Colfax Marathon (Denver)

Colorado was on another euphoric level. Capitol Building.

5k race/Tune up for Marathon Sunday

Recently returned from an awesome trip in Denver, Colorado. I was in the Mile High city for the Colfax Marathon, my first time running in the Centennial State. A few days after running, it was a great opportunity to reflect on my performance. Initially, I was irritated with the result. After walking around the city reflecting on the race, my feeling turned from irritation to fulfillment. I got asked constantly about altitude. That factor is not controllable so the only way to adapt is arrive early to get acclimated.

Approaching marathon weekend, I did not have any objectives achieving a personal best. My goal was running a smart/methodical race. No mile splits below 7:30 and do not go out too fast. On Saturday, the day before the marathon, I ran in a 5K race to serve as training/tune up. After running the 5K distance and four months of training, I felt really confident heading into the race the next morning.

Six AM was the earliest marathon start I have taken part in. Luckily, City Park was walking distance from a house I rented for a few days. Headed over to the start at 4:40 to do gear drop off and last minute preparations (stretch and food). Colfax was the first marathon wearing a hydration back pack filled with water. I practiced carrying that in my last two long training runs. Very grateful that piece of equipment got me through the race. Carried six energy gels (one every 4 miles) in my belt pack and hand held bottle sack. My hand held bottle was filled with Nuun Electrolyte Hydration. Overall, my race preparation was very good. Now, it is time to toe the start line in City Park.

Just after six, the course marshall yells into the microphone, "On your mark, get set, go…"

The Colfax Marathon is under way. Leaving City Park, heading towards downtown,  I focused on setting the pace, not going out too fast. Winding through City Park onto Colfax Avenue, an Elvis impersonator entertained passing runners. Aside from the bathroom stop at mile four, I felt really good setting the tone for an excellent race. Running through downtown Denver was an amazing experience. How many races do you get to run through a Fire Department with the staff greeting/cheering you on? So far, only Denver offers that (Fire Station No.1). Onto the Cherry Creek bike path towards Confluence Park. Turn left across the bridge to South Platte River trail that runs along Centennial Gardens and Elitch Gardens Amusement Park. The route goes back onto Colfax Avenue but I have to make my first run through Denver Broncos Mile High Stadium. Really enjoying my run through downtown Denver as I exit the stadium back onto West Colfax Avenue. That is only 7 miles.

Just past the seven mile mark on West Colfax Avenue, the altitude started to effect me. I kept moving forward. I realized my times were getting slightly slower but I focused on enjoying the scenery because a loop around Sloan's Lake is coming up. Halfway mark was at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Once I got into the second half of the race, it became a struggle. Just past mile 18, the 3:30 pace group passed me (Colfax Avenue). I focused on keeping my legs moving and staying hydrated. It was a struggle sipping my hydration products. That was the least of my worries. Just keep moving forward. Just past mile 19, my friend Samantha held up a sign cheering me on. That made my racing experience that much better. Encouraged me to keep my legs moving. It also got me very excited for the final ten kilometers including the second run through Denver Broncos Mile High Stadium.

Once I ran through downtown again, I really considered walking the last couple miles to the finish line. Kept telling myself, you did not come here to walk. Run the marathon all the way through. Keep my legs moving. That motivation kept me going despite my slow mile splits. Leaving downtown returning to City Park got me very excited for the finish. Once I entered City Park, my excitement began to grow knowing the finish line is very close. Once I saw the time clock at the finish, I felt very satisfied with how the day turned out. Finishing time 3:35:45 with a pace of 8:14 was not a personal best. I told myself I would not be upset if I did not set a personal record. As I crossed the finish line, I let out a big roar indicating I was relieved to finish the race. It is unbelievable that I have completed five marathons in three years. Definitely have come along way from no accolades in sports during high school and college.

Letting out a roar of relief after completing my fifth marathon. It was an amazing day.

The reason why I was irritated was I had a chance to obtain a personal best but it did not happen. After talking with Marla about the race and walking around the Mile High city reflecting on my performance, it turned out to be an excellent day. It was a very good performance running at altitude for the first time while carrying a hydration pack. I definitely want to come back to Colorado for a vacation and/or running race.

I met so many amazing people while I was visiting Colorado. Thank you to friends and family that send me encouragement; Colfax Marathon staff for putting on an awesome race weekend; Volunteers for making my race experience enjoyable; Police, Fire, and EMT staff for keeping the runners safe.

Thank you Sam and Chris for cheering me on Colfax Avenue. Really appreciate the sign.

Showing off my finisher medals at Red Rocks

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength"-Philippians 4:13
"I want to be number one in everything"-Pat Bowlen