So I just needed to put an update down somewhere! I finished the marathon at 3:07:18. . .NOT AT ALL close to the time that I had anticipated/trained at. But I did finish.
Here's what happened. So the race started and I knew to be on track or give myself a little "rest" time that I need to complete a couple of 10 minute miles. So for the first mile or so I stayed with Joy (my trainer) b/c I knew she'd do that at the least. That was fine. So I eventually let her pull ahead and I was able to slow my speed a bit. Everything was going fine. No "strange" feelings. I started walking between mile 3-4 (right before I made it to the brewery- Anheuser Busch) for a little break. But I definitely didn't break long. Ran all up in between, I hadn't been back there. Really nice. I'm glad it didn't smell like those "hopps." I guess they don't brew beer on Sunday, huh.
Finally made it back to the starting line (which was at mile 6). . .and would you believe there were people walking away with their bananas and water FINISHED! I was like WTF. . .are you freaking kidding me. That means that those people ran at the most a 6 minute mile consistently for 13.1 miles! R U SERIOUS!
But I pressed on. . .ooops almost hit the camera guy (too busy paying attention to the runners crossing the finish line) You can see pics at http://www.runphotos.com/browse.cfm?race_id=108&bib_number=8379.
So I'm running and running and running. . . mile 9 hits and whew, I think I hit a wall! I don't think I had anymore energy to give. At that point, my right knee started giving me so much trouble. The irony of that is it's usually my LEFT knee that is the problem. At this point I just have to walk walk walk walk.
Around mile 10 Geraine (my friend from Bally's and a FULL marathon runner) is there to cheer me on. And boy did she do it. I don't think I would have made it across that line until 12pm if it was up to me. I was hurting. But at mile 10 there are only 3 miles to go. She walked, ran, jogged, and pushed me for the last 3 miles. I was indebted to her.
But crossing that line made me feel like I'd never felt before. I have always been a goal oriented person and it just confirmed it for me. If you put your mind to something, anything is possible. Drive, Will, Determination, and Faith that God will bring you through it is truly key! So now I'm officially a half-marathoner. I'd like to do another one. But I can't really train right now until I get this move out of the way. There is a half in Viriginia Beach in Sept. . .I think I can do that one. Think. . .yeah I can do it!
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