The hardest accomplishment I have Survived!

Well the SA marathon came and went. last week was my big marathon and I have to say, this was by far the Hardest mental and emotional thing I have ever done. I ate good the week of, drank plenty of fluids and was ready. The only pre-race change I would make was the pre-race dinner. I would have chosen Spaghetti over a very yummie Chicken Parmesean.

The day started and it was cool, the nerves were going and I was ready. We started at a great pace and by mile 13 we were rocking and at a 9:50ish pace.. Once we past the 13th mile it got a bit hot, but all was ok.

Once we got to mile 16, we actually stopped to stretch, and it was at that moment (The wheels came off).. Not only did the stop make my muscles tighter and I got tired and the race got that much tougher. At mile 18 I decided I was going to walk for every minute once I reached a new mile (Not really impacting my projected finish time). As I reached mile 19, I walked for one minute and that minute was the fastest minute of my life.

Once I hit mile 20, i started thinking that 6 miles was nothing and I would knock it out. Well I was wrong. The last 6 miles were extremely tough. It got to the point where I would literally walk for 40 meters and run for 50 and vice versa.

Finally when I reached mile 25 I got a burst of energy, but it was too late.. I got energy for about 100 meters and then had to walk. My pace slowed down a great deal from mile 13 to mile 24.25 and finally I got to mile 26. At this point, I gave it all I had, came around the turn and finished what i started 18 weeks ago.

Crossing that line was one of the most gratifiying things and accomplishments. It was such a relif, but unfortunately now I was in a lot of pain. I went ahead and got some snacks and got iced down by the staff at the course. Thank you to you volunteers.!

During the race, there were highs and there were lows. The highs happened when we passed the Alamo. The road got smaller and people were packed and cheering you on. The rush you get from having people cheer for you is incredible. Other highs were all the boys and girls giving you High Fives and the music.

The lows happened later in the race where it was a lot more secluded, the crowds got smaller and the music seemed so far in between. I hated running most of the last 10 miles, missed my family, and just wanted to quit. The temperature got very hot and humid and this made it tough. There were runners falling and paramedics were all over the place. I am fortunate I did not stop or need the paramedics.

All in all, I am glad I competed in my first Marathon, and after the race i swore I would never do another one. Monday, I said to myself I would think about it, and by mid week i wanted another one. Today was day 1 of my Half Marathon training on Jan 27th 2010.. Yep, and btw I am going to run chicago next year. I dont know when I will learn.

Congrats to my running buddy, Kinan and the Blackhawk ladies that ran their half: Ashley, Liz and CArrie.