My First Fifty States Under Three Hours
On 3/6/05, I achieved a goal that stands at the pinnacle of my running career. With
a 2:57 finish in the Little Rock Marathon, I successfully completed a five and a half
year quest to run a sub 3 hour marathon in all 50 states and DC...something that's
only been done one other time (see Toby Skinner). From the beginning it's been a
fight. I wasn't a 3:00 marathoner when this adventure began and I will probably
not ever run much faster than a 2:50 marathon (2:44:54 PR). However, what the
good Lord didn't give me in speed, he made up for in durability, strength and drive.
I'm extremely thankful for that and greatly appreciate everyone who has had a part
in this quest. My biggest fan and supporter is my fantastic wife, Shannon, who
deserves the biggest award simply for putting up with my crap. Thanks Sweetie!!
On 3/6/05, I achieved a goal that stands at the pinnacle of my running career. With
a 2:57 finish in the Little Rock Marathon, I successfully completed a five and a half
year quest to run a sub 3 hour marathon in all 50 states and DC...something that's
only been done one other time (see Toby Skinner). From the beginning it's been a
fight. I wasn't a 3:00 marathoner when this adventure began and I will probably
not ever run much faster than a 2:50 marathon (2:44:54 PR). However, what the
good Lord didn't give me in speed, he made up for in durability, strength and drive.
I'm extremely thankful for that and greatly appreciate everyone who has had a part
in this quest. My biggest fan and supporter is my fantastic wife, Shannon, who
deserves the biggest award simply for putting up with my crap. Thanks Sweetie!!
My Running
I LOVE THE MARATHON! It's my distance and I hope that never changes. It tires
and invigorates me all at the same time and it seems I can't run enough of 'em. I
live on the edge of success and failure every time I toe the sub3 line and wouldn't
want it any other way. Only in my dreams am I a 2:40 marathoner, and that's what
makes breaking three hours so rewarding.
My first attempt at the marathon distance was in 1988. I was chasing a Boston
Marathon qualification time of 3:00 (go figure) and ran a 2:59:19, but paid dearly
for it over the last 4 miles. I went out at a 6:15 pace and remember thinking at 13
miles what an easy distance the marathon was to race. My Boston time was 3:00:
30…with an even faster start and a bigger late race meltdown. My 3rd attempt two
years later resulted in a PR of 2:56, but I wouldn't see sub three again for another
9 years (and 14 more marathons). And running a negative split, well that took 8
more marathons!
I LOVE THE MARATHON! It's my distance and I hope that never changes. It tires
and invigorates me all at the same time and it seems I can't run enough of 'em. I
live on the edge of success and failure every time I toe the sub3 line and wouldn't
want it any other way. Only in my dreams am I a 2:40 marathoner, and that's what
makes breaking three hours so rewarding.
My first attempt at the marathon distance was in 1988. I was chasing a Boston
Marathon qualification time of 3:00 (go figure) and ran a 2:59:19, but paid dearly
for it over the last 4 miles. I went out at a 6:15 pace and remember thinking at 13
miles what an easy distance the marathon was to race. My Boston time was 3:00:
30…with an even faster start and a bigger late race meltdown. My 3rd attempt two
years later resulted in a PR of 2:56, but I wouldn't see sub three again for another
9 years (and 14 more marathons). And running a negative split, well that took 8
more marathons!
Now I'm a MASTER!
Yep, they say you're an old runner at the age of 40 and since I now resemble that,
I'll make the most of it. I've run 10 sub3's as a masters runner and here's how I've
stacked up against the other oldies. (updated 7/14/08)
Yep, they say you're an old runner at the age of 40 and since I now resemble that,
I'll make the most of it. I've run 10 sub3's as a masters runner and here's how I've
stacked up against the other oldies. (updated 7/14/08)
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| Marathon Training & Racing from Joe Bowman All 50 States & DC under 3:00 |
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