I was worried about stomach issues - turns out that was the least of my concerns. My knees (joint I think) and foot began hurting from the get-go. Not even one mile into my 26.2 mile journey, I knew I was in trouble. My awesome and supportive parents and aunt followed me for the first few miles. They could already tell I was struggling. So I started the race with no ambulatory aids, and by mile 5 I already had my straps on both knees. Thanks so much to mom and Ginny for going to my car to get my braces! I did my first 6 miles in exactly an hour. I was on the dot to my time schedule that I had made out. I was side-by-side to Jen Sherrod and she was trying to keep me positive and not thinking about the knees.
After mile 8 or so when my mom dropped off my knee braces, Jen took off while I had to stop and get adjusted. I never saw her again... So I was on my own. I kept thinking Jennifer, who usually passes me on the hills, would catch up and I would have a running buddy again, but she never caught up with me. It was me, myself, and my ipod.
Just then, my running buddies MJ and Margarett, complete with neon pink signs, were on Lawson Road, cheering me on, refilling my Gatorade, and filling my belly with ice cold orange slices. It was hot, I was thirsty, and those oranges were the best thing I've ever had!
I finished Lawson, the first 1/3 of Culberhouse, and made my way into Craighead. I seriously could not see anyone running in front of me or behind me. I wondered where everyone was! At the half way point, 13.1 miles, there was a good sized cheering crew, due to the relay switch off, and this was very encouraging. My half-marathon time was exactly 2:25, again, right on schedule and even a couple of minutes ahead. I had to walk the hills, depleting my Gatorade sources, when MJ and Margarett showed up again, more refill, more oranges, and an IT Band brace to go above my knee. So, two braces below the knee, one above. I was looking like I had some serious issues, and I really was. Pain spread from my foot, to my knee, now to my hip.
Back to Culberhouse, about mile 16, my calves began cramping. I have NEVER had cramps while I was running. It was so hot. The sun was beating down on my shoulders and I knew I was going to drink more and walk more. It was brutal. I was out of Gatorade again and my pit-crew showed up just in time around mile 17.
I knew in my mind that I had my friends Laura and Michelle waiting at mile 19 for me so I tried to pick up the pace but continued to walk even the flattest parts of the course. It was disappointing but painful with each step, no matter if I walked or ran.
Mile 21 my best friend Addy and her friend Tim met up with me to run (walk) the last few grueling miles. It was tough. I would run a few steps and then walk more. I got to the point where I couldn't even run at all.
Mile 25, my mom and aunt were parked across from McDonalds on Stadium and I just lost it. Pain, pride, accomplishment. Everything just went through my mind. I wanted to make my goal time, but I knew there was absolutely no way. I was walking, and it was very slow even. I got to the point where I didn't even know if I would make my 6 hour cut off time.
I decided to run in the rest of the way. About 3/4 of a mile. Tim, Addy, and now our friend Laura joined to help run me in. As I turned the corner, there were people cheering, holding signs, clapping, taking pictures. I'll never forget it. I crossed the line in 5:45. It was an amazing accomplishment for me. Less than 1% of the US population has completed a marathon. Less than 1%. I am now part of that group that can call themselves a marathoner.
Like Jennifer, I could not have done this without the support of my mom, dad, and aunt Ginny. MJ and Margarett, who drove around with my ice cold Gatorade and 20 oranges that I devoured. Laura and Michelle at mile 19 and at the finish. Addy, Tim, Laura, who helped me the last few miles and who helped me finish strong. Leshia, who drove up as I made the last turn to the finish line, Rhonda with her posters at the finish line! Beverly who drove around checking on Jennifer and I. Diane, Pam and Marty, Mary and Bill Loucks, Megan and Michael (and Amel). All of my relay marathon friends waited at the finish, as well. I hope I didn't leave anyone out, but you know who you are! and THANK YOU!
Several blisters, one black toenail, 6+ ice bags, countless ibuprofen, I'm not even sure how many bottles of Gatorade, and 26.2 miles later, I am now able to call myself a marathoner. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. Why did I do it? To prove to myself that I could do it. I set a goal and made it a reality. And I'm proud of myself and Jennifer, and the 28 others who conquered this beast of a course in the heat on Saturday.
Yes, I already have a 26.2 sticker on the back of my car :-)
And no, I'm never doing another one again! And if I do, it's going to be a very long time!
What's next for me? Well I have a 5K on Saturday, a half-marathon in Millington on Sunday, and then I don't plan on running for a few weeks. It's time for a little break :-)
Happy Trails!!!
Well done!!! Great job and CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
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