Ah, a marathon, my second of the year and my only such races since my mid thirties, a quarter of a century ago.

The Mountain Home, Arkansas, event on 12 November 2005 included a 5K and a half marathon in addition to the longer race. While the half marathoners ran the second half of the marathon's course, the 5K runners and the seventy or so marathoners began together by running the 5K. It seemed odd to see several Americans ahead of the two Kenyan competitors, but after the 5K leaders finished their course the Kenyans easily led the remaining pack.

I monitored my breathing the first mile to insure I didn't begin too fast. A 10:15 pace would enable me to qualify for Boston. I was surprised and horrified to hear a time of 9:02 called out, a pace too fast for even a 10K. I ran the rest of the distance knowing I'd blown my race.

My time on the hilly initial half of the course was 2:14, but I knew I couldn't hold the pace during the flat second half due to my speedy start.

The race director rates A-plus. Aid stations resembled oases with a variety of fruits and drinks offered by volunteers who shouted their wares so we'd know where to find our desired nourishment. The people at the aid stations cheered for all of us; our closest friends could hardly have welcomed us more heartily. Only once did I see a line (of one person) at a privy.

Although I felt OK for the first three hours, by the eighteenth mile I was fading and later slowed so much that three runners passed me during the last five miles. I kept shuffling along although leg and foot cramps were constant companions in the last half hour. I later learned that a lack of sodium can cause cramping.

My time of 4:48:44 won me first of two women over sixty, but I came nowhere near Boston's qualifying time of 4:30. The post-race meal just before the awards ceremony was a most welcome feast.

Although disappointment and then pain accompanied me during the race due to my quick start, I look forward to my next marathon in March 2006 in my new home state of Missouri. If only I could find a slow rabbit to lead me through the first mile.