My First Fifty States Under Three Hours
On 3/6/05, I achieved a goal that stands at the pinnacle of my running
career. With a 2:57 finish in the Little Rock Marathon, I successfully
completed a five and a half year quest to run a sub 3 hour marathon in
all 50 states and DC...something that's only been done one other time
(see Toby Skinner). From the beginning it's been a fight. I wasn't a
3:00 marathoner when this adventure began and I will probably not
ever run much faster than a 2:50 marathon (2:44:54 PR). However,
what the good Lord didn't give me in speed, he made up for in
durability, strength and drive. I'm extremely thankful for that and
greatly appreciate everyone who has had a part in this quest. My
biggest fan and supporter is my fantastic wife, Shannon, who deserves
the biggest award simply for putting up with my crap. Thanks Sweetie!!
On 3/6/05, I achieved a goal that stands at the pinnacle of my running
career. With a 2:57 finish in the Little Rock Marathon, I successfully
completed a five and a half year quest to run a sub 3 hour marathon in
all 50 states and DC...something that's only been done one other time
(see Toby Skinner). From the beginning it's been a fight. I wasn't a
3:00 marathoner when this adventure began and I will probably not
ever run much faster than a 2:50 marathon (2:44:54 PR). However,
what the good Lord didn't give me in speed, he made up for in
durability, strength and drive. I'm extremely thankful for that and
greatly appreciate everyone who has had a part in this quest. My
biggest fan and supporter is my fantastic wife, Shannon, who deserves
the biggest award simply for putting up with my crap. Thanks Sweetie!!
My Running
I LOVE THE MARATHON! It's my distance and I hope that never
changes. It tires and invigorates me all at the same time and it seems I
can't run enough of 'em. I live on the edge of success and failure
every time I toe the sub3 line and wouldn't want it any other way. Only
in my dreams am I a 2:40 marathoner, and that's what makes breaking
three hours so rewarding.
My first attempt at the marathon distance was in 1988. I was chasing a
Boston Marathon qualification time of 3:00 (go figure) and ran a
2:59:19, but paid dearly for it over the last 4 miles. I went out at a
6:15 pace and remember thinking at 13 miles what an easy distance
the marathon was. My Boston time was 3:00:30…with an even faster
start and a bigger late race meltdown. My 3rd attempt two years later
resulted in a PR of 2:56, but I wouldn't see sub three again for another
9 years (and 14 more marathons). And running a negative split, well
that took 8 more marathons!
I LOVE THE MARATHON! It's my distance and I hope that never
changes. It tires and invigorates me all at the same time and it seems I
can't run enough of 'em. I live on the edge of success and failure
every time I toe the sub3 line and wouldn't want it any other way. Only
in my dreams am I a 2:40 marathoner, and that's what makes breaking
three hours so rewarding.
My first attempt at the marathon distance was in 1988. I was chasing a
Boston Marathon qualification time of 3:00 (go figure) and ran a
2:59:19, but paid dearly for it over the last 4 miles. I went out at a
6:15 pace and remember thinking at 13 miles what an easy distance
the marathon was. My Boston time was 3:00:30…with an even faster
start and a bigger late race meltdown. My 3rd attempt two years later
resulted in a PR of 2:56, but I wouldn't see sub three again for another
9 years (and 14 more marathons). And running a negative split, well
that took 8 more marathons!
Now I'm a MASTER!
Yep, they say you're an old runner at the age of 40 and since I now
resemble that, I'll make the most of it. I've run 14 sub3's as a masters
runner and here's how I've stacked up against the other oldies (not my
official place in my age group but how I actually placed against all over
40s). updated 11/8/08
Yep, they say you're an old runner at the age of 40 and since I now
resemble that, I'll make the most of it. I've run 14 sub3's as a masters
runner and here's how I've stacked up against the other oldies (not my
official place in my age group but how I actually placed against all over
40s). updated 11/8/08
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| Marathon Training & Racing from Joe Bowman All 50 States & DC under 3:00 |
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