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Marathon race recap
I suppose I should do this in my blog, but, well, I have no reason. 
You all know (sorry!) that the week leading up to the marathon was not good. Multiple days of fever and diarrhea, missed my last long run, a blister...goodness, drama much? But I decided that the past four months were not going to go to waste.
The morning leading up to the race was great. I woke up to signs all over the house from my 14 year old - "good morning marathoner!" and "eat a good breakfast! nom nom nom!" which made me smile. I ate some toast and pb, drank some water, went potty a couple of times. The timing of the bus ride up to the start line was perfect - I got on the last bus, which meant I only had to wait about 30 minutes until race time. That was just enough time to get through the porta potty line and to the start.
My strategy was to go out conservatively and not get tempted to go faster by the 18 miles of downhill. I wanted to keep my pace between 9-9:15 for the first half and then start picking up to finish with 8:45-ish, which is what I'd been doing for all my long runs...negative splits. I knew this was doable and would get me within reach of my sub-4 goal.
The first half was beautiful. BEAUTIFUL. The downhill meant I was able to breathe just fine and really hang out and enjoy my run. I took water at all the aid stations except the first one. I lost my long sleeve about 5 miles in and my gloves at about 8. I was successful in keeping my goal pace. I went through the half in 2:02, which put me in good position. At the half, I put in my headphones and said, "here we go, Tara, time to work."
Miles 12-21 were awesome. I felt amazing. My splits were good - lots of them starting with 8s. Even the uphill at 19 was good. There was spectator support. It was fun. The miles were flying by...I even lost track for a while. My long run partner started showing up about mile 17 to run with me for a bit, check in, chat me up...he was great.
Somewhere around 22, it all started to suck. I had to stop and use the bathroom in the bushes (thanks for that, stomach bug). I started to really struggle. I started to really slow down. I started to stop and walk. I started to doubt myself. All my usual mental tricks were not working. I don't think it was a "wall", I think it was a mental challenge for me. I worked my was sloooowly through 23 and 24. I tried to pick it up for the last two...I was on a trail I had run many times before and I knew just how far I had to go. My partner asked me if I wanted him to stay, but I KNEW I had to do this by myself. He let me go with about .4 left and cheered me all the way to the finish. I pushed soooo hard that last .4 which was a total straightaway, lined with people cheering. I saw DD 2 and DH with the baby and then I heard my name and just started smiling huge. Finished with my arms up. No tears, just...relief.
I ate the bejeezus out of orange slices and chugged water - I was SO thirsty, despite taking water the whole course (thanks again, bug). I got a beer, which I couldn't finish because the baby was being a total punk - let me enjoy my moment, kid, GAH!
Here's what I am most proud of. I learned more about myself during that last 4 miles than I ever have known. I have never been a quitter and I almost quit. That scared me. I didn't know how to deal with that internal conflict. For me, this wasn't just about teaching my body that I can run 26 miles, but teaching my head that I can do more than I think I can. I was prepared physically for the race - even though being sick did have some effect, I think - but there was NO way I was prepared for what I faced in my own head. So for me, even though I didn't reach my completely arbitrary yet pretty realistic goal, I'm happy.
The best part? Now that I know I can do that, I want to do it again. I want to see what I can accomplish with the mental tools I've gained. Amazing...how just 4 measly miles taught me so much. So, yes, I've been saying all this time I'm a one-time marathoner, but not so much. It won't be soon, but I will do it again.
The race itself was awesome. Completely organized. Aid stations stocked with aid and cheering volunteers. The course is GORGEOUS for about 23 of the 26 miles. The shirt was awesome and the medal is heavy and pretty. The post-race food was great - tons of oranges, bananas, cookies, water, beer, Whole Foods had an oatmeal buffet, pizza. You get your money's worth here. I will run some part of that every year - there is a full, a half, a 10K and a 5K, and a kids run. A great event. Some of the money goes to local high school programs, which I love.
Also, GRKaters is just about the cutest thing ever.
Yes,I'm smiling...I'm a marathoner!
Bloggy McBloggerson
CO Nestie Award Winner-Prettiest Brain-Back to Back!
2011 Bests
5K-22:49 10K-47:38 Half Mary-1:51:50
2012 Race Report
1/1-New Year's 5K-22:11
2/11-Sweetheart Classic 4-mile-29:49
3/24-Coulee Chase 5K-21:40
5/6-Colorado Marathon-4:08:30
5/28-Bolder Boulder 10K
Re: Marathon race recap
Yes,I'm smiling...I'm a marathoner!
Bloggy McBloggerson
CO Nestie Award Winner-Prettiest Brain-Back to Back!
2011 Bests
5K-22:49 10K-47:38 Half Mary-1:51:50
2012 Race Report
1/1-New Year's 5K-22:11
2/11-Sweetheart Classic 4-mile-29:49
3/24-Coulee Chase 5K-21:40
5/6-Colorado Marathon-4:08:30
5/28-Bolder Boulder 10K
two years!
after two losses, now happily expecting baby #1 09.16.12
Brie Fit Blog | BFP Chart
Awesome recap! Congrats Marathoner!
Sounds like I might try to do the half next year (I've been looking for one with better support/aid stations/post race 'stuff')
Bazinga!
Liz's Yarn
Sounds like a great race! This was the Colorado Marathon, right? A hs friend of mine also ran it and said it was beautiful.
Congrats, marathoner!
Running and recipe blog
2012 Goal: working towards pre-pregnancy speed!
04/15 KI Metric Marathon/16.3 m (2:05:55, 7:43 pace)
05/06 Frederick 13.1 (1:41:09)
11/04 NYCM
Great recap!
The great majority of finishing a marathon is mental, no doubt. Every one who's ever run one knows what you're talking about. Great job for keeping going and not letting it beat you! You'll kill your next one, I know it
congratulation, MARATHONER!!!
I loved the recap and have chills from your story! So inspirational!
How are you feeling today, a couple of days later?
Blog
What an awesome recap and congrats again!
The mental part is the toughest -- I can say that the second time around it's much easier on the brain because you're like, "I've done this already!"
what an awesome recap!
I love the signs - that was so wonderful of your kid(s) to do that for you!
j+k+m+e | running with needles
Congrats, marathoner! I loved this recap, you are so inspiring!
GO! St. Louis Half Marathon-2:32:13
Omaha Half Marathon 9.23.12
AWEsome recap. You did a fantastic job! Way to overcome the mental beast.
(And thanks.
)
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