Sunday, August 22, 2010

Pikes Peak 2010 Marathon Report

26.2 Miles 5:42:22
3:08:26 ascent 30th Place at the top.
2:33:56 descent 95th Place overall
Tough day for me. I had a good ascent I was happy with it. It all
literally went downhill with the downhill. After a few miles down
from the top I started to feel sick. I think it was altitude
sickness. I was light headed and dizzy. My stomach was not doing
well either. I was forced to walk for a long stretch even having
to stop and sit under a shade tree for a bit to get my bearings
back. I finally felt better with about 4 miles to go. I was able
to run it in. I was happy to run again after walking for so long.
I'm just glad I was able to finish. I really wanted to stop!
My friend Mike ran this race today as well he had the same
problem got sick on the way down and had to walk. He finished
though and that's a great accomplishment in itself.
Finally got to meet GZ today. Been following his blog for a few years now. He did awesome today.
First master and 12th overall.
Way to go George!

7 comments:

Teresa Moore said...

Way to Run Down your Dream Brad.

What an accomplishment today! You and Mike have conquered a goal that many only would aspire to dream of. The example you lead, and the goals you achieve, may you continue to find strength - both in life and with running!

"If, when climbing a mountain, you keep your eyes on each stony or difficult place, how weary is your climb. But if you think of each step as leading to the summit of achievement from which a glorious landscape will open out before you, then your climb will be endurable and you will achieve your goal."

Congratulations on an Extraordinary Goal Accomplished!

nwgdc said...

At some point I'll run that mountain too.
In the meantime, dont' consider anything you've run a 'let down.' You're an amazing runner, and with a couple seasons up and down that climate, you're gonna be right ther ewith GZ!
Congrats again!!

Rick said...

The first one is always very tough and a huge learner. I know 2 guys that went 5:14 and 5:21 on their 1st attempt and then the following year on their 2nd attempt they went 4:31 and 4:10!

Brad Poppele said...

Thanks Teresa! I like that quote.

Nic, You need to run this race it's epic! Thanks for the nice words.

Rick, Actually I have run this once before 2008. I did better this time going up but worse coming down. If I would not have got sick I'm sure I would have improved on my time. I was about 9 minutes slower this year. Next year I look forward to a complete race. Living here now should be a huge advantage.

Rick said...

Both of the guys I was referring to lived at elevation, so I'm sure you will have huge benefits a year from now.

GZ said...

No doubt that a year in the Springs and training on the mountain - well, I am pretty sure that the Masters competition is going to be a lot tougher with you in it. Great meeting you and hope we get to share some miles!

Alicia said...

Awesome job on the finish. Mike too. Don't be so hard on yourself. I believe your goal from your previous post was just to finish and that's exactly what you did. Mission accomplished. Enjoy it.