Das Mixture: OKC Marathon Review

Emotions and passions run higher at this marathon than any of the previous nine I have participated in. Obviously there is good reason, but you cannot help but notice it and get caught up in it.

Let me begin by saying this is an event Jaclyn and I would definitely do again. The volunteers are just fantastic and truly appreciate your participation in the event. They are all personable, helpful and caring. Further, they cheer you on with as much vigor as the spectators.

Speaking of the spectators, one just cannot complain. Now it is not one of these marathons where spectators are lining nearly every square mile of the course, but while the numbers are not overwhelming, there are few places where there are no spectators at all. Also, this is the first race I have run where people were out tailgating. In several of the neighborhoods, small memorials were set up in front yards and I think I heard every patriotic song ever written at least once.

Many of the runners were running in honor of one or more of the OKC Federal Building bombing victims. Further, on several parts of the course, they have banners hanging from the street lamps with the name of one of the victims. One name; one banner. During the run, one man, who was approximately 10 -15 yards ahead of me, stopped under one of the banners and bowed his head. It took me a few seconds to realize the name on the banner was the same as the one on his back. I had to slow down myself because it was one of those moments.

Jaclyn has a great idea to issue special numbers to the relatives of the victims who are participating. I think this would only raise the emotional level, which is not a bad thing.

The course is wonderful. It is a little challenging because of the hills, but there are only two, maybe three hills with any serious incline. The course includes many beautiful neighborhoods and several miles around Lake Hefner. It is definitely a very aesthetic course and nobody should complain.

Speaking of not complaining. The weather was not perfect, but it was not horrible either. Sunny and warm for most of the run. Temperatures in the 50's starting out and moving into the upper 70's in the later part of the race. A little warm toward the end, but there was also a nice breeze for much of the run, so nobody should complain.

I have nothing to complain about as far as my run went (times are below). Technically, I had a negative split, but the reality is I had a three and half minute pit stop during the first half, most of which was spent standing in line. Then again, this is just part of the race. I was strongest from miles 12 through about 18 and then started slowing down. I finished strong and about fifty minutes ahead of my time in the Big-D Marathon earlier this month. I really did not go in to this race with any strategy, but it turned out well. I am definitely satisfied with the result and will go into Green Bay (May 21) with my confidence restored.

A few side notes.

Yeah, I screwed up. I thought the race strted at 7:00. It began at 6:30. Oops. We were in a church at the time. Luckily Jaclyn heard the gun go off for the wheelchair race.

Kudos (big, giant kudos) to First Church (United Methodist). They are right next to the starting line (across from the Memorial) and they opened their doors to the runners. Free pancakes and juice (not for me, but for many others) and clean restrooms (thank you, thank you!).

The Fun Run and Fun Walk should start about 15 minutes after the Marathon since strollers, buggies and everything else are allowed. It was tough negotiating slower traffic in the early going.

The relay was interesting (10K-5K-12K-5K-10K). On the one hand, it was kind of odd just after exchange points. I was running along at what I thought is a good pace and all of sudden a runner blows right by me and the only thing I can think is, "please let that be a relay runner..." On the other hand, it looked as though relay runners, in general, were having a much harder time of it than the marathon runners. Go figure.

Go figure this. I recommend this event to any marathon or half-marathon participant. It is well run; the volunteers and the spectators are awesome; the course is well-marked and, for the most part, friendly.

Listening to: Steady, As She Goes - The Rancontuers (live a simple life in a quiet town)