Little Rock 2005 – “What Hills? – Hah!” by Duncan Stewart

A few months ago a friend told me about the Little Rock Marathon. He said the course was hilly but the finishing medal was really big. “World’s Largest Medal” the web site proclaimed. Hmm, I thought, it’s within driving distance and might be a fun road trip. So I brought it up with a few of my running buddies and we thought we’d give a try – “just for fun.” We agreed that we would run it at a casual pace so we could finish together. To ensure that I would not be tempted to run fast, I signed up for the Cowtown Marathon, which was to take place only eight days prior.

As Cowtown approached, I began to have second doubts about this plan, especially since my build-up to Cowtown was quite short. Several of my friends also chimed in that this was probably not the most brilliant idea in the history of the universe – or words to that effect. They were right!

After Cowtown was over, I rested my aching legs for a few days, then did a few days of light work on the stationary bike. Way too soon, it was time for the road trip to Little Rock. Also participating were fellow Striders Kevin Brosi in the full marathon as well as Yolanda and Sandra in the half.

Although the weather forecast promised cool weather, marathon morning was a little warm – low 50’s. The clearing skies indicated that it would get considerably hotter before we finished. As 8am neared, Sandra, Yolanda and I wished each other Good Luck one last time. Figuring they would be off like a shot, I lined up behind them so as to not get in their way. The horn sounded and Off We Went! I settled into a comfortable pace and watched Sandra and Yolanda get farther and farther ahead. “Go Get ‘Em!”, I thought. I had no idea what was in store for me, but could start to feel slight twinges only a few miles into the race.

Sure enough, the clouds dissipated and the sun shone brightly. Fortunately in the first half of the race, which was around, and around, and around town, there was plenty of shade. However, when we left the half-marathoners behind and headed away from downtown, the shade became less and less, and the hills became bigger. I was feeling pretty good until the BIG downhill from mile 15-17, which did a number on my still-tender quads. When we hit mile 18, which is a five-mile out and back, I went into “hang-on” mode. Kevin and I greeted each other as we went by and he looked well in control. My buddies took pity on me and waited for me at the mile 22 mark, then pulled me in the rest of the way. Although the course is flat from 18-24, there is significant climbing from 24-26. I would call it “cruel and usual punishment.” Isn’t there a law against this? Of course, all this was in full sunshine and into a 10+ mile per hour breeze. Ugh! “Pain Is Temporary, Pride Is Forever!” I was SO-OOOO happy to turn that final corner and see the finish line. My two buddies and I crossed the finish line together and I will treasure that feeling and photo for many years to come.

The Little Rock Marathon is well organized and has a good “fun” factor. If you’re looking for a nearby marathon and don’t mind some hills, I recommend this one. However, I do NOT recommend marathons on back-to-back weekends!