Marathon- check!!!! Ready for the next!!
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| Done and done 26.2 in the books! |
I once read a quote on Pintrest that said “there will be days when
I didn’t know if I could run a marathon, there will be a lifetime knowing that
I have.” This sums me up perfectly. I
typically felt strong both mentally and physically throughout my training
cycle. Sure there were days that my runs sucked but I always knew those would
make my good days feel great so I forged ahead knowing that I could not judge
my entire training by a few crappy runs. I sort of felt like a mailman…no rain,
sleet, or dark of night could keep me from my appointed runs. Yeah the rain
thing very fitting since I live in the PNW and most of my runs are in the rain
after September.
As the marathon approached, I started to get very anxious. I had
done all of the training runs possible (with exception of the 20 miler but I
will talk about that later), nutrition was down to a science, and cross
training was right on schedule...I was READY! I treated this training like a
full time job.
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| 20 miles and on top of the world! |
The day finally came that I was to run my last long run (20 miles)
before the taper started. I was so excited about that run but also a little
annoyed because I kept saying “lets just get this marathon started already!”
The 20 miler happened to be on a really cold, grey and foggy day here in the
PNW. Again, I laced up my shoes and out we went for the final long run of this
training cycle. I remember that day perfectly…just like clockwork mile 9
sucked. For some reason mile 9 is always my crap mile. No matter the distance,
I have to mentally talk myself through that entire mile which seems never
ending. Thankfully my music was really good “Proud Mary” and “Happy” were a
couple of the songs that got me through the dreaded mile 9. The rest of the run
went without issue. I did cry once I finished that 20 miles. It was a great
feeling…well until Jan 25th happened. J
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| Star Wars 1/2 Marathon |
Dave and I ventured down to Disneyland to run the Star Wars ½
marathon the week prior to the marathon. I decided I was going to use that race
as a training run and it was so fun! I kept my pace a little slower than normal
as I didn’t want to risk getting injured. I also didn’t touch anything…NO
MEASLES for me! Just like always Disney was magical. They really do everything
over the top and races are no exceptions. I finished the race right on schedule
knowing that was my last long mileage before my marathon.
Finally the time had come for Dave and I headed to NOLA. There
were so many feelings that week. I was nervous, scared, excited and overwhelmed
just to name a few. “What if my training is off”, “what if I get there and can’t
finish”, “did I run enough”, or “what if get swept” were just some of the
thoughts going through my mind during that plan ride to NOLA.
We finally arrived in NOLA on Friday morning. We met up with Amy,
Chris, Carlyon and Phil C at the airport. Not only was this race weekend we
were also celebrating Phil C’s birthday! We quickly made our way to the French
Quarter for some yummy food and of course a cocktail. Friday would be my only
night to have a little fun because Saturday night it was lights out early! Later
that evening Aneesah, Carl (Carol Carols) and Cam arrived in NOLA. We met them
at a restaurant where Cam surprised me with chick-fil-a nuggets. Well he
brought me 11 since he ate one to punish me for never bring him home chicken
nuggets from The Cup.
Saturday was a day of fun, rest and expo. We went to dinner early
that night so the runners could get to bed. Just like that it was Sunday
morning…MARATHON DAY! It was cold and windy in downtown NOLA. I was second
guessing my choice of running attire that morning. Luckily, we had solar
blankets from a previous race…yes we were the envy of all of the other racers.
Note to self…ALWAYS save the solar blanket. As the race progressed the temps
started to rise and the weather turned out perfect.
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| Smokes with my sign at the finish! Friday inspired one! |
The race started and I was full of butterflies! I had to really dial
myself back because I wanted to go full out sprint. I had to keep telling
myself that I was running 26.2 miles today not 3.1 miles. I quickly got into my
running zone as I call it and focused on my music, breathing and pace. Around mile 12ish which was just before the
split of the ½ marathon finish and full marathon course I noticed a guy being
placed on a gurney. I have to admit at that moment I was really second guessing
myself. This guy looked really fit and like this was not his first marathon. I
thought that I could just go in at the ½ marathon mark and all would be ok. All
of a sudden I heard my name. I looked up to see Amy standing there saying “you
got this smokes!” She had finished her race and was heading back to the hotel
to change. Once I saw her I regained my focus and continued on. Just like that
my head was back in the game. Later when I talked to Amy she said she could see
the look on my face and knew that she needed to get my attention to refocus me.
Thankfully it worked!
I just started to click off the miles. I never saw Dave on the race
course but every so often Neechie and I would pass each other as the course folded
around on itself. It was great to see her. She would give me little thumbs up
and she tried to give me a high five but some dude stole it instead. I guess he
needed it more than me. She later told me that on mile 20 when she saw me and I
was looking strong she cried a little.
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| Runners and Bling |
I didn’t really cramp up at all during the race. I did feel a pop
in my shoe and thought to myself “oh crap there goes a toenail!” That was
around mile 24. I stopped for a minute to see if I needed to put a Band-Aid on
it to get me the last few miles. Luckily my toenail was still intact! HA I
readjusted and made a beeline to the finish line! I couldn’t believe it…I WAS
ALMOST there!!!! Just a few short miles and I will have put the exclamation
mark on my journey. I went full speed ahead just like a steam engine. As I
could see the crowds ahead I wondered if I would be able to see my peeps
through the crowd. Just when I thought I had missed them I heard my name! I
looked over and there stood Dave, Amy, Chris, Carl (Carol Carols) and Cam. I
ran past them for a second but of course I turned back to give everyone a high
five. This got me a little shout out from the race announcer. “She has lost a
few seconds off of her time but that is awesome she gave high fives to her
people” is what she said (or something there about). As I crossed the finish
there was Neechie standing there at the medal area. She of course was in tears for
me. I have to say it was so great having such wonderful people there. I also
got some signs. I have only had one other sign! That was awesome!
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| Cam made this sign. I am not sure if he fully got the don't look back part but I did! |
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| Creasmans blinged out! |
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| Post race drink! |
We hung out at the after race party for a bit and then headed for
some food! I was starving. Yes I proceeded to eat and drink my way through
NOLA. What an amazing night celebrating on Bourbon Street and then the next day
Neechie’s cousin got us on the set of NCIS- New Orleans. We met Scott Baluka!
I had the most wonderful experience and loved every second of that
marathon. I felt strong, accomplished and ready to take over the world. HA
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| Celebration on Bourbon Street |
I took a couple of weeks off to recovery but now I am back to
training. I am running a ½ marathon in March, Ragnar (200 mile 12 per relay
race) in April and ½ marathon in May before my race season is over the summer
and just running starts. There will be more marathons in my future! I have
found one that I am considering.
Thank you to everyone for your kind words during this process. It
was simply amazing.
I did something that never in a million years would I think would
be possible for me to accomplish! I had always said “I am not a runner” even
after completing many ½ marathons. A friend told me “for the love of the sport
please call yourself a runner!” So…
Signed
~ME- a runner
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| Official Race Photo |
