I FINISHED THE MARATHON!
It was tough. I was slow... even slower that I had hoped to be. But I finished it and still had a big smile on my face!
My chip time was 6:44:32. See? I told you I was slow.
I felt like I was doing great until about mile eight. I felt OK until about mile 13. After that, I hit that wall everyone talks about.
I think there were a few contributing factors in play by that time:
- An annoying and painful blister had developed on the big toe of my right foot.
- My left heel started hurting pretty badly.
- I mistakenly thought there were going to be GU packs available around mile 14 so I didn't ration very well. As a result, I ran out of gel packs. The GU station was at mile 17 or 18.
- My hydration belt kept riding up on my waist and that bugs me.
- The whole thing was very well-organized.
- The volunteers were awesome!
- The weather was overcast and drizzly... perfect.
- It was a fun race with lots of positive energy.
- Some of the neighborhoods had residents passing out water, treats, oranges, and even beer! Some guy gave me a handful of Peanut M&Ms... and I told him that I love him.
I'm a little disappointed about my time. I was feeling positive enough during the first half to think I might finish in under 6 hours. When I started having to walk more than I could run, I knew that wasn't going to happen.
To keep the disappointment at bay during the race, I kept reminding myself that a few short weeks ago I was contemplating dropping out of the race due to my injuries. I had to remind myself that I have not been able to do much running in order to train properly due to my knee issues... then the heel trouble.
So... to sum it all up , I consider it a blessing that I was able to participate in the race at all! I am grateful I was able to finish it... much better runners than myself have had to drop out of their own marathons due to injuries or illness. It was fun and I feel proud of myself for having done it. I do not plan on doing any more marathons, though. For me, half marathons seem to be more compatible with my running style, life, training, and health.
Pictures of the Finish
I don't know... too many Happy Days episodes when I was little, maybe.
I was in love with The Fonz.
But Wait- That's Not All!
I plan on posting more about the race tomorrow... including some observations, some of the amazing people I saw, and my favorite water station (which was at around mile 10... which happens to be the mile I dedicated to Patrick at My New Life on the Run).
Again, I'd like to thank all of you for cheering me on!! You rock, Bloggers!!