RACE REPORT: Richmond Marathon

Submitted By: Derek Hurdle

Below is a thank you note I received from an individual in my pace group. I think this note does a nice job summarizing my experience as a pace leader. I would say it ranks right up there with the feeling I had after the my first BQ. I was on cloud 9 on Sunday and then as so often happens you go back to work and get in a rut-and then I received this email out of the blue.

I had a fellow pace leader for the 3:45 group (those who stayed with him got behind pace) and then I was ahead of the pack. I can't tell you the feeling I got as I was running over the Lee Bridge to turn around and see nearly 100 people running behind me. I really wish I would have had a camera at that point.

I had individuals coming up to me before the race asking advice and begging me to help them reach their time goals. By mile 24 I told the other pacer to take the pack home I was going to stand and wait for a minute to try and "rally" all the runners I could. I suspect I got another 10 or so under 3:45 because I waited (albeit they had to pick up the pace and run 7:45 from mile 25-26 to get it).

Check out this letter as mentioned Ryan was my fellow pace leader . . .

Derek and Ryan:

I don't know if you'll remember me, but I asked Ron for your email addresses to THANK YOU for helping me through the Richmond Marathon.

I was the one who was asking all the questions before we started running! This was my first marathon and I was so nervous. You guys made it look too easy!

I got slightly ahead of you from about mile 6 to mile 21. I think I started running to fast. I was running with a guy named Steve and another named Matt and Steve's watch said we were running 8:19 minute miles, which was probably too quick for me. Steve had to slow down due to a muscle ache but Matt and I kept going. You came up beside us at about mile 21. Derek, thanks for trying to keep me motivated and going! I know you kept looking back to see where I was after mile 21, but I was really out of sorts. I had never run more than 20 and I think that, coupled with the fact that I didn't hydrate as well as I should have the day before, made my legs feel like rubber.

Also, at about mile 22 I took a big fall and landed on my face! I have a big bruise from it and I'm pretty scraped up. But I got back up, determined to finish. I found the course to have a lot of potholes and even in one place there was a missing manhole cover!

My time was 3:48:37 which was great for me. Matt, who you may remember because he was from Paris and had a strong French accent, ran right over with both of you and I was really happy for him. We got to know each other along the run.

It was great to see both of you at the finish line! I don't know if you were waiting on purpose for those of us who were trying to finish with you or not, but either way, it felt great to see you both there and get to give you a hug of thanks! I know you may not remember me, but I will never forget either of you. Thanks for making this marathon a great experience for me!

Thanks!

Many in our group were first time marathoners others trying to hit Boston, others just trying to PR. I heard so many stories, got to meet so many people that I felt vested into their success. The only downer was not being able to slow down and make sure every person hit their goal. While a good amount fell short of their time goal they were just as ecstatic as they crossed the finish. I got to stand and watch most of them finish at the finish line and get hugs, handshakes, and thank you's, The most rewarding running experience I have had yet.