Race Information
Name: B&A Trail Marathon Date: March 24, 2024 Distance: 26.2 miles Location: Severna Park, Maryland Website: www.annapolisstriders.org Finish Time: 4:17:12 Weather: Clear skies, 36°F at start, 45°F at finish, sunny with northerly winds
Training
As a 41-year-old runner pursuing a marathon in all 50 states, Maryland was my third. After a hernia injury sidelined me in March 2023, I resumed training in December of that year, ramping up from 0 to 40 miles per week in a rushed 12-week plan, peaking at 50 miles with long runs up to 20 miles. I experimented with fasted runs to enhance fat utilization, aiming to test this strategy in the race. My studies at the University of New Hampshire kept me busy, but this marathon fell conveniently at the end of spring break. I aimed to finish injury-free, prioritizing health for the upcoming Vermont City Marathon.
Pre-Race
I drove 8 hours from New Hampshire, navigating New York City’s chaos to reach Severna Park. Arriving Saturday at noon, I would camp in my truck at Severna Park High School’s lot, a budget-friendly choice. Packet pickup in the school cafeteria was smooth despite missing online registration; the race director accommodated in-person signup. The expo was small, with shoe deals but little else. A rainy 4-mile shakeout run on the B&A Trail in walking shoes (to keep race shoes dry) confirmed the flat, paved course. I worked on school assignments at Severna Park Library, napping in my truck to combat fatigue. Dinner was beans and rice, supplemented by Ka’Chava protein powder from the race swag.
Race
Miles 1-7: Slow Start and Bathroom Woes
The race started at 8:00 AM in Severna Park High School’s lot. A pre-race coffee mistake—against my usual caffeine-free plan—triggered frequent bathroom urges. The school’s warm bathrooms were a luxury, but long lines delayed me, and I reached the starting line with seconds to spare. The first 1.5 miles wound through Severna Park’s streets before joining the B&A Trail south toward Annapolis. My pace was slow (9:20-9:40), hampered by a full bladder and northerly winds. No porta-potties appeared, and the public trail offered no privacy, forcing me to endure discomfort.
Miles 8-13: Loop Back and Navy Cheers
At mile 7, the course looped north, passing the first water station again (still no available porta-potties). I finally relieved myself in a wooded area at mile 8, regaining energy. The flat, paved trail ran through residential areas and parks, with Navy runners and their “Go Navy!” supporters adding energy, though non-military runners like me felt overlooked. Winds intensified, slowing my pace to 10:00-10:15. At mile 13, passing through Severna Park again, I hit the halfway mark at 2:07:30, far off my usual pace due to dehydration and poor planning.
Miles 14-19: Hunger and Headwinds
Heading northwest toward Baltimore, the trail’s scenery—cherry blossoms and brackish river scents—was beautiful but overshadowed by hunger from my fasted strategy. Skipping breakfast, combined with dehydration from coffee, sapped my energy. My form suffered, and worn-out trail shoes didn’t help. By mile 19, at a highway bridge turnaround, I was struggling, with splits slowing to 10:35-10:40. The lack of crowd support on this stretch made it feel lonely, though the trail’s flatness kept me moving.
Miles 20-26.2: Gels and Grit
At mile 22, I abandoned fasting, grabbing two energy gels that revived me. The wind was now at my back, and the sun warmed the trail. Crowds reappeared near Severna Park, their cheers boosting morale. At mile 24, I left the B&A Trail for Severna Park’s streets, feeling a surge. Hearing the announcer at mile 26, I sprinted through the high school lot, finishing at 4:17:12—a slow time but injury-free, my primary goal.
Post-Race
The after-party in the school cafeteria offered bananas, oranges, and pulled pork sliders—a nice touch from a local BBQ joint. The locomotive-themed medal, doubling as a bottle opener, was a highlight, though the bulky red sweatshirt disappointed. I rested briefly on the curb, relieved my tattered shoes held up. With no time to linger, I began the 8-hour drive home to New Hampshire for Monday classes, reflecting on a sloppy but completed race.
Reflections
The B&A Trail Marathon is a low-key gem for 50-staters, with a flat, paved course ideal for Boston qualifiers. The high school’s indoor facilities were a standout, but sparse porta-potties and winds were drawbacks. My rushed training, coffee mistake, fasted strategy, and worn shoes made this my worst marathon performance. The Navy presence and community cheers added charm, but better planning is needed next time. Maryland’s history, tied to the B&A Trail, enriched the experience. This race, my third of 50 states, taught me to prioritize preparation.
What’s Next?
The Vermont City Marathon in May 2024 is next, where I’ll focus on better nutrition and new shoes to avoid this race’s mistakes. I’ll aim for a stronger performance while continuing my 50-state journey.
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