First Marathons: Mark S.

I knew I wanted to run "a" marathon. I had recently moved to Albuquerque, NM and I saw the "Boulder Backroads Marathon" on "Marathon Guide". For some reason I had in my mind mixed up Boulder and Pueblo (mistake #1, LOL). Pueblo is a much shorter drive from Albuquerque. Anyway, I registered for Boulder and also made a hotel reservation (fortunately in Boulder not Pueblo ;) ).

The day before the marathon I left ABQ and as I neared Pueblo I realized my mistake, LOL! I almost turned around but headed on to Boulder, arrived later than I should have and got a shorter than I should have night's rest. Fortunately, the race director had day-of bib pick-up. (Not all races do, as I found out over the next 20 years!) I headed to the start and since I had only raced 10K's I took off at my 10K pace (mistake #2!). I was worn out by mile 10. In addition, having not done my homework and reviewed the course (mistake #3), the Boulder Backroads was run (obviously) on backroads which were primarily (painful) gravel. I was beat up by mile 20 and almost quit.

God intervened, sent a what was to be a lifelong running friend, Bridgette, who befriended me and paced me to the finish. She and I, while living a thousand miles apart, have remained running friends since. :) Great memories! Oh! and Bridgette introduced me to, what became for the next 84 marathons over 20 years, a post-marathon tradition of (at least one ;) ) pint of beer and a burger! :)