My Marathon
Well...
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:
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 was SO glad to see that finish line!
What's up with the thumbs?
I don't know... too many Happy Days episodes when I was little, maybe.
I was in love with The Fonz.
With my free post-race beer.
The big concert was put on by the English Beat.
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!!
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 was SO glad to see that finish line!
What's up with the thumbs?I don't know... too many Happy Days episodes when I was little, maybe.
I was in love with The Fonz.
With my free post-race beer. The big concert was put on by the English Beat.
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!!
Comments
You did AWESOME in spite of your recent injuries :)
26.2 is a long way!
Still, you did it, you finished it, and you have a rockin' new piece of hardware to show for it! Woohoo!
We were at that concert, sitting near those yellow mats and stability balls!
Love your pics :-)
Good job-- You should be very very proud of yourself--- FORGET the time-- The important thing is you finished-- even pushing yourself when you wanted to quit!
P.S. thanks for the dedication of mile 10!!! That made my day.
I can't wait to hear about the people you met along the way!
How fun that you might be on Melani'e radio show, WOWZERS!!
PROUD OF YOU!! Can't wait for more photos and stories.. FYI the word verification for this comment is "Talest" which if you add an "L" is "Tallest" how funny is that?
OK I am a dork.. BYE!!
We'll run a 1/2 Mary soon. AFC is in Auuuuuuguuuust!!!!!