26.2

This is my running log. You may feel like you ran 26.2 if you make it through all of this rambling...

Miles that is. I ran 26.2 miles. I do like crazy (see older posts). It was awesome. We started out early early so that my dad, sister, and nephew could get to the 6 am bike start. They biked the marathon course. Then I waited with my brother in law who was running the half marathon for the 7 am start. I realized right before the race started that my chip had fallen off already so I had to hurry and change my bib and chip and made it to the start line as they started counting down to the start. And we were off! I felt so great. I ran past Hans on the first two pictures at mile 15 feeling amazing. I was at a little faster then an 8 minute mile average. I ran the first half of the marathon faster then I ran the Moab half marathon or Maui half marathon. I was feeling THAT good. So nice. Then at mile 21, which you see above, I hit a wall. I've run my fair share of halfs. I thought I had the hit the proverbial wall before. Not so much. I smashed into that wall at mile 21. I felt like I was running through water. So strange. I felt like I was running so slowly. Painfully slowly, but when the mile markers passed I realized I was only at a 9 minute mile. I was so happy to see Hans at mile 21 and ditch the fuel belt. It was freeing. I did start hyperventilating, but worked it out. Miles 21 to 25 were mostly uphill with one big hill. But when I hit mile 25 I was able to sprint it out. I saw Hans' parents during that last mile, which was fun and the crowds were cheering as I ran through gateway, which was an adrenaline push as well. My mom was at the finish and so was Hans. I was grateful to have my mom's sweater at the finish since I'd thrown all my layers off along the course. I missed my goal by 33 seconds. I'm not as upset as I would have thought for how competetive I am. At mile 21 I had a realization that if I just finished running, that was an accomplishment in itself. I'm just so time/pace oriented. So I ended at 3:41:33. So I guessed I missed Boston by 34 seconds. I had mixed feelings about it - Grateful to not have to run Boston next April mainly, but disappointed too. If I had known how close I was I could have pulled it off. So I may run one more that is not so hilly and see how I do. Except now I am limping around. I'm not sure it is worth it. I did have a runners high for so long. I felt like I could do anything. It is an amazing feeling. Go for a run! You'll see what I mean. The only frustrating thing about the course was the crazy amount of half marathoners and the way the course was mapped out. They had the full marathon course merge back in with the half at mile 6 and they were at their mile 5, which meant I was suddenly trying to weave through the slower half marathoners. And there were a lot of them. I couldn't believe the amount of people. I love the energy of that. I am totally pleased with myself about the marathon. I feel legit as a runner. I am trying to figure out how to get back into running now. I tried running last week, which was dumb. My body just wants to sleep and eat. I ran a 5 mile race today in Garden of the Gods with Melanie and my knee gave out several times. I think it's ITB. I need to take a rest, but I love being in marathon shape. I'm just not sure how long I can maintain it. Now I am onto the next race on labor day. My goal is to take at least second place. Lofty goals.