Lake Tahoe Marathon 2005

This is a look back at the Lake Tahoe Marathon in Tahoe City, California on Saturday, October 8, 2005. I finshed with a time of 3:58:53 (9:07 pace). I finished 72 of 523 runners and ninth in my age group.

I was planning all year to run the Portland Marathon. But in September, the idea was proposed to run the Lake Tahoe Marathon instead. My mom was able to get a great deal for us to fly to Sacramento. We then got a house rental near Tahoe for a cheap rate. So this lead me to say OK.

My mom and I flew to Sacramento on Friday where we met my Aunt Marti, who drove up from Southern California. My grandma was going to join her and us. But on the train ride to my Aunt's house she fell when the train stopped quickly. And she broke her femor. She had to go to the hospitol, and was unable to join us. But the weekend went on anyway. When the drove the hour and half to Tahoe and picked up our packets, had dinner and went to bed.

My mom and aunt we going to do the 20 mile power walk, while I ran the marathon. We had to get up early and catch the bus to the start line. After a long bus ride, I got to the start line with about a half hour to spare. Now Lake Tahoe is a very high altitude. I live at about 200 feet, but Tahoe is about 6,000-7,000 feet. I knew this would be a chanllenge but I fingered I would survive.

I started running way too fast. After a few miles I was feeling great, and after the first half I looked at my watch I realized I was on pace to set a new PR. But that is when the altitude, and the hills hit me, like a freight train. My times started getting slower and slower, until I just "hit the wall". In the last 8 miles I was just slowly jogging and walking. I was out of breath, and was so discouraged. BUt I looked over to my left and saw Lake Tahoe in all it's beauty.

In the last few miles I tried my hardest to finish strong. When I saw my aunt and mom in front of me I speed past them, and continued to the finish line. After crossing I looked at my watch and had a new PW (personal worst). A time of 3:58:53, I just barely made it in under 4 hours, but consider the fact that I walked a lot of it, that is not bad. We got some food and relaxed on the beach for a little while before heading back to our rental house. We flew back the next day, and I can say it was a great time. I look forward to my next marathon in which will not be so difficult and I can see how fast I really am.