From Robbie:
After completing the Sprint Triathlon, I was looking for a new physical challenge. My employer, Behringer Harvard, is a big sponsor of the White Rock Marathon, so I decided to give it a try. However, I only had six weeks to transition from triathlon training to marathon training. As I would find out around mile 18, I probably should have had a little more endurance running training before tackling a marathon.
One of the best things about getting ready for the marathon was that Bentley decided to run the half marathon. I really enjoyed all the training, strategizing, and commiserating with him in the weeks leading up to the run. It would have been so much harder without him.
The night before the race, we all met at Olive Garden for our last carbo-loading meal. After dinner, Kristen and the kids went home, and Bentley, Lisette, and I drove to our hotel by Fair Park. Lisette’s company was also a sponsor of the marathon, and she was able to get us a hotel room and VIP parking for the event. We went to sleep around 9:00 p.m. and woke up at 6:00 a.m. Nerves definitely got the best of me that night. I took a series of about fourteen 30 minute naps, but woke up refreshed and ready to run.
One of my biggest fears leading up to race day was the weather. The temperature was in the mid-40s all day, which was perfect for running. However, it rained the entire day, and the occasional wind was pretty demoralizing at times. The wet conditions would become a factor as the day continued.
We parked at around 7:30 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. start. Because of the VIP parking, we were about 100 yards from the starting line. We made our final preparations in the car, and we were ready to go. At Lisette’s suggestion, Bentley led us in prayer and we began to make our way to our starting corral. As we approached the starting line, one of Kaelyn’s favorite songs (Justin Beiber’s “Baby”) began to play, which of course made me think of her. While the song was playing, I reached my hand into the pocket of the sweatshirt that I was wearing and found a small toy alien about the size of a fingertip. It was a toy that Kaelyn had asked me to hold for her a few days earlier. I decided that it was my good luck charm and put it in the pocket of my running shorts. After stretching and giving Lisette our excess clothing, we got in line for the start.
There were 5 starting waves (A-E) and three corrals in each wave (1-3). Bentley and I were in corral D-2, which was essentially near the end of a long line of runners stretching back from the starting line. The gun went off at 8:00—Bentley and I crossed the starting line at around 8:25. At the last minute, we put on $0.88 ponchos that we purchased at Target the night before. We were both really glad that we did.
My adrenaline was really pumping at the start. Thankfully, the crowd was pretty packed, so that prevented us from overexerting ourselves at the beginning. Our strategy was to run to each of the aid stations, which were separated by about 1.25 miles, then walk for one minute, then run to the next aid station. While we were together, we were able to execute our plan almost flawlessly. For the first three of four miles, we were having to bob-and-weave our way through the crowd, trying to avoid runners and massive water puddles. After about mile 2, my shoes and socks were soaked—and that was the biggest negative for me. It felt like I was wearing ankle weights and my entire body started to prune up from the wetness. Carrying all the extra water weight definitely slowed us down and required us to burn more energy throughout the day.
The atmosphere was really great at the beginning. The crowds were big and loud and all of the runners were fresh. Bentley and I ran side-by-side almost the entire time, except for when one of us had to pick our way through a crowd. The first 8 miles passed very quickly for me, and I felt really good. We were just under a 10-minute per mile pace. At the 8.5 mile mark, the marathon and half marathon runners separated. I didn’t realize what a big deal this was going to be for me. As we approached the fork, I remember telling Bentley that I would be “running with him” mentally until the 2:20 mark—then he was on his own. Hours later I would find out that he never had to run alone—he finished in 2:20 exactly. We gave each other a fist pound, said “Love you, bro” and parted ways.
At around mile 11, the marathon route took me around White Rock Lake. This is where I hit my lowest point mentally. After talking with Bentley, we both seemed to experience an overwhelming sense of loneliness at about the same time. The growing physical pain, combined with the weather, losing Bentley, and the dissipating crowds, started to take its toll. At about the 18 mile mark, I had to abandon my “run-to-each-aid-station” strategy. From that point on, all I could do was run until the cramps started, and then walk until I could run again. I never had to stop completely, but my legs—particularly my calves— would get very, very tight. The slightest change in elevation, incline or decline, would wreak havoc on my lower body.
At around mile 20, the loop around the Lake was finally over. The crowds began to gather again, and my mood greatly improved. At this point, I knew I could finish. My body was definitely breaking down, but I knew I only had about an hour and a half left. The aid stations were definitely a big help. They each had water, Gatorade, fruit, candies, etc. Some people set up make-shift aid stations in their front lawns, many of which had an interesting definition of “aid”.
I decided not to run with ear buds or music because I wanted to “soak in all of the atmosphere”. There were tons of bands, cheering spectators, and signs to provide a welcomed distraction from the monotony of running. My top ten favorite signs were:
10. “Remember, You Volunteered To Do This”
9. “The Couch Misses You Too”
8. “This Is A Motivational Sign”
7. “Just Keep Swimming”
6. “Chuck Norris Never Ran A Marathon”
5. “Chafe Now…Brag Later”
4. “Worst Parade Ever”
3. “Your Feet Hurt Because You’re Kicking So Much Butt!”
2. “You’re Running Better Than Rick Perry”
1. “You Have Stamina…Call Me!”
Over the final six miles, I was only able to run about half of the time. However, I was able to maintain a pretty quick walking pace the other half of the time. At the 24 mile mark, I finally discarded my poncho. I couldn’t believe how much colder I got when I took it off. I checked my pockets one last time to make sure that I had exhausted all of my supplements, and I found the little toy alien! I had forgotten all about it. I held it in my right hand for the last mile, remembering all of the sacrifices along the way—I couldn’t have finished the race without the support of my family—I thought about them a lot on the course.
As I came around the final turn, I heard “Come on, BRO!” in a familiar voice. I almost fell down when I saw Bentley and Lisette cheering me on down the final stretch. I ran over to see them before stumbling across the finish line. My first thought upon crossing that line was “We did it!”
Video of me crossing the finish line
Before the race, whenever someone would ask what my goal time was, I would say that if I didn’t finish in under 4:30, I would be disappointed. After finishing in 4:45, disappointment was the LAST thing I felt. I couldn’t be prouder of my time and my accomplishment. White Rock definitely beat me, but I left everything out there—and I finished.
Here are my final stats:
Official Chip Time - 4:45:28
Average Mile Pace – 10:53
Overall Place – 2,786 out of 4,556
Division Place (M 30-34) – 287 out of 401
