The high of a PR is difficult to describe. I suppose this is what keeps me so hooked on this wonderful sport of running. As I crossed the finish line at the El Paso Marathon on February 5th, 2012, I was in a state of emotional euphoria. I did it. I beat the only person I was there to race. Me. New PR of 3:51:28.
The time may be average relative to the population but I don’t really care. I am only there to prove that I am a better person today than I was yesterday, last year, or at my first marathon in 1998 (LA marathon 5:31). This race proved that hard (extra) work pays off, you get out what you put in, and there is no shortcut or cheats in running (or life in general).
Downtown El Paso is a small, quaint town. It has the outer look and feel of Phoenix… dry desert-like environment with a mix of industrial and business building. The area was visibly remote and lacked the hustle and bustle of other city centers. All of the locals I interacted with were working class folks who where friendly although noticeably occupied with their daily lives.
The race expo was small but included all the essentials. It was very well organized and even had volunteers greeting runners and assisting with bib number look-up upon arrival at the convention center. The organizers did a great job with location selection and communications. The host hotel (Double Tree) is a 0.5M walk from both the convention center and the start line. Information about race start, finish, and shuttle were published via the race website, Facebook, as well as bring printed and given with the bib packet. I really enjoyed this down-hill then flat course. This was the first year where the course starts on top of Trans Mountain. A 1,000 feet drop in elevation over the first 4-5 miles. A combination of strong winds, 35 degree weather, and a 7:00AM (sunrise) start provided an icy cold but unforgettable race start. We the runners were able to stay inside the buses until about 5 minutes prior to race start because the conditions pre-race was really very unforgiving. We gathered at the start line like a group of penguins desperate for heat. Even the national anthem singer seemed to shiver as she sang. I am thankful to have brought a racing jacket. As soon as I stepped outside the bus I was met with sharp pain on the ears, fingers from the cold. Then numbness takes over. Even with the jacket, gloves, and arm-warmers, I could not feel my hands, arm, and face for the first 4-5 miles. I just kept thinking, “keep running”.
The descent from Trans Mountain gave us a glorious sunrise the warmed out body and mind. I tried my best to slow my pace on the steep decline. After the initial descent plenty of water stations were available. Local residents and volunteers lined most of miles 6-20 and were wonderful as they cheered and provided water, aid, and inspiration to the runners.
There is a good section of the 20s that were more desolated. It could have just been my own metal fatigue. But near the finish back down town, crowds gathered to cheer for the last mile or so of the race. I loved the fact that (I think for the first time) the announcer at the finish called my name (correctly!) and hometown. It made the PR finish even sweeter. The finish area was easy to access and best of all there were plenty of water, bananas, CHOCOLATE MILK!, and BEER! I chose chocolate milk to celebrate the run…
Well, state number 19 is off the map. Overall, I had a great experience. I would highly recommend this race for anyone who is looking to PR and enjoy smaller races with personal touches. I will enjoy the rest this week then it’s time to prepare for the next adventure... Ultra marathoning…
One race, one mile, and one step at a time,
Jeff
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