My marathon recap

Today, I ran the Richmond Marathon.....and here is my long recap-enjoy!

For those of you that know me, know that I am a runner, have been battling injuries on & off for over two years now. I have some awesome races, PR's and won age groups. Those of you know me really, really well, know that the last 5 months have been a test of my faith, my life, my health, my well-being, my strength in God and the courage to go on.

So, this year I helped co-coach the Montgomery Country Road Runners Club FTM program (First Time Marathon). I loved coaching and helping the pace group I was with. July 27, 2008 I ran a very HILLY half marathon in 1:43! I pretty excited and happy about that time:)

The very next week, life turned a corner for me and running & coaching took a back seat. Enough said!

I ran a half marathon September 14, 2008 and finished, but it was tough for a few reasons.

The next month & half was spent getting a business off the ground, some personal healing and workouts. I was still scheduled to run the Marine Corps Marathon the end of October, but I was having EXTREME IT band problems. I went to m sports doctor and was told that I could need surgery and to defer MCM till 2009. I was bummed, but knew that it was the right choice.

So the last few weeks I have been thinking about running a marathon. Philly filled up, so that was out, but Richmond had a openings. I signed up for it a week ago! Got a hotel room and spent the last 6 days working hard and not even thinking about the race! Whatever was going to happen, would. I was secretly hoping to run a 3:40-a Boston qualifier.

Friday morning, I packed and my iPod went out of commission! Perfect timing! I had a 10am meeting downtown, then came back and picked up my really good friend, Eddie and we left Gaithersburg around 1:15pm. We had to make a supposedly quick stop at the dealership for my car and that took 2 1/2 hours! It was their mistake to begin with and we were both frustrated to say the least. We left Chantilly, VA a@ 3:50pm. For those of you who know 95, know that it is a horrible road. Traffic sits there, no joke. So, we took the "back" way as long as we could. When we got to 95S, traffic was still bad. When you put together Friday+rain+5pm time=SITTING!!! It was a little madding to say the least! It took about 4 hours when it should have taken 2!

We finally made to the expo and I picked up my packet. Then on to the hotel. As we were checking in, we were informed that the forecast was high winds and heavy rain!! What a treat:) LOL!! We were both exhausted, so we ordered room service and I crashed into bed around 9:30pm.

I got up at 5am. After my breakfast, we left for the race. The weather was actually kind of muggy, humid & around 60 degrees. I got into my coral and the race started @ 8am! I was off running and it felt great to run. I had Eddie's iPod to use (thanks babe:)) so that was great. (BTW, I am sure I am going to make my anti iPod running friends upset, sorry in advance:)).

I felt pretty good and was on track for a 3:40 finish when the unexpected happened. My legs, feet and quads CRAMPED!!! I have never had this issue before so I was kind of taken by surprise to say the least. I was forced to walk. I can not describe the pain and the feelings that were going through my body. It was very strange to say the least. My foot cramped so bad, it actually picked up off the ground! It was weird and hurt like hell!!! I continued my walk/jog/running as much as I could, but when I realised that I was not going to make my goal, I tried to settle into my "pace", listen to the music, pray and take in the route.

At mile 17 I finally saw Eddie and it was so great to see a friend! I was off my time goal and he knew that something was wrong. I told him what had happened and he encouraged me on....thanks again dear:) I gave him my hat (it was no longer cold, it was sunny, humid and warm!!!)

Soon after that, I fell right into a trash can and I laughed! It was kind of funny. When you cramp, you have NO control what happens to you!!! I took a salt tablet and had a few bananas, but to no avail:(

So, I continued on, listening to music-some very good words on some of the songs. I also kept quoting a few verses:

"Psalm 23:4, As I walk through the Valley of Death I will fear no evil, for thou are with me. Thy rod and staff comfort me."

Isaiah 41:10"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Quiting was never an option. As the miles got higher, the pain was also increasing. My time goal was WAY out of even trying to make. I trudged on and pulled deep inside me and found the courage & strength to endure.

I saw Eddie again at mile 23 and it was so good to see him! I gave him my jacket (had that already off around mile 2, but it had my iPod in it, so had it wrapped around my waist. He hobbled with me for a few minutes and then I said I would see him at the finish.

I rounded the corner and a older guy came up and blocked the wind for me-it was VERY windy! I tucked in behind him and another lady joined us. I tried to run, but just could not stay at that pace for very long! So, I stopped and walked and walked, then jogged, then ran, then walked....I think you get the idea:)

Mile 24 was just ahead. I kept telling myself to stay strong, you can do this, you haven't trained so be easy on your self, etc. Yea, right, I like to set high goals and achieve them. Today I learned that I can have goals, they just may need to modified.

The last 2 miles were tough. I finally saw the finish line and picked up my hobble. I am sure I looked hilarious!

I finally crossed the line at 5 hours, 2 minutes. My worst time for a marathon (Marine Corps 05 was 4:07, Chicago 06 was 3:50), but I had not run in weeks, yadda, yadda and I finished. I was SO happy to get that medal placed around my neck. It means so much to me, probably even more then all of my other medals I have.

This medal was the symbol of so many different things to me-the pride of finishing, having been through "hell" the last couple of months (well, really my whole life to be honest) the joy that I did not train, but had the courage to start, the will to stay focused and the strength to finish, no matter my time. I don't care that I did not qualify for Boston, there will be plenty of more marathons to run and time for me to train properly.

After passing through the food tent, Eddie and I walked about another mile+ to our car. It was good to keep moving, but it was a very slow move!! LOL. Made it back to the hotel where I quickly got a shower and we checked out. I crashed in the truck while he drove. So very thankful for his support and being with me. You rock! :)

I took a ice bath for my lower legs and it helped some...going down/up stairs is still an issue, but that is normal.

I feel great waist up except for a bruised back which I have no idea how that happened!

The race course was challenging, some hills, the wind factor and the crowd support was pretty good. The wet wash cloths and food along the way were great....would I run this course again, YES!!!

So, that is my story! I have now done 3 marathons:) YEA!!!

And I am off to sleep....hope you enjoyed the saga:)

Drop me a line if you have any questions or leave a comment!

Thank you to all of you who prayed for me today and who have been there for me over the past few months. I could not be where I am today if it were not for you. I am truly grateful to all of you and you should know if you are one of them:)

Peace!