Delaware Running Festival
Wilmington, DE
Yesterday, I went down to the expo on the waterfront. It was a gorgeous day. I ran into Nate and Todd Robinson, who were also running the full marathon.
Now, its race day. The race starts at 7am. I run into Nate and Todd again along the water front.
 |
| Myselt with Todd and Nate Robinson |
Now this is where it gets interesting. We are literally 90 seconds away from the start of the race, when Nate says to me "Oh my god! Bugey, turn around." I turn around, and I find my nemesis from the Washington DC marathon..."The Juggler!" Damn it. It was the guy from the DC marathon. Now, I am all psyched out before the race starts. I mean, I have to beat this guy this time. Now I am running with a purpose.
 |
| Oh no, he is back! |
So, this is around the start of the second mile. Just running along the river front. It was really nice and quiet.
Pirate ships: Always something you have to worry about in Wilmington.
I get to through the first half of the marathon with no problem. I am around 2 hours and 24 minutes, which was fine by me, cause I was on pace for a sub5 hour marathon. Now, the issue I had was that nobody was there to pass out beer. Luckily, I had made arrangements with my good buddy Jared, who had a full beer waiting for me at mile 13, and again at mile 15.
 |
| Mile 13- beer with Jared |
 |
| such a lovely site after 13 miles |
OK, so now I just drank two beers, which is not very productive in marathon running. It catches up with me quick, and I am walking now before I get to mile 16 (which is not good, when you have 10 miles to go)
Even though I had been walking for 3 miles, I still felt good. I was having a great time and was enjoying the sites.....but then....I got passed by the Juggler. I was so pissed. I had totally forgotten about him. I just wanted to scream! I then tried to run again, but my legs just didn't have it.
8 miles of mostly walking, I come up to this sign. God damn, I forgot about those last .2 miles
Final stats:
Name: Brian Bugey
Bib #: 595
Gun Time: 6:26:28.1 (10:12/mile)
5 mile split: 51:02.6
13.1 mile split: 2:25:25.3
18 mile split: 3:45:56.6
Chip Time: 6:25:17.5
Overall Place: 590/603
Age Group Place: 47/47 (Male 35 to 39)
I was more than fine with the 5 mile split. The 13.1 split was ok (still on pace for sub 5 hour marathon). Of course, this is when I had the two beers. Took me another 80 minutes to cover the next 5 miles. Not great, but not the end of the world.....but good god....those last 8 miles were just brutal. I don't think I ran more than 3 quarters of a mile for those last 8. It was hot, my feet hurt, and drinking 2 beers was probably not a good idea. I am proud of the last place finish in my age group.
 |
| finisher's medal |
Finally, since it is mother's day, I dedicated this run to my mother. She is truly the best.
and just for the hell of it!
