On Saturday, I completed my first and probably ONLY, marathon! My time wasn't what I wanted it to be, but all I really care about is the fact that I finished! It was a lot harder than I expected, and everyone that finishes one should be allowed to brag. The whole idea of experiencing a "runner's high" is a total rumor. 97% of me says that I will never do it again, but there is that 3% of me that wants to do better, so we'll see. Maybe I can decide after my blisters are healed and I can squat without crying. Here is a little summary of the race:
Friday: Went to the temple, got my race packet, carbo loaded (without gluten), cute balloons from Nate and Elisa, tried to go to bed at 9pm but couldn't sleep.
Saturday: Up at 4, on the bus with the 150+ runners by 5:15, race started at 6:30. I was glad that the lightening stopped and that there were no bears, since they mentioned that they had seen a lot on the course the day before.
Mile 1: Some guys says, "We're 4% done." That didn't make me feel good.
Mile 9: Okay, I feel good, ready to be off the dirt road though because the rocks were hard under my feet. Also, it is very difficult to cross the cattle guards without twisting an ankle.
Mile 14: I am so awesome....I am ahead of my time by 5 minutes. This is easy. I can run for 2 more hours. I'm kinda hungry..let's eat a banana.
Mile 16: Dad taking pictures as we exit the woods. Too tired to focus on the scenery.
Mile 20: Whoops, my banana is now on someone's driveway. Maybe I shouldn't have eaten. I am now 10 minutes behind my time, really contemplating letting someone drive me a few miles.
Mile 21: James is there to photograph...really hard to smile at him.
Mile 24: Dave, the kids, Mom, Dad, Trever and Brady are there with a banner! Yea! I can do this! The kids were the loudest cheerers on the whole course. They ran with me for a bit while Dave video taped. It was so hard not to cry!
Mile 25: People who do this for a hobby are crazy.......who does this? Why did I decide to do this?
Mile 26.2: The END! Dave was at the finish line to videotape me, and I cried because I was so happy to be done.
It really was a good experience and I am so grateful for all of the wonderful support: phone calls, facebook posts, sneaker charms, new shoes, banners, balloons, treats, showers, pictures,etc. I have the best family and friends. Thanks for everything. Here are some pictures of everything, including the links of the ones that James and Dad took.
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e23c89ca5
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e5abf9db
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e1d2cc489
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e16d4af6
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/eaaf299
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e18606998
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e62e3cbd
http://jamesallen.zenfolio.com/marathon09/e62e3cbd
My new shoes from Mame. 
My race gear came in a potato sack since Ashton, ID is known for its potatoes!
Balloons and chocolate from Elisa, Nate and kiddos! Thanks guys!
I love my family for coming to support me!
Sooo glad to be done!
Mom, Dad and Trever gave me balloons, 
The kids made this banner for me! So cute!
The note that Dave left me on the steering wheel.
Waiting for me at mile 24
0 comments:
Post a Comment