Marathon #32: Portland, Oregon

I am pleased to announce that I just completed my 32nd marathon, the 2024 Portland Marathon in the incredible city of Portland, Oregon!

Because we have family in Portland, I always knew I would run this race someday. It is a beautiful course, winding up and down hills, over bridges and the river, weaving all across the Downtown and South Portland, to East Portland, and back. I finished in the top 6% of marathoners, 23rd in my division, with a 3:19:08 overall time.

• C Goal: Finish
• B Goal: sub 3:30:00
• A Goal: sub 3:20:00
• Stretch Goal: sub 3:15:00

Weather in Portland this time of year is quite pleasant, if not a tad on the warm side. It was pretty chilly and nice as we started off the race at 7am with the temperature about 47°F. Over the next 200 minutes, the temperature rose steadily to about 61°F with some direct sun, making it feel hotter than it was.

I started off strong, with an average pace steady pace of about 6:55/mi over the first half. Even with the hills, I was able to take them in stride and get a good foundation for the rest of the race under my belt. I was feeling good all the way up until about mile 11, where I had to stop and use the restroom. After that, I never quite got back to my original pace, averaging about a 7:35 pace with positive splits over the second half.

I walked at several small sections of the remaining miles, never really able to find my rhythm again. The crowd was great, with spectators all around East Portland (I think a college area) and Brooklyn, with thunderous roars back in Downtown Portland near the finish.

After finishing and recovery, I was able to find a local tattoo shop to get the #32 tally mark inked on my leg!

Next up is marathon number #33 back home in New York City!