Pittsburgh Marathon 1999

On Sunday, I ran the Pittsburgh Marathon. Here are my split times by mile and my thoughts along the way. My training has gone extremely well even in my current position. However, I am not very optimistic because of the current weather forecast. The low is supposed to be 46, but the high is predicted to be in the mid-70s.

May 2, 1999

Start    0:20

This is the time to cross the start line. The temperature is 51 degrees F.

Mile 1    7:28

I take off my shirt and toss it to my dad right after the start. This is a good start, but I want to make sure I run conservatively because of the coming heat.

Mile 2    7:25

I feel great, except for my left knee, which is a little tender on the front outside below the knee.

Mile 3    7:26

I am coasting through these miles, but in the back of my head I am thinking that maybe I shouldn't be going this fast.

Mile 4    7:34

On the other hand, I should continue this pace while the weather is still cool. I seek out the shade whenever it is possible.

Mile 5    7:24

Up and over the 16th street bridge to the north side of the Alleghany. This first hill doesn't even change my stride.

Mile 6    7:30

So far I haven't seen anyone to pace off of, but a lot of runners keep passing me. I let them go because I am sure we will meet again, later in the day.

Mile 7    7:28

It is simply a gorgeous day, but not for running a really fast time in a marathon. My pace is on cruise control with little effort.

Mile 8    7:26

Up and over the West End Bridge. The hills are coming very easy. My left knee is still there, but it is not causing any trouble.

Mile 9    7:26

It is now time to gather my strength, both mental and physical to mount the climb beginning in the 12th mile.

Mile 10    7:32

Southside is a nice place to run, but there aren't many beer drinkers out at this point in the morning.

Mile 11    7:26

Here we go as we start to cross the Birmingham Bridge, and then up into Oakland.

Mile 12    7:16

I decide to take a page out of Keith Brandtly's race from last year when he left the rabbit and the field by charging up this hill. I knew I was pushing hard, but I was surprised when I saw my watch.

Mile 13    7:37

Finishing off the hill as I pass the Carnegie Museum and the University of Pittsburgh.

Mile 14    7:38

I use this mile to recover from the tough climb of the last two miles. Other runners, who passed me in the early going, are coming back to me.

Mile 15    7:16

While eating my Access Bar, I am actually able to pick up my pace. Walnut Street is packed about 2-3 deep on both sides of the street.

Mile 16    7:27

This mile is mostly uphill, but since I still feel good and not very hot, I decide to throw down the hammer and see if this is going to be my day.

Mile 17    7:12

Okay, my legs are starting to turnover quickly, and the miles are coming up fast.

Mile 18    6:57

I am obviously pushing hard at this point. I guess I will go as hard as I can for as long as I hold out. I have been drinking two cups of water at every stop. My stomach is full of water, but it isn't slowing me down much.

Mile 19    7:07

Wow, these mile markers keep sneaking up on me. This is great!

Mile 20    7:27

My note at this mile from last year says this is definitely uphill. I know it is, but it is not a laborious climb.

Mile 21    7:04

I am still feeling good, my left calf is getting a little tight, but I think I am not in danger of cramping.

Mile 22    7:06

I pass the church I attended during college and head into Bloomfield. The crowds are getting bigger with the beautiful weather. I start to wonder if I might still have a chance at a 3:10 (qualify for Boston).

Mile 23    7:02

The crowd is 3-4 deep in Bloomfield, and I am really pouring it on. I decide to really push hard down the hill for the next mile to see if I have any chance for a 3:10.

Mile 24    6:36

I was hoping to get here by 2:54 or less, but it is already 2:55 and change. Therefore, I won't be able to get a 3:10, but this has still been an awesome run.

Mile 25    7:35

Sometimes downtown can look so close, but yet so far. I am now having to bear down mentally.

Mile 26    7:47

Martha, Nathan, Amy, and my parents are surprised to see me so soon. Nathan is holding his sign he made, "Go Dad."

Mile 26.2    1:34

I pick it up for the final push into Point State Park. I finish in 3:13:07 from the start of the gun. My net time by the chip is 3:12:45. Two minutes shy of a trip to Boston.

Final note: Before the race, I mentioned to my dad that if I ran a 3:30, I would be pleased given the weather. After 10 marathons, everything finally came together on the 11th. My training went well, I didn't get sick, and the weather, while not the best, didn't hold me back too much. My plans now include running the Hartford Marathon in October and then the JFK50 again in November.

Never stop running,