weeks. No chance of an age award as highest was 50+.
Lana Britt ran Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Dallas, TX in the coming across the finish line in the of 2:00:10.
This was a very last minute race to decide to do. I have done the race twice in the past, but the course was markedly different. This was quite a bit hillier than I expected, even from the elevation chart. My goal half marathon is in 2 weeks. I decided to do this race as a trial practice run, testing out clothes, shoes, fueling, and drinking. While this was not a half PR for me, it was a very strong workout effort for me. At the start of the race, my left ankle felt pretty tight, so I decided to run by feel rather than trying to execute a race plan. I aimed for a ‘comfortably hard’ effort. The race definitely felt hard by the 10th mile, but I focused on continually moving forward and finished very strong.
Patrick Flynn ran the Dallas Rock n Roll Half Marathon in Dallas, TX in 1:56:59 which is a PR of 12 seconds.
Jumped into this race just for fun really. After having injuries derail my marathon last month I wasn’t really looking to race hard. Felt good though and kept a pace that felt good- hard enough but not really straining. And no knee pain which was clearly a bonus. Really psyched now for marathon training.
Josh Wede ran Egg Hill Run 10 mile race in Spring Mills, PA finishing this race event in the time of 1:10:55 which was a PR by 9 minutes and 15 seconds.
I ran this race as a relay with my wife. We tore it up (at least for us)! We each ran 5 miles and we beat our time from last year by over 9 minutes. To be honest, we thought 6 minutes off our time last year was a lofty goal and we blew it out of the water. It’s nice to see the plans from RC come through. I feel like my running and pacing have improved dramatically since I started with RC around a month ago (my, my, what a difference a month can make)! Now I am really looking forward to my half in May.
Klemen Ramoves ran the Mali kraski Half marathon in Slovenia coming across the finish line in the time of 1:51:32 which is a 2 minute PR.
First race after Berlin Marathon.
Richard Robertson ran the Little River Bridge Run 8K in Laurens SC finishing this race distance in the time of 48:25.
First mile was all uphill — 150ft gain. Challenging course.
Danielle Parker ran the Run4thekids 15.5 K in Melbourne, Australia coming across the finish line in the time of 1:35:43.
It was a pleasure to run in this race it was Run4thekids it’s 10 year anniversary with 30,000 runners raising money for the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne. This was a tune up race and I ran at marathon race pace the whole way – average was 6.10km so really happy. First time I have run over 15kms in 2 years
