Des Moines Marathon

Distance: 26.38 miles

Time: 4:05:40

Average: 9:19

Weather: 35 and clear to start; 50 clear and windy at the end

Session Note: Perfect weather for a marathon, and under normal circumstances I might be a little disappointed with 4:05, but I ran with a groin injury that changed a lot of things.

I worked very hard on rehab all week before this race, and even visited a physical therapist who I think did a lot to make this race even possible. Starting out I didn't feel too stiff and sore, but by the time I'd run 6 miles or so I could feel the soreness building up, and I wondered if it would get too sore too soon. By 8 I had real doubts, and I decided to just go as far as I could.
But by 13 it seemed like the pain had subsided and I loosened up. I ran my best from there to 20 or 21, with most mile splits under 9. I even caught and passed the 4 hour pace group, and started thinking I could come in under 4.
But almost without warning the pain was back, and it wasn't just groin pain, it was pain in my hips, which I've never had before. I was forced to slow the pace just to be certain I could make it to the end. My range of motion decreased markedly and it became increasingly difficult just to raise my legs to take a stride. That made the last 5 miles seem to take an eternity. But, I made it, even running through several cramps in my calf muscles. After the race I quickly stiffened, but I got signed up for a session with a physical therapist (really a first year medical student named Ryan), and that helped quite a bit.
Still, I'm sore in places where I've never been sore before after a marathon, and it's probably because of the way I compensated for my injury. I'm glad to be able to rest now and recover.
Des Moines does a very good job with its marathon, and I'd recommend it to anyone. The course is picturesque, especially the last 10-plus miles, much of which goes through Waterworks Park. I also enjoyed the trip through Drake Stadium, where they hold the Drake Relays. They had the big video board on and runners could watch themselves for 50 yards or so. The race was well organized and there were volunteers all over the place. At the end, there was plenty of free food.
The course itself is moderately hilly for the first half, then downhill and flat the rest of the way. If you're in good health and well trained, you can PR in this race.
I just might try it again some day.
I can't end this without thanking my support team: Kay, Bryce and Sam. They got me to the race and encouraged me at several points along the way. I always feel a little sorry for runners who have to go it alone. It's definitely harder.