First, thanks for all the sweet comments on my last post! They definitely made me feel better about the race. As promised, here’s my recap. It’s wordy. Sorry.
I spent the Friday and Saturday before the race at a conference for work. Timing was great because the conference was in Loveland (where the race finished), so I didn’t have to stress about getting to packet pick-up on time. The conference was excellent, and I had lots of professional things to think about, so my mind was occupied with things besides my usual level of pre-race nerves. That was nice.
Packet pick-up was out at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, which is a special place to me because that’s where J and I had our rehearsal dinner. Last year’s floods caused a lot of damage at Sylvan Dale (including wiping out the building in which we had our dinner), so I was happy to see that they were receiving some financial kickback from the race.
The view as I left packet pick-up
There was no expo, just bib and shirt pick-up, which was totally fine with me. I grabbed my bib and shirt, asked the (very nice) volunteers a few questions about the shuttle the next morning, and was on my way in just a few minutes.
I headed back into Loveland and checked into the hotel, then went for a walk to loosen up my legs while I waited for Jordan to arrive (he had meetings in Denver at the same time as my conference). When he got there, we grabbed some spaghetti from Noodles and Company, then went back to the hotel to swap conference stories and try to relax. I went to bed super early and, of course, didn’t really sleep.
The alarm went off at 3:45 the next morning. Ouch. I got dressed, ate my bagel, peanut butter, and banana, and threw on my ugly warm-up clothes. Jordan drove me the 15 minutes to meet the buses (he’s a good husband), and soon I was drifting in and out of sleep on the drive up the canyon. Soon, we arrived at the start in front of the famous Stanley Hotel. I waited on the warm bus for as long as possible, then stood in the porta-john line, worrying as the 6 a.m. start drew ever nearer. I needn’t have worried, though: two of the buses got lost, so the race start was delayed.
(This is not my picture. I didn’t want to run with my phone. I stole this picture from here. But this is where we started.)
Finally, the race director said a few words, and then we were off! We started down a steep downhill, but I tried to keep it reeled in, especially since I almost always start races too fast. Mile one ticked by in 7:33, which is right where I wanted it: about 20 seconds slower than goal pace.
I settled in to my goal pace then and watched the miles tick by. The sun was just coming up in the canyon, reflecting off the rocks and river, and it was beautiful. Two girls were ahead of me, but I kept reminding myself that it wasn’t time to race yet, to just stick to my pace. Before long, I passed one of them, and then the only woman ahead was the one in the red Nebraska singlet… hereafter named “Nebraska” because that’s how I thought of her.
Shortly after mile 10 (I think), I passed Nebraska, but I didn’t let myself get cocky: I knew there was still a LOT of race ahead of me, and I needed to stick to my pace. By mile 15ish (when this picture was taken, I think), I was still feeling good.
(Clearly these are the crappy thumbnail pictures sent out by the photographer. But I’m not going to pay a billion dollars for a picture, so you can look through the copyright).
At mile 18ish, I started feeling the need for a bathroom. But Nebraska was still hot on my heels, so like a moron, I didn’t stop. I really thought I could push through. So I just kept going, and for a while, I did feel better.
After 20-some miles of almost exclusively downhill, we hit a series of rolling hills. Going uphill at that point was pure torture, and looking at my splits, you can tell it:
Mile 20: 7:05 (down)
Mile 21: 7:56 (up)
Mile 22: 6:52 (down)
Mile 23: 7:34 (up)
(This is my “who put this hill here!” face)
The last aid station was at mile 23, and I fully intended to stop and use the porta-john and just pray that Nebraska wouldn’t pull too far ahead. There was no porta-john at that aid station.This was bad news, but I had no choice but to keep going.
So I had to walk. Late-marathon leg pain is expected. It sucks, but I can push through it. But when the choice is between walking (and losing my PR and taking second instead of first) and soiling myself, I will choose walking every time… even if I wanted to cry when Nebraska passed me. My dismal last splits:
Mile 24: 7:46
Mile 25: 8:19
Mile 26: 9:02
Of course, this was also just about the only place on the course where there were spectators, all yelling at me, “You’re almost there! Just push through!” Ugh.
I finally crossed the finish in 3:13:00 and made a (hobbling) beeline to the bathrooms. And then I cried a little, drank some water, tried to eat some watermelon, and decided that there was nothing I could do, so I should just accept the race I ran. The $400 second-place prize helped soften the blow considerably, too.
Aside from the digestive disaster, I’m pretty happy with this race. I did much better at pacing than I ever had before, and I think that I do have that 3:10 in me, if all my systems cooperate. During this training cycle, I sometimes thought that this would be my last marathon, that I was ready to try something new … but now I feel like I need one more chance to redeem myself. Spring marathon suggestions, anyone?
My personal race aside, the Fall Classic is a fantastic marathon, and I highly recommend it. This was its first year, so naturally it had a couple of little glitches (like the bus issue), but overall, it was very well-organized. And it’s tough to beat that gorgeous course. I was a little nervous about running down that narrow canyon road, since the road remained open, but the runners’ area was clearly marked with cones, and police were constantly driving up and down the canyon with their lights flashing to slow down motorists. I never felt remotely unsafe.
My favorite thing about this race is that it 100 percent benefited locals. The entry fees supported flood victims. The aid stations were manned by local high schools’ cross country teams, who earned money for “volunteering.” The medals were created by a local artist, and the food and beer were provided by a local brewery (apparently their hand-made bratwursts were to die for. I wouldn’t know, because bratwursts are the worst. Ha. Pun).
So, in a nutshell: stunning mountain course, substantial cash prizes, great organization, all benefiting the local economy. Do this race if you can.
Have you ever had a race foiled by digestive troubles? Tell me your story and make me feel better about myself, please.
What spring marathon should I do?
Rural Running Redhead 
That sounds like an incredible race. Congrats on the event even if it was a little less than you had hoped. I had an issue one morning while at wheat harvest and thought I was going to be Sponge Bob poopy pants myself such a horrible feeling and has to walk it back with short jogs. Felt like I needed more kagels haha. Proud of you still my inspiration
Thanks, Mike! This comment made me laugh and laugh. 🙂
Um, I am now convinced I need to do this race next year! It sounds like an amazing course, but uphills in the last 5 miles are my least favorite things ever! And, I know I’ve said it many times, but CONGRATS!
Yes, you should definitely do it! It was so pretty!
You really are amazing!
*blushes*
I loved reading this recap. Especially just having been to Colorado I feel like I know all the places you are talking about. Congrats on second place! $400- what are ya gonna do with it!!?? Yes, you have a 3:10 in you. If it weren’t for the digestive troubles you would have nailed it. I was also thinking, if you ran on a flatter course, would that help you reach or even dip below the 3:10 mark?
Well… the $400 went into the new washer and dryer fund. But I might use some for a race registration when I decide what to do next. I think a flatter course would help since it wouldn’t fry my quads quite as badly.
The course looks amazing. Congrats on your 2nd place finish, you are crazy fast! I like to try to find and participate in smaller, more local races also because it more directly helps the community. Again, great job!
Thanks! I love smaller races, too!
Ugh, to miss your goal because of GI issues sucks, so much… you are totally allowed to throw yourself a pity party for that one! Have you considered trying again at another fall marathon later in the season, or are you sold on waiting till spring?
HUGE congrats on 2nd place; that is fantastic even if you know you could have nabbed first 🙂
I’m definitely going to wait til spring… I need some time to focus on the non-running parts of my life. And thanks!!
Great job on your race! You passed me at Mile 18 or 19 or so, I think. You and the other three lead women were impressive. I could not keep up!
That was a great result especially considering the digestive issues.
Me, I actually collapsed onto the ground with 1.6 miles to go after really bad cramps:
http://felixwong.com/2014/09/fall-classic-marathon/
But I’m very happy with how I did!
Anyhow, congrats!
Oh, my gosh, that’s horrible! I’m heading over now to read your recap.
All things considered, Cassie, you had an incredible race. How did you like the downhill component to the course? That is a really nice prize you won. I’d be super happy about that!
I think we have all been “there” with the digestive issues. During my first marathon (Houston Marathon) I was in between porta potties at mile 13 and digestive problems hit me like a pile of bricks. I actually ended up running into a house (we were in a residential part of town) and using their restroom. Super embarrassing, but it was either that or the middle of the course.
The downhill wasn’t as bad as I expected…. until I had to start going up again. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your story. It makes me feel better about my faulty system. 🙂
I think you should come do the Oklahoma City Memorial marathon in late April 😃
I’m so sorry you missed your goal, and I know it has suck because of the reason it happened, but I am so impressed by your finish! I could never get in that neighborhood, and I think it’s fantastic! Congratulations!
Hmmm, I’ve never thought about Oklahoma! Now I’ll have to look at it and see if it magically coincides with spring break. 🙂
Nice job! Placing in a race is not something in the cards for me, so you have much to be proud of here, even if it didn’t quite go as planned! You should check out the Colorado Marathon in early May in Ft. Collins. It comes down the Poudre Canyon and ends in Old Town. I’m running the half. It looks to be similar terrain and scenery to this one you just completed.
I have thought about that one. I’ve heard great things about it! Early May just makes me a little nervous because I am such a baby when it’s cold.
Yea, that’s understandable. The thing about that race for me is that it’s SOOOOO early. It’s a 6:30 AM start. In Ft. Collins. And you have to ride a bus to the start. I think I have to catch the bus at like 4:30. That will suck, but hopefully the beautiful views on the way down the canyon will erase that pain, ha ha!
This one had a brutally early shuttle, too, but it was worth it.
Oh man, digestive issues when you’re in first are the worst! I think you made the right choice though and you will get that 3:10, no doubt.
Also, I am planning on running the Denver Rock ‘n Roll. Now if I could just get the guts to register.
I love that race. I wish I were doing it again, since you and Amy and several other people I know are!
Congratulations!! I loved reading this post recap! my thoughts- 1. your pace is so fast 2. way to hold off on “racing” and maintaining said fast pace in the beginning- i know that takes a lot of mental stamina 3. there should have been a restroom at that last station!! 4. you still finished in an amazing time, and 2nd is amazing and congrats again 🙂
Thanks, Charlotte! You know I love your lists. 🙂
I can’t believe I didn’t comment on this – I did read this post though! Congratulations on such an amazing marathon! Cassie – you are such an inspiration. Thank you for blogging and sharing your running views with the world! It is definitely appreciative!
Aw, you’re sweet. Thanks!
Just getting around to reading this recap — congrats. Seriously, congrats! You did an awesome job! And pulling off 8’s and 9’s with tummy issues is incredible! Damn girl, you’re fast!