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| Mile12-turnaround point was just ahead |
I drove 6.5 hours to Charleston, SC to run this marathon. Guess I
was yet to understand the subtleties of selecting a marathon. But then in
my defense I signed up for this race in 4 months before in September when I was
trying to register for every race around, and this looked like a perfect second
marathon, Charleston, I heard, was beautiful. This race was not very high
profile and on paper (or website) it felt like a home grown race, low on show
but high on quality on the lines of Patrick Henry.
Some of my team
members were running the race and coach Hien was coordinating travel and
meeting place. In the end I preferred to travel alone and meet everyone there.
The drive to Charleston was long but without any traffic. There was a small
expo where I picked my bib. I met my team mates for dinner at Blossom in
downtown. Coach Mike and Hien were not running due to their injuries, but were
kind enough to be there to support.
Next day morning,
I had to park somewhat far from start line as nearby parkings were full
. It was a sunny
morning but cold (36F) and windy. So I opted to run with my jacket on. I wanted
to get the 5 hr mark, so I planned to run a decent (11 min) pace from start.
The start was
brisk, runners were huddled together to reduce the wind chill. There were
some people supporting from the sides. For first two miles we were just going
towards downtown. Even though we had river on one side, there was not much of
the view. In mile 3 we reached the riverside front, this was the best view of the
race with houses on one side and river on the other. Most of the runners moved
to the right side to get the better view. Mile 4 we entered the King street
from river front. King Street is the main shopping street of Charleston. It is
historic and beautiful. Volunteers were cheering and guiding runners, and the
buildings also gave a break from chilly wind. Some of the intersections were
made of red bricks and many of the bricks have name of people written on them.
I think people purchase engraved bricks for their loved ones to be placed
there.
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| Named bricks |
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| Costumed runner |
I completed mile 5, I maintained my pace as I wanted. No feeling
tired or bored. Now we entered the residential side of King Street. In a mile
or so, houses started disappearing and roads become wider. We were still going straight
from King Street but now we were on Route 78. I saw this lady doing costume run
with small umbrella in historical style clothes. I had seen her in website, and
knew that
She does
historical costume run every year in this marathon.
The route took us
to kind of industrial area. Rail tracks on one side and big warehouses on the
other side. At one point we crossed the rail tracks and to run on other side.
It was kind of boring now, but it did not impact by pace. I was still
maintaining my 11 min pace. There was some confusion at mile 10 at as we had to
take a loop which was same for faster runners. After this it was out and back 5
miles to the same 'confusion' point. I must say it was boring 4 miles, except
the walking bridge at the end of mile 12. There were no people or support in
the area,
except the water
stop at 12, even they look kind of bored. After the turn around towards I saw
few of my team members. We encouraged each other and pushed forward. I clicked
a picture at half way mark and continued.
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| Ankle twist - just after this point |
As we were reached mile 14, I felt niggle in my left knee. I
thought of my Nike shoes which were wider than my Dyad 7, but not that
comfortable. I just tried to change my step and for a moment I missed the path.
I twisted my left ankle. Yes, twisted my left ankle ass if the niggle was not
enough. I tried to run and was able to control it till mile 15. I knew my pace
was dropping, and by mile 17 it was hovering around 14 mins. I knew now I
cannot break 5 hr mark, which was a disappointment, but I still wanted to
finish.
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| The only supporter at mile 19 |
The route was not at all helping to forget about twisted ankle and
nagging knee. We were in some area where new houses were being built. The crowd
support was non-existent. Yes, there was a waterstop and few volunteers, but
that is all we had. At mile 20 there was a clock with a volunteer sitting on a
chair, not at all interested in what he was doing. Hours of watching runners
passing by could have that effect on anyone. The 4 miles between 18 and 22 were
haphazardly planned. There were too many loops and at many 'meeting ‘points you
can see faster or slower runners.
I was bored and in
pain, and it was hitting my hip now which was definitely not good. At mile 24
Kristen, one of my team mates passed me. She was feeling well at mile 24 and
looked strong for a good finish. After that, as if even the organizers knew
that the route was that bad, route turned to River front park, which was a
really scenic place. The one mile inside the park had great view of Cooper River;
many artifacts were placed at river side. I saw a few benches too, and I
desperately wanted to sit, but carried on.
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| Almost no support at mile marker 26 |
Just one mile left and we were back on boring roads again, so I
tried to pick some pace to finish. There was some support as I reached
mile marker 26, but still the roads were devoid of supporters. Guess the cold
weather stopped people from coming out.
I finished the
race in 5:29:44, got my finisher medal. I was happy that I finished but missing
out on my planned time was disappointing. After taking some rest and meeting my
team mates, I took bus back to the start line where I parked my car.
This race was not
worth driving 6.5 hrs for me. I am sure organizers meant well and volunteers
worked hard, but a half marathon on this course would be much more better than
including twist, loops and turn arounds to make it a marathon. The cold weather
kept the crowd away, which was also a dampener, and then my personal
disappointment.
I had my learnings
for this race, I plan them better now. Not every race suits everyone. Right!?!
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